as_o a_o task_n as_o a_o burden_n and_o be_v weary_a in_o attend_v unto_o it_o now_o when_o i_o place_v this_o as_o a_o effect_n of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o sin_n namely_o a_o relinquishment_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n i_o do_v not_o intend_v that_o person_n do_v whole_o and_o absolute_o or_o as_o to_o all_o way_n of_o it_o public_a and_o private_a and_o all_o season_n or_o occasion_n of_o it_o give_v it_o over_o utter_o few_o arise_v to_o that_o profligacy_n in_o sin_n unto_o such_o desperate_a resolution_n against_o god._n it_o may_v be_v they_o will_v still_o attend_v unto_o the_o state_v season_n of_o prayer_n in_o family_n or_o public_a assembly_n at_o least_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n with_o their_o lip_n and_o they_o will_v on_o surprisal_n and_o danger_n personal_o cry_v unto_o god_n as_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o testify_v of_o they_o but_o this_o only_o i_o intend_v namely_o that_o they_o will_v no_o more_o sincere_o immediate_o and_o direct_o apply_v prayer_n to_o the_o mortification_n and_o ruin_n of_o that_o lust_n or_o corruption_n wherein_o sin_n put_v forth_o its_o power_n and_o rule_n in_o they_o and_o where_o it_o be_v so_o it_o seem_v to_o have_v the_o dominion_n of_o such_o a_o one_o say_v the_o psalmist_n he_o have_v leave_v off_o to_o be_v wise_a and_o to_o do_v good_a he_o set_v himself_o in_o a_o way_n that_o be_v not_o good_a he_o abor_v not_o evil_a psal._n xxxvi_o 3_o 4._o but_o such_o a_o relinquishment_n of_o this_o duty_n as_o unto_o the_o end_v mention_v as_o be_v habitual_a and_o render_v the_o soul_n secure_a under_o it_o be_v intend_v for_o there_o may_v through_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n be_v a_o prevalency_n of_o this_o evil_a in_o believer_n for_o a_o season_n so_o god_n complain_v of_o his_o people_n isa._n xliij_o 22._o thou_o have_v not_o call_v upon_o i_o o_o jacob_n but_o have_v be_v weary_a of_o i_o o_o israel_n that_o be_v comparative_o as_o unto_o the_o fervency_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o now_o when_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o believer_n for_o a_o season_n through_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o temptation_n 1._o they_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o themselves_o therein_o they_o will_v ever_o and_o anon_o call_v thing_n to_o consideration_n and_o say_v it_o be_v not_o with_o we_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o former_a day_n this_o thing_n be_v not_o good_a that_o we_o do_v nor_o will_v it_o be_v peace_n in_o the_o latter_a end._n 2._o they_o will_v have_v secret_a resolution_n of_o shake_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o dust_n of_o this_o evil_a state_n they_o say_v in_o themselves_o we_o will_v go_v and_o return_v unto_o our_o first_o husband_n for_o than_o it_o be_v better_a with_o we_o than_o now_o as_o the_o church_n do_v hos._n ij_o 7._o 3._o every_o thing_n that_o peculiar_o befall_v they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o mercy_n or_o affliction_n they_o look_v on_o as_o call_n from_o god_n to_o deliver_v and_o recover_v they_o from_o their_o backslide_a frame_n 4._o they_o will_v receive_v in_o the_o warning_n which_o be_v give_v they_o by_o the_o word_n preach_v especial_o if_o their_o particular_a case_n be_v touch_v on_o or_o lay_v open_a 5._o they_o will_v have_v no_o quiet_a rest_v nor_o self-approbation_n until_o they_o come_v thorough_o off_o unto_o a_o heal_n and_o recovery_n such_o as_o that_o describe_v hos._n fourteen_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o thus_o it_o may_v be_v with_o some_o over_o who_o sin_n have_v not_o the_o dominion_n yet_o ought_v the_o first_o entrance_n of_o it_o to_o be_v diligent_o watch_v against_o as_o that_o which_o tend_v unto_o the_o danger_n and_o ruin_n of_o the_o soul._n three_o constant_a self-abasement_n condemnation_n and_o abhorrency_n be_v another_o duty_n that_o be_v direct_o oppose_v unto_o the_o interest_n and_o rule_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o soul._n no_o frame_n of_o mind_n be_v a_o better_a antidote_n against_o the_o poison_n of_o sin_n he_o that_o walk_v humble_o walk_v sure_o god_n have_v a_o continual_a regard_n unto_o mourner_n those_o that_o be_v of_o a_o break_a heart_n and_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n it_o be_v the_o soil_n where_o all_o grace_n will_v thrive_v and_o flourish_v a_o constant_a due_a sense_n of_o sin_n as_o sin_n of_o our_o interest_n therein_o by_o nature_n and_o in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n with_o a_o continual_a afflictive_a remembrance_n of_o some_o such_o instance_n of_o it_o as_o have_v have_v peculiar_a aggravation_n issue_v in_o a_o gracious_a self-abasement_n be_v the_o soul_n be_v best_a posture_n in_o watch_v against_o all_o the_o deceit_n and_o incursion_n of_o sin._n and_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n which_o we_o ought_v with_o all_o diligence_n to_o attend_v unto_o to_o keep_v our_o soul_n in_o a_o constant_a frame_n of_o mourn_v and_o self-abasement_n be_v the_o most_o necessary_a part_n of_o our_o wisdom_n with_o reference_n unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o inconsistency_n with_o those_o consolation_n and_o joy_n which_o the_o gospel_n tender_v unto_o we_o in_o believe_v as_o that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o let_v they_o into_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n it_o be_v such_o mourner_n and_o those_o alone_a unto_o who_o evangelical_n comfort_n be_v administer_v isa._n lvij_o 18._o one_o of_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o sin_n do_v when_o it_o aim_v at_o dominion_n be_v the_o destruction_n of_o this_o frame_n of_o mind_n and_o when_o it_o actual_o have_v the_o rule_n it_o will_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o enter_v it_o make_v man_n careless_a and_o regardless_o of_o this_o matter_n yea_o bold_a presumptuous_a and_o fearless_a it_o will_v obstruct_v all_o the_o entrance_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o such_o self-reflection_n and_o consideration_n as_o lead_v unto_o this_o frame_n it_o will_v represent_v they_o either_o as_o needless_a or_o unseasonable_a or_o make_v the_o mind_n afraid_a of_o they_o as_o thing_n which_o tend_v unto_o its_o disquietment_n and_o disturbance_n without_o any_o advantage_n if_o it_o prevail_v herein_o it_o make_v way_n for_o the_o security_n of_o its_o own_o dominion_n nothing_o be_v more_o watch_v against_o than_o a_o proud_a regardless_o senseless_a secure_a frame_n of_o heart_n by_o they_o who_o be_v under_o the_o rule_n of_o grace_n four_o a_o reserve_v for_o any_o one_o know_a sin_n against_o the_o light_n and_o efficacy_n of_o conviction_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o case_n of_o naaman_n he_o will_v do_v all_o other_o thing_n but_o put_v in_o a_o exception_n for_o that_o wherein_o his_o honour_n and_o profit_n do_v depend_v where_o there_o be_v sincerity_n in_o conviction_n it_o extend_v itself_o unto_o all_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v of_o sin_n as_o sin_n and_o so_o of_o every_o know_a sin_n equal_o that_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o sin_n in_o it_o and_o to_o be_v true_a to_o conviction_n be_v the_o life_n of_o sincerity_n if_o man_n can_v make_v a_o choice_n of_o what_o they_o will_v except_v and_o reserve_v notwithstanding_o their_o be_v convince_v of_o its_o evil_n it_o be_v from_o the_o roll_a power_n of_o sin_n plea_n in_o the_o mind_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o any_o sin_n that_o be_v for_o a_o continuance_n in_o it_o prevalent_a thereunto_o ruin_v all_o sincerity_n it_o may_v be_v the_o pretence_n be_v that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a one_o of_o no_o great_a moment_n and_o that_o which_o shall_v be_v compensated_a with_o other_o duty_n of_o obedience_n or_o it_o shall_v be_v retain_v only_o until_o a_o fit_a season_n for_o its_o relinquishment_n or_o man_n may_v be_v blind_v after_o conviction_n to_o dispute_v again_o whether_o what_o they_o will_v abide_v in_o be_v sinful_a or_o no_o as_o be_v the_o case_n frequent_o with_o respect_n unto_o covetousness_n pride_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o dreadful_a effect_n of_o the_o roll_a power_n of_o sin._n whatever_o impeach_v the_o universality_n of_o obedience_n in_o one_o thing_n overthrow_v its_o sincerity_n in_o all_o thing_n five_o hardness_n of_o heart_n so_o frequent_o mention_v and_o complain_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v another_o evidence_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin._n but_o because_o there_o be_v various_a degree_n also_o hereof_o they_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o we_o may_v judge_v aright_o what_o of_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o that_o dominion_n and_o what_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o rule_n of_o grace_n for_o it_o be_v that_o mysterious_a evil_n whereof_o the_o best_a man_n do_v most_o complain_v and_o whereof_o the_o worst_a have_v no_o sense_n at_o all_o chap._n iu._n hardness_n of_o heart_n speak_v to_o as_o a_o eminent_a sign_n of_o sin_n be_v dominion_n and_o be_v
spiritual_a boldness_n which_o be_v require_v unto_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v of_o faith_n and_o love_n in_o holy_a duty_n shall_v not_o hinder_v the_o soul_n from_o endeavour_v after_o it_o or_o the_o use_n of_o it_o if_o by_o these_o mean_n and_o the_o like_a inseparable_a operation_n of_o grace_n we_o can_v have_v a_o assure_v experience_n that_o we_o be_v under_o the_o rule_n and_o conduct_v of_o it_o we_o may_v be_v free_a in_o our_o mind_n from_o disturb_v apprehension_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n for_o both_o can_v bear_v sway_n in_o the_o same_o soul._n 4thly_a it_o be_v require_v hereunto_o that_o sin_n make_v the_o soul_n sensible_a of_o its_o power_n and_o rule_n at_o least_o do_v that_o which_o may_v do_v so_o unless_o conscience_n be_v utter_o sear_v and_o harden_v and_o so_o past_a feeling_n there_o be_v no_o rule_n nor_o dominion_n but_o they_o be_v or_o may_v be_v sensible_a of_o it_o who_o be_v subject_a thereunto_o and_o there_o be_v two_o way_n whereby_o sin_n in_o its_o dominion_n will_v make_v they_o sensible_a of_o it_o in_o who_o it_o rule_v 1._o in_o repress_v and_o overcome_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o mind_n those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v more_o immediate_o may_v have_v light_n into_o and_o conviction_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o many_o thing_n and_o this_o light_n and_o conviction_n they_o may_v follow_v ordinary_o notwithstanding_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin._n as_o a_o tyrant_n will_v permit_v his_o slave_n and_o subject_n ordinary_o to_o follow_v their_o own_o occasion_n but_o if_o what_o they_o will_v do_v come_v either_o in_o matter_n or_o manner_n to_o enterfere_v with_o or_o oppose_v his_o interest_n he_o will_v make_v they_o sensible_a of_o his_o power_n so_o sin_n where_o it_o have_v the_o dominion_n if_o man_n have_v light_a and_o conviction_n it_o will_v allow_v they_o ordinary_o and_o in_o many_o thing_n to_o comply_v therewithal_o it_o will_v allow_v they_o to_o pray_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n to_o abstain_v from_o sundry_a sin_n to_o perform_v many_o duty_n as_o be_v express_o affirm_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o many_o that_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o we_o see_v it_o in_o experience_n how_o much_o work_n do_v we_o see_v about_o religion_n and_o religious_a duty_n what_o constant_a observation_n of_o the_o time_n and_o season_n of_o they_o how_o many_o duty_n perform_v moral_o good_a in_o themselves_o and_o useful_a by_o they_o who_o on_o many_o other_o account_n do_v proclaim_v themselves_o to_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n but_o if_o the_o light_n and_o conviction_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n do_v rise_v up_o in_o opposition_n unto_o the_o principal_a interest_n of_o sin_n in_o those_o lust_n and_o way_n wherein_o it_o exercise_v its_o rule_n it_o will_v make_v they_o in_o who_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o its_o power_n they_o that_o stifle_v or_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o or_o cast_v out_o of_o mind_n or_o go_v direct_o contrary_a unto_o their_o conviction_n light_n in_o such_o case_n will_v first_o repine_v and_o they_o relieve_v itself_o with_o resolution_n for_o other_o time_n and_o season_n but_o sin_n will_v carry_v the_o cause_n by_o virtue_n of_o its_o dominion_n hence_o two_o thing_n do_v follow_v 1._o a_o constant_a repugnancy_n against_o sin_n from_o light_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o conviction_n in_o the_o conscience_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o those_o in_o who_o it_o be_v be_v not_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin._n for_o until_o blindness_n and_o hardness_n do_v come_v on_o man_n to_o the_o uttermost_a there_o will_v be_v in_o they_o a_o judge_n of_o what_o be_v good_a and_o evil_a with_o a_o self-judging_a with_o respect_n thereunto_o as_o the_o apostle_n declare_v rom._n ij_o 15._o and_o herein_o many_o do_v satisfy_v themselves_o when_o their_o light_n condemn_v sin_n they_o suppose_v they_o hate_v it_o but_o they_o do_v not_o when_o conviction_n call_v for_o duty_n they_o suppose_v they_o love_v they_o but_o they_o do_v not_o that_o which_o they_o look_v on_o as_o the_o rule_n of_o light_n in_o they_o in_o opposition_n unto_o sin_n be_v but_o the_o rebellion_n of_o a_o natural_a enlighten_v conscience_n against_o the_o dominion_n of_o it_o in_o the_o heart_n in_o brief_a light_n may_v condemn_v every_o know_a sin_n keep_v from_o many_o press_v for_o every_o know_a duty_n lead_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o many_o yet_o sin_n have_v a_o full_a dominion_n in_o the_o soul._n and_o this_o it_o will_v evidence_n when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n in_o those_o instance_n where_o it_o exercise_v its_o roll_a power_n 2._o that_o miserable_a be_v their_o condition_n who_o mind_n be_v ground_n continual_o between_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o light_n with_o the_o urgency_n of_o conviction_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o rule_n or_o dominion_n of_o sin_n on_o the_o other_o wherever_o light_n be_v it_o be_v its_o due_a to_o have_v the_o rule_n and_o conduct_n it_o be_v that_o act_n whereby_o the_o mind_n load_v itself_o for_o man_n to_o be_v force_v by_o the_o power_n of_o their_o lust_n to_o act_v for_o the_o most_o part_n against_o their_o light_n as_o they_o do_v where_o sin_n have_v the_o dominion_n it_o be_v a_o sad_a and_o deplorable_a condition_n such_o person_n be_v say_v to_o rebel_v against_o the_o light_n job_n xxiv_o 13._o because_o of_o its_o right_a to_o rule_v in_o they_o where_o it_o be_v depose_v by_o sin._n this_o make_v most_o man_n but_o a_o trouble_a sea_n that_o can_v rest_v who_o wave_n cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n 2_o sin_n will_v make_v those_o in_o who_o it_o have_v dominion_n sensible_a of_o its_o power_n by_o its_o continual_a solicitation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o affection_n with_o respect_n unto_o that_o sin_n or_o those_o sin_n wherein_o it_o principal_o exercise_v its_o rule_n have_v possess_v the_o will_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o mind_n with_o the_o affection_n as_o it_o do_v wherever_o its_o dominion_n be_v absolute_a it_o continual_o dispose_v incline_v and_o stir_v up_o the_o mind_n towards_o those_o sin_n it_o will_v level_v the_o bend_v of_o the_o whole_a soul_n towards_o such_o sin_n or_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o nor_o be_v there_o a_o more_o pregnant_a discovery_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o sin_n in_o any_o than_o this_o that_o it_o habitual_o engage_v the_o mind_n and_o affection_n unto_o a_o constant_a exercise_n of_o themselves_o about_o this_o or_o that_o some_o sin_n and_o evil_a way_n or_o other_o but_o yet_o we_o must_v add_v that_o notwithstanding_o these_o indication_n of_o the_o roll_a power_n of_o sin_n they_o be_v but_o few_o in_o who_o it_o have_v this_o dominion_n that_o be_v convince_v of_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n many_o be_v so_o under_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n of_o supine_n sloth_n and_o negligence_n and_o be_v so_o desperate_o wicked_a as_o that_o they_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o this_o rule_n of_o sin._n such_o be_v those_o describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n ephes._n four_o 18_o 19_o and_o whereas_o they_o be_v the_o vile_a slave_n that_o live_v on_o the_o earth_n they_o judge_v none_o to_o be_v free_a but_o themselves_o they_o look_v on_o other_o as_o in_o bondage_n to_o foolish_a and_o superstitious_a fear_n whilst_o they_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o drink_v swear_v scoff_v at_o religion_n whore_n and_o defile_v themselves_o without_o control_n this_o be_v their_o liberty_n and_o they_o may_v have_v that_o which_o be_v as_o good_a in_o hell_n a_o liberty_n to_o curse_n and_o blaspheme_n god_n and_o to_o fly_v with_o revengeful_a thought_n on_o themselves_o and_o the_o whole_a creation_n the_o light_n in_o such_o person_n be_v darkness_n itself_o so_o as_o that_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o rise_v up_o in_o opposition_n unto_o the_o rule_n of_o sin_n whence_o alone_o a_o sense_n of_o its_o power_n do_v arise_v other_o as_o we_o observe_v before_o live_v in_o some_o compliance_n with_o their_o light_n and_o conviction_n abstain_v from_o many_o sin_n and_o perform_v many_o duty_n though_o they_o live_v in_o some_o know_a sin_n or_o other_o and_o allow_v themselves_o in_o it_o yet_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o sin_n have_v the_o dominion_n in_o they_o wherefore_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n hard_a and_o difficult_a in_o this_o case_n 1._o to_o convince_v those_o in_o who_o sin_n evident_o have_v the_o dominion_n that_o such_o indeed_o be_v their_o state_n and_o condition_n they_o will_v with_o their_o utmost_a endeavour_n keep_v of_o the_o conviction_n hereof_o some_o justify_v themselves_o and_o some_o will_v make_v no_o enquiry_n into_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v a_o rare_a thing_n especial_o of_o late_a to_o have_v any_o bring_v under_o this_o conviction_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o
the_o word_n though_o it_o be_v the_o case_n of_o multitude_n that_o attend_v unto_o it_o 2._o to_o satisfy_v some_o that_o sin_n have_v not_o the_o dominion_n over_o they_o notwithstanding_o its_o restless_a act_v itself_o in_o they_o and_o ware_v against_o their_o soul_n yet_o unless_o this_o can_v be_v do_v it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v enjoy_v solid_a peace_n and_o comfort_n in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o the_o best_a of_o believer_n whilst_o they_o be_v in_o this_o world_n do_v lie_v herein_o for_o as_o they_o grow_v in_o light_n spirituality_n experience_n freedom_n of_o mind_n and_o humility_n the_o more_o they_o love_v to_o know_v of_o the_o deceit_n activity_n and_o power_n of_o the_o remainder_n of_o sin._n and_o although_o it_o work_v not_o at_o all_o at_o least_o not_o sensible_o in_o they_o towards_o those_o sin_n wherein_o it_o reign_v and_o rage_v in_o other_o yet_o they_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v its_o more_o subtle_a inward_a and_o spiritual_a act_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n to_o the_o weaken_n of_o grace_n the_o obstruct_n of_o its_o effectual_a operation_n in_o holy_a duty_n with_o many_o indisposition_n unto_o stability_n in_o the_o life_n of_o god_n which_o fill_v they_o with_o trouble_n chap._n iii_o the_o second_o enquiry_n speak_v to_o whether_o sin_n have_v dominion_n in_o we_o or_o no_o in_o answer_n to_o which_o it_o be_v show_v that_o some_o wear_v sin_n be_v livery_n and_o they_o be_v the_o profess_a servant_n thereof_o there_o be_v many_o in_o which_o the_o case_n be_v dubious_a where_o sin_n be_v service_n be_v not_o so_o discernible_a several_a exception_n be_v put_v in_o against_o its_o dominion_n where_o it_o seem_v to_o prevail_v some_o certain_a sign_n of_o its_o dominion_n grace_n and_o duty_n to_o be_v exercise_v for_o its_o mortification_n these_o thing_n be_v thus_o premise_v in_o general_a concern_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n we_o shall_v now_o proceed_v unto_o our_o principal_a enquiry_n namely_o whether_o sin_n have_v dominion_n in_o we_o or_o no_o whereby_o we_o may_v know_v whether_o we_o be_v under_o the_o law_n or_o under_o grace_n or_o what_o be_v the_o state_n of_o our_o soul_n towards_o god._n a_o enquiry_n this_o be_v which_o be_v very_o necessary_a for_o some_o to_o make_v and_o for_o all_o to_o have_v right_o determine_v in_o their_o mind_n from_o scripture_n and_o experience_n for_o on_o that_o determination_n depend_v all_o our_o solid_a peace_n sin_n will_v be_v in_o we_o it_o will_v lust_n fight_n and_o entice_v we_o but_o the_o great_a question_n as_o unto_o our_o 〈◊〉_d and_o comfort_n be_v whether_o it_o have_v dominion_n over_o we_o or_o no_o 1._o we_o do_v not_o inquire_v concern_v they_o in_o who_o the_o reign_n of_o sin_n be_v absolute_a and_o easy_o discernible_a if_o not_o to_o themselves_o yet_o to_o other_o such_o there_o be_v who_o visible_o yield_v up_o their_o member_n instrument_n of_o vnrighteousness_n to_o sin_n rom._n vi_fw-la 13._o sin_n reign_v in_o their_o mortal_a body_n and_o they_o open_o obey_v it_o in_o the_o lust_n thereof_o v_o 12._o they_o be_v avowed_o servant_n of_o sin_n unto_o death_n v_o 16._o and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o it_o the_o show_n of_o their_o countenance_n do_v witness_n against_o they_o they_o declare_v their_o sin_n as_o sodom_n they_o hide_v it_o not_o isa._n iij._o 9_o such_o be_v those_o describe_v eph._n four_o 18_o 19_o and_o such_o the_o world_n be_v fill_v withal_o such_o as_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o enmity_n against_o god_n do_v act_n they_o in_o opposition_n to_o all_o serious_a godliness_n and_o in_o the_o service_n of_o various_a lusts._n there_o be_v no_o question_n concern_v their_o state_n they_o can_v themselves_o deny_v that_o it_o be_v so_o with_o they_o i_o speak_v not_o for_o the_o liberty_n of_o censure_v but_o for_o the_o easiness_n of_o judge_v those_o who_o open_o wear_v sin_n be_v livery_n may_v well_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v sin_n be_v servant_n and_o they_o shall_v not_o fail_v to_o receive_v sin_n be_v wages_n let_v they_o at_o present_a bear_v it_o never_o so_o high_a and_o despise_v all_o manner_n of_o conviction_n they_o will_v find_v it_o bitterness_n in_o the_o latter_a end_n isa._n l._n 11._o eccles._n xi_o 9_o 2._o but_o there_o be_v many_o in_o who_o the_o case_n be_v dubious_a and_o not_o easy_a to_o be_v determine_v for_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o may_v have_v sundry_a thing_n in_o they_o which_o seem_v repugnant_a unto_o the_o reign_n of_o sin_n but_o indeed_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o all_o argument_n and_o plea_n from_o they_o in_o their_o vindication_n may_v fail_v they_o on_o a_o trial_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o may_v be_v some_o in_o who_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v so_o great_a and_o perplex_v as_o to_o argue_v that_o it_o have_v the_o dominion_n when_o indeed_o it_o have_v not_o but_o be_v only_o a_o stubborn_a rebel_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n which_o seem_v destructive_a of_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n but_o indeed_o be_v not_o may_v be_v refer_v to_o five_o head_n 1._o illumination_n in_o knowledge_n and_o spiritual_a gift_n with_o conviction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a of_o all_o know_a duty_n and_o sin_n this_o be_v that_o which_o some_o man_n live_v in_o a_o perpetual_a rebellion_n against_o in_o one_o instance_n or_o another_o 2._o a_o change_n in_o the_o affection_n give_v a_o temporary_a delight_n in_o religious_a duty_n with_o some_o constancy_n in_o their_o observation_n this_o also_o be_v find_v in_o many_o who_o be_v yet_o evident_o under_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o spiritual_a darkness_n 3._o a_o performance_n of_o many_o duty_n both_o moral_a and_o evangelical_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o and_o a_o abstinence_n out_o of_o conscience_n from_o many_o sin_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n who_o yet_o want_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o free_v he_o from_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n matth._n nineteeen_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o 4._o repentance_n for_o sin_n commit_v this_o be_v that_o which_o most_o secure_a themselves_o by_o and_o a_o bless_a security_n it_o be_v when_o it_o be_v gracious_a evangelical_n a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n comprise_v the_o return_n of_o the_o whole_a soul_n to_o god._n but_o there_o be_v that_o which_o be_v legal_a partial_a respect_v particular_a sin_n only_o which_o be_v not_o pleadable_a in_o this_o case_n ahab_n be_v no_o less_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n when_o he_o have_v repent_v he_o that_o he_o be_v before_o and_o judas_n repent_v he_o before_o he_o hang_v himself_o 5._o promise_n and_o resolution_n against_o sin_n for_o the_o future_a but_o the_o goodness_n of_o many_o in_o these_o thing_n be_v like_o the_o morning_n cloud_n and_o as_o the_o early_a dew_n it_o pass_v away_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o prophet_n hos._n vi_fw-la 4._o where_o there_o be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o any_o they_o have_v good_a hope_n at_o least_o that_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n nor_o be_v it_o easy_a to_o convince_v they_o that_o they_o be_v and_o they_o may_v so_o behave_v themselves_o herein_o as_o that_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o christian_a charity_n to_o pronounce_v they_o so_o to_o be_v howbeit_o the_o fallacy_n that_o be_v in_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v detect_v by_o many_o and_o much_o more_o be_v by_o all_o require_v to_o evidence_n the_o sincerity_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n no_o man_n therefore_o can_v be_v acquit_v by_o plea_n take_v from_o they_o as_o unto_o their_o subjection_n to_o the_o reign_n of_o sin._n the_o thing_n of_o the_o second_o sort_n whence_o argument_n may_v be_v take_v to_o prove_v the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n in_o any_o person_n which_o yet_o will_v not_o certain_o do_v it_o be_v those_o which_o we_o shall_v now_o examine_v and_o we_o must_v observe_v 1._o that_o where_o sin_n have_v the_o dominion_n it_o do_v indeed_o rule_v in_o the_o whole_a soul_n and_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o vicious_a habit_n in_o all_o of_o they_o corrupt_v they_o in_o their_o several_a nature_n and_o power_n with_o that_o corruption_n whereof_o they_o be_v capable_a so_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o darkness_n and_o vanity_n the_o will_n of_o spiritual_a deceit_n and_o perverseness_n the_o heart_n of_o stubbornness_n and_o sensuality_n sin_n in_o its_o power_n reach_v unto_o and_o affect_v they_o all_o but_o 2._o it_o do_v evidence_n its_o dominion_n and_o be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o its_o act_n in_o the_o distinct_a faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o course_n of_o the_o life_n these_o be_v those_o
serve_v only_o to_o cheat_v and_o quiet_a conscience_n for_o a_o hour_n or_o a_o day_n and_o then_o vanish_v into_o nothing_o but_o whatever_o be_v the_o case_n of_o this_o neglect_n those_o in_o who_o it_o be_v will_v pine_v away_o in_o their_o sin_n for_o nothing_o but_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n for_o we_o will_v be_v the_o death_n of_o sin_n in_o we_o second_o another_o duty_n necessary_a unto_o this_o end_n be_v continual_a prayer_n and_o this_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o unto_o its_o application_n to_o the_o prevalency_n of_o any_o particular_a lust_n wherein_o sin_n do_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n exert_v its_o power_n this_o be_v the_o great_a ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o its_o mortification_n for_o 1._o hereby_o we_o obtain_v spiritual_a aid_n and_o supply_n of_o strength_n against_o it_o we_o be_v not_o more_o necessary_o and_o fervent_o to_o pray_v that_o sin_n may_v be_v pardon_v as_o to_o its_o guilt_n than_o we_o be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v subdue_v as_o to_o its_o power_n he_o who_o be_v negligent_a in_o the_o latter_a be_v never_o in_o good_a earnest_n in_o the_o former_a the_o pressure_n and_o trouble_n which_o we_o receive_v from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n be_v as_o pungent_a on_o the_o mind_n as_o those_o from_o its_o gild_n be_v on_o the_o conscience_n mere_a pardon_n of_o sin_n will_v never_o give_v peace_n unto_o a_o soul_n though_o it_o can_v have_v none_o without_o it_o it_o must_v be_v mortify_v also_o or_o we_o can_v have_v no_o spiritual_a rest._n now_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o prayer_n namely_o to_o seek_v and_o obtain_v such_o supply_n of_o mortify_v sanctify_a grace_n as_o whereby_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v break_v its_o strength_n abate_v its_o root_n wither_v its_o life_n destroy_v and_o so_o the_o whole_a old_a man_n crucify_v that_o which_o be_v the_o apostle_n request_v for_o the_o thessalonian_n be_v the_o daily_a prayer_n of_o all_o believer_n for_o themselves_o 1_o thes._n v_o 23._o 2._o a_o constant_a attendance_n unto_o this_o duty_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n will_v preserve_v the_o soul_n in_o such_o a_o frame_n as_o wherein_o sin_n can_v habitual_o prevail_v in_o it_o he_o that_o can_v live_v in_o sin_n and_o abide_v in_o the_o ordinary_a duty_n of_o prayer_n do_v never_o once_o pray_v as_o he_o ought_v formality_n or_o some_o secret_a reserve_n or_o other_o vitiate_v the_o whole_a a_o true_o gracious_a pray_v frame_n wherein_o we_o pray_v always_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o love_n of_o or_o reserve_v for_o any_o sin_n to_o pray_v well_o be_v to_o pray_v always_o that_o be_v to_o keep_v the_o heart_n always_o in_o that_o frame_n which_o be_v require_v in_o prayer_n and_o where_o this_o be_v sin_n can_v have_v no_o rule_n no_o nor_o quiet_a harbour_n in_o the_o soul._n 3._o it_o be_v the_o soul_n be_v immediate_a conflict_n against_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n sin_n in_o it_o be_v formal_o consider_v as_o the_o soul_n enemy_n which_o fight_v against_o it_o in_o prayer_n the_o soul_n set_v itself_o to_o grapple_v with_o it_o to_o wound_v kill_v and_o destroy_v it_o be_v that_o whereby_o it_o apply_v all_o its_o spiritual_a engine_n unto_o its_o utter_a ruin_n herein_o it_o exercise_v a_o gracious_a abhorrency_n of_o it_o a_o clear_a self-condemnation_n on_o the_o account_n of_o it_o and_o engage_v faith_n on_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n for_o its_o conquest_n and_o destruction_n it_o be_v hence_o evident_a that_o if_o sin_n have_v prevail_v in_o the_o mind_n unto_o a_o negligence_n of_o this_o duty_n either_o in_o general_n or_o as_o unto_o the_o effectual_a application_n of_o it_o unto_o any_o especial_a case_n where_o it_o exert_v its_o power_n it_o be_v a_o ill_a symptom_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o soul._n it_o be_v certain_a that_o unmortified_a sin_n sin_n indulge_v unto_o will_v gradual_o work_v out_o all_o due_a regard_n unto_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o alienate_v the_o mind_n from_o it_o either_o as_o unto_o the_o matter_n or_o manner_n of_o its_o performance_n we_o see_v this_o exemplify_v every_o day_n in_o apostate_n professor_n they_o have_v have_v a_o gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o but_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n and_o live_v in_o it_o have_v devour_v their_o gift_n and_o whole_o take_v off_o their_o mind_n from_o the_o duty_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a character_n of_o hypocrite_n will_v he_o delight_v himself_o in_o the_o almighty_a will_v he_o always_o call_v upon_o god_n job_n xxvij_o 10._o he_o may_v do_v so_o for_o a_o season_n but_o fall_v under_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n he_o will_v not_o continue_v so_o to_o do_v now_o because_o sin_n use_v great_a deceit_n herein_o in_o a_o gradual_a progress_n for_o attain_v its_o end_n and_o thereby_o secure_v its_o dominion_n we_o may_v in_o a_o way_n of_o warning_n or_o caution_n take_v notice_n of_o some_o of_o its_o step_n that_o the_o entrance_n of_o it_o may_v be_v oppose_v for_o as_o the_o entrance_n of_o god_n word_n give_v light_a psal._n cxix_o 130._o the_o first_o putting_n forth_o of_o its_o power_n on_o the_o soul_n give_v spiritual_a light_n unto_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v to_o be_v improve_v so_o the_o entrance_n of_o sin_n the_o first_o act_n of_o it_o on_o the_o mind_n towards_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n bring_v a_o deceive_a darkness_n with_o they_o which_o be_v to_o be_v oppose_v 1._o it_o will_v produce_v in_o the_o mind_n a_o unreadiness_n unto_o this_o duty_n in_o its_o proper_a season_n the_o heart_n shall_v always_o rejoice_v in_o the_o approach_n of_o such_o season_n because_o of_o the_o delight_n in_o god_n which_o it_o have_v in_o they_o to_o rejoice_v and_o be_v glad_a in_o all_o our_o approach_n unto_o god_n be_v every_o way_n require_v of_o we_o and_o therefore_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o and_o in_o the_o approach_n of_o such_o season_n we_o ought_v to_o groan_v in_o ourselves_o for_o such_o a_o preparedness_n of_o mind_n as_o may_v render_v we_o meet_v for_o that_o converse_n with_o god_n which_o we_o be_v call_v unto_o but_o where_o sin_n begin_v to_o prevail_v all_o thing_n will_v be_v unready_a and_o out_o of_o order_n strange_a tergiversation_n will_v rise_v in_o the_o mind_n either_o as_o unto_o the_o duty_n itself_o or_o as_o unto_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o performance_n customariness_n and_o formality_n be_v the_o principle_n which_o act_n themselves_o in_o this_o case_n the_o body_n seem_v to_o carry_v the_o mind_n to_o the_o duty_n whether_o it_o will_v or_o no_o rather_o than_o the_o mind_n to_o lead_v the_o body_n in_o its_o part_n of_o it_o and_o it_o will_v employ_v itself_o in_o any_o thing_n rather_o than_o in_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n that_o lie_v before_o it_o herein_o then_o lie_v a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o wisdom_n in_o obviate_a the_o power_n of_o sin_n in_o we_o let_v we_o keep_v our_o heart_n continual_o in_o a_o gracious_a disposition_n and_o readiness_n for_o this_o duty_n in_o all_o its_o proper_a season_n if_o you_o lose_v this_o ground_n you_o will_v yet_o go_v more_o backward_o continual_o know_v therefore_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o effectual_a preservative_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n than_o a_o gracious_a readiness_n for_o and_o disposition_n unto_o this_o duty_n in_o private_a and_o public_a according_a to_o its_o proper_a season_n 2._o in_o its_o progress_n unto_o unreadiness_n it_o will_v add_v unwillingness_n for_o the_o mind_n prepossess_v by_o sin_n find_v it_o direct_o contrary_a unto_o its_o present_a interest_n disposition_n and_o inclination_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o what_o trouble_v and_o disquiet_v they_o as_o he_o say_v of_o the_o prophet_n who_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o hear_v he_o any_o more_o it_o speak_v not_o good_a but_o evil_n of_o they_o continual_o hence_o a_o secret_a unwillingness_n prevail_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o a_o aversation_n from_o a_o serious_a engagement_n in_o it_o and_o the_o attendance_n of_o such_o person_n to_o it_o be_v as_o if_o they_o be_v under_o a_o force_n in_o a_o compliance_n with_o custom_n and_o conviction_n 3._o sin_n will_v at_o length_n prevail_v unto_o a_o total_a neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n this_o be_v a_o observation_n confirm_v by_o long_a experience_n if_o prayer_n do_v not_o constant_o endeavour_v the_o ruin_n of_o sin_n sin_n will_v ruin_v prayer_n and_o utter_o alienate_v the_o soul_n from_o it_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o backslider_n in_o heart_n as_o they_o grow_v in_o sin_n they_o decay_n in_o prayer_n until_o they_o be_v weary_a of_o it_o and_o utter_o relinquish_v it_o so_o they_o speak_v mal._n i._n 13._o behold_v what_o a_o weariness_n it_o be_v and_o you_o have_v snuff_v at_o it_o they_o look_v on_o it_o
be_v in_o believer_n and_o they_o may_v be_v sensible_a of_o it_o to_o their_o sorrow_n and_o humilition_n these_o thing_n and_o many_o more_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n proceed_v from_o hardness_n of_o heart_n or_o the_o remainder_n of_o our_o hardness_n by_o nature_n and_o be_v great_a promoter_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o sin_n in_o we_o but_o where_o any_o person_n be_v sensible_a of_o this_o frame_n where_o they_o be_v humble_v for_o it_o where_o they_o mourn_v under_o and_o cry_v out_o for_o its_o removal_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n over_o they_o in_o who_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o eminent_a sign_n of_o the_o contrary_a namely_o that_o the_o roll_a power_n of_o sin_n be_v certain_o break_v and_o destroy_v in_o the_o soul._n but_o there_o be_v other_o instance_n of_o hardness_n of_o heart_n which_o have_v much_o more_o difficulty_n in_o they_o and_o which_o be_v hardly_o reconcilable_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o grace_n i_o shall_v mention_v some_o of_o they_o 1._o security_n and_o senseless_a under_o the_o guilt_n of_o great_a actual_a sin_n i_o do_v not_o say_v this_o be_v or_o can_v at_o any_o time_n be_v absolute_a in_o any_o believer_n but_o such_o it_o may_v be_v as_o whereon_o man_n may_v go_v on_o at_o their_o old_a pace_n of_o duty_n and_o profession_n though_o without_o any_o peculiar_a humiliation_n albeit_o they_o be_v under_o the_o provoke_a guilt_n of_o some_o know_a sin_n with_o its_o aggravation_n it_o will_v recur_v upon_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n unless_o it_o be_v sear_v will_v treat_v with_o they_o about_o it_o but_o they_o pass_v it_o over_o as_o that_o which_o they_o have_v rather_o forget_v and_o wear_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n then_o bring_v thing_n unto_o their_o proper_a issue_n by_o particular_a repentance_n so_o it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v with_o david_n after_o his_o sin_n with_o bathsheba_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o before_o the_o message_n of_o god_n to_o he_o by_o nathan_n he_o have_v unpleasing_a thought_n of_o what_o he_o have_v do_v but_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o footstep_n in_o the_o story_n or_o any_o of_o his_o prayer_n that_o he_o lay_v it_o serious_o to_o heart_n and_o be_v humble_v for_o it_o before_o this_o be_v a_o great_a hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o we_o know_v how_o difficult_a his_o recovery_n from_o it_o be_v he_o be_v save_v but_o as_o through_o fire_n and_o where_o it_o be_v so_o with_o any_o one_o that_o have_v be_v overtake_v with_o any_o great_a sin_n as_o drunkenness_n or_o other_o folly_n that_o he_o strive_v to_o wear_v it_o out_o to_o pass_v it_o over_o to_o forget_v it_o or_o give_v himself_o countenance_n from_o any_o reason_n or_o consideration_n against_o the_o especial_a sense_n of_o it_o and_o humiliation_n for_o it_o he_o can_v during_o that_o state_n and_o frame_n have_v no_o solid_a evidence_n that_o sin_n have_v not_o the_o dominion_n in_o he_o and_o let_v such_o sinner_n be_v warn_v who_o have_v so_o pass_v over_o former_a sin_n until_o they_o have_v utter_o lose_v all_o sense_n of_o they_o or_o be_v under_o such_o a_o frame_n at_o present_a that_o they_o recall_v thing_n to_o another_o account_n and_o suffer_v no_o such_o sin_n to_o pass_v without_o a_o peculiar_a humiliation_n or_o whatever_o be_v the_o final_a issue_n of_o thing_n with_o they_o they_o can_v have_v no_o solid_a ground_n of_o spiritual_a peace_n in_o this_o world._n 2._o there_o be_v such_o a_o dangerous_a hardness_n of_o heart_n where_o the_o guilt_n of_o one_o sin_n make_v not_o the_o soul_n watchful_a against_o another_o of_o another_o sort_n wherever_o the_o heart_n be_v tender_a upon_o a_o surprisal_n into_o sin_n it_o will_v not_o only_o watch_v against_o the_o return_n thereof_o or_o relapse_n into_o it_o but_o will_v be_v make_v diligent_a heedful_a and_o careful_a against_o all_o other_o sin_n whatever_o so_o be_v it_o with_o all_o that_o walk_v humble_o under_o a_o sense_n of_o sin_n but_o when_o man_n in_o such_o a_o state_n be_v careless_a bold_a and_o negligent_a so_o as_o that_o if_o they_o repeat_v not_o the_o same_o sin_n they_o be_v easy_o hurry_v into_o other_o thus_o be_v it_o with_o asa_n he_o be_v wroth_a with_o the_o prophet_n that_o come_v unto_o he_o with_o a_o divine_a message_n and_o smite_v he_o and_o cast_v he_o in_o prison_n for_o he_o be_v in_o a_o rage_n 2_o chron._n xuj_o 10._o a_o man_n will_v think_v that_o when_o he_o be_v recover_v out_o of_o this_o distemper_n it_o may_v have_v make_v he_o humble_a and_o watchful_a against_o other_o sin_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o it_o be_v add_v that_o he_o oppress_v some_o of_o the_o people_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o he_o rest_v not_o there_o but_o in_o his_o disease_n he_o seek_v not_o to_o the_o lord_n but_o unto_o physician_n unto_o persecution_n he_o add_v oppression_n and_o unto_o that_o unbelief_n v_o 12._o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o the_o heart_n of_o asa_n be_v perfect_a with_o the_o lord_n all_o his_o day_n 1_o king_n xv_o 14._o that_o be_v he_o have_v a_o prevalent_a sincerity_n in_o he_o notwithstanding_o these_o miscarriage_n but_o he_o be_v doubtless_o under_o the_o power_n of_o great_a hardness_n of_o heart_n so_o be_v it_o with_o other_o in_o the_o like_a case_n when_o one_o sin_n make_v they_o not_o careful_a and_o watchful_a against_o another_o as_o when_o man_n have_v stain_v themselves_o with_o intemperance_n of_o life_n they_o may_v fall_v into_o excess_n of_o passion_n in_o their_o family_n and_o relation_n or_o into_o a_o neglect_n of_o duty_n or_o take_v any_o other_o crooked_a step_n in_o their_o walk_n this_o argue_v a_o great_a prevalency_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o soul_n although_o as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o asa_n it_o be_v not_o a_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o its_o dominion_n yet_o of_o that_o nature_n it_o be_v wherewith_o divine_a peace_n and_o consolation_n be_v inconsistent_a 3._o when_o man_n fall_v into_o such_o unspiritual_a frames_n such_o deadness_n and_o decay_n as_o from_o which_o they_o be_v not_o recoverable_a by_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v a_o certain_a evidence_n of_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o the_o prevalency_n of_o sin_n therein_o it_o be_v so_o whether_o this_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o church_n or_o of_o particular_a person_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o especial_a divine_a ordinance_n for_o the_o heal_n and_o recovery_n of_o backslider_n in_o heart_n or_o life_n where_o this_o will_v not_o effect_v it_o in_o any_o but_o they_o will_v go_v on_o froward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n unless_o god_n take_v some_o extraordinary_a course_n with_o they_o they_o be_v on_o the_o brink_n of_o ruin_n and_o live_v on_o sovereign_a grace_n alone_o thus_o be_v it_o with_o david_n after_o his_o great_a sin_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o he_o attend_v unto_o all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o the_o preservation_n and_o recovery_n of_o sinner_n from_o their_o backslide_n howbeit_o they_o have_v not_o this_o effect_n upon_o he_o he_o live_v impenitent_o in_o his_o sin_n until_o god_n be_v please_v to_o use_v extraordinary_a mean_n in_o the_o especial_a message_n of_o nathan_n and_o the_o death_n of_o his_o child_n for_o his_o awaken_n and_o recovery_n and_o thus_o god_n will_v deal_v sometime_o with_o church_n and_o person_n where_o ordinary_a mean_n for_o their_o recovery_n will_v not_o effect_v it_o he_o will_v by_o sovereign_a grace_n and_o it_o may_v be_v by_o a_o concurrence_n of_o extraordinary_a providence_n heal_v revive_v and_o save_v they_o so_o he_o promise_v to_o do_v isa._n lvij_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o but_o where_o this_o be_v trust_v unto_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o heal_a see_v there_o be_v no_o direct_a promise_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v a_o case_n reserve_v unto_o absolute_a sovereignty_n the_o end_n may_v be_v bitterness_n and_o sorrow_n and_o let_v they_o take_v heed_n who_o be_v under_o this_o frame_n for_o although_o god_n may_v deliver_v they_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v by_o terrible_a thing_n as_o psal._n lxv_o 5._o such_o terrible_a thing_n as_o wherein_o he_o will_v take_v vengeance_n of_o their_o invention_n psal._n xcix_o 8._o though_o he_o do_v forgive_v they_o so_o david_n affirm_v of_o himself_o that_o god_n in_o his_o deal_n with_o he_o have_v break_v all_o his_o bone_n psal._n li._n 8._o i_o fear_v this_o be_v the_o present_a case_n of_o many_o church_n and_o professor_n at_o this_o day_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v fall_v under_o many_o spiritual_a decay_n neither_o have_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o grace_n repentance_n and_o humiliation_n though_o back_v with_o various_a
providential_a warning_n be_v efficacious_a to_o their_o recovery_n it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o god_n will_v use_v some_o severe_a dispensation_n in_o terrible_a thing_n towards_o they_o for_o their_o awakn_n or_o which_o be_v more_o dreadful_a withdraw_v his_o presence_n from_o they_o 4._o of_o the_o same_o nature_n it_o be_v and_o argue_v no_o small_a power_n of_o this_o evil_a when_o man_n satisfy_v and_o please_v themselves_o in_o a_o unmortified_a unfruitful_a profession_n a_o severe_a symptom_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin._n and_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n that_o manifest_v the_o consistency_n of_o such_o a_o profession_n with_o hardness_n of_o heart_n or_o be_v fruit_n of_o it_o therein_o 1._o a_o neglect_n of_o the_o principal_a duty_n of_o it_o such_o be_v mortification_n in_o themselves_o and_o usefulness_n or_o fruitfulness_n towards_o other_o a_o deficiency_n and_o neglect_v in_o these_o thing_n be_v evident_a among_o many_o that_o profess_v religion_n it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o in_o any_o thing_n they_o serious_o endeavour_v the_o mortification_n of_o their_o lust_n their_o pride_n their_o passion_n their_o love_n of_o the_o world_n their_o inordinate_a desire_n and_o sensual_a appetite_n they_o either_o indulge_v unto_o they_o all_o or_o at_o least_o they_o maintain_v not_o a_o constant_a conflict_n against_o they_o and_o as_o unto_o usefulness_n in_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n or_o those_o good_a work_n which_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o a_o live_a faith_n they_o be_v open_o barren_a in_o they_o now_o whereas_o these_o be_v the_o principal_n dictate_v of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o do_v profess_v their_o neglect_n of_o they_o their_o deficiency_n in_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o hardness_n of_o heart_n overpower_v their_o light_n and_o conviction_n and_o what_o shall_v long_o in_o such_o a_o case_n stop_v sin_n out_o of_o the_o throne_n self-pleasing_a and_o satisfaction_n in_o such_o a_o profession_n argue_v a_o very_a dangerous_a state_n and_o habit_n of_o mind_n sin_n may_v have_v a_o full_a dominion_n under_o such_o a_o profession_n 2._o the_o admission_n of_o a_o habitual_a formality_n into_o the_o performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n in_o some_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n as_o we_o observe_v before_o prevail_v unto_o the_o neglect_n and_o omission_n of_o such_o duty_n other_o continue_v the_o observation_n but_o be_v so_o formal_a and_o lifeless_a in_o they_o so_o careless_a as_o unto_o the_o exert_n or_o exercise_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o as_o gives_z a_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n of_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o spiritual_a senselesness_n of_o heart_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o the_o scripture_n do_v more_o frequent_o and_o severe_o condemn_v nor_o give_v as_o a_o character_n of_o hypocrite_n than_o a_o diligent_a attendance_n unto_o a_o multiplication_n of_o duty_n whilst_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o spiritual_o engage_v in_o they_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o lord_n christ_n threaten_v the_o utter_a rejection_n of_o the_o lukewarm_a church_n of_o laodicea_n and_o god_n pronounce_v a_o most_o severe_a sentence_n against_o all_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o isa._n xxix_o 13_o 14._o yet_o thus_o it_o may_v be_v with_o many_o and_o that_o thus_o it_o have_v be_v with_o they_o many_o do_v manifest_a by_o their_o open_a apostasy_n which_o be_v the_o common_a event_n of_o this_o frame_n and_o course_n long_o continue_v in_o for_o some_o in_o the_o daily_a performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n for_o a_o season_n do_v exercise_n and_o preserve_v their_o gift_n but_o there_o be_v no_o exercise_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o after_o a_o while_n those_o gift_n also_o do_v wither_v and_o decay_v they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o evil_a whereof_o we_o treat_v namely_o a_o hard_a and_o senseless_a heart_n that_o can_v approve_v of_o themselves_o in_o such_o a_o lifeless_a heartless_a profession_n of_o religion_n and_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n thereof_o 3._o when_o man_n grow_v senseless_a under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o do_v not_o at_o all_o profit_n by_o it_o the_o general_a end_n for_o preach_v the_o word_n unto_o believer_n be_v 1._o the_o increase_n of_o spiritual_a light_n knowledge_n and_o understanding_n in_o they_o 2._o the_o growth_n of_o grace_n enable_v to_o obedience_n 3._o holy_a excitation_n of_o grace_n by_o impression_n of_o its_o power_n in_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o mind_n will_n love_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n unto_o our_o soul_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o 4._o a_o impression_n on_o the_o affection_n renew_v and_o make_v they_o more_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a continual_o with_o 5._o direction_n and_o administration_n of_o spiritual_a strength_n against_o temptation_n and_o corruption_n and_o 6._o fruitfulness_n in_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o obedience_n where_o man_n can_v abide_v under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n without_o any_o of_o these_o effect_n on_o their_o mind_n conscience_n or_o life_n they_o be_v great_o harden_v by_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n as_o heb._n iij._o 12_o 13._o this_o case_n be_v state_v now_o whether_o this_o be_v 1._o from_o that_o carelessness_n and_o security_n which_o be_v grow_v on_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n against_o which_o god_n do_v just_o express_v his_o indignation_n by_o withhold_a the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o his_o word_n in_o its_o administration_n from_o they_o or_o 2._o from_o a_o increase_n of_o a_o unsanctified_a light_n and_o gift_n which_o fill_v man_n with_o high_a thought_n of_o themselves_o and_o keep_v they_o off_o from_o that_o humble_a frame_n which_o alone_o be_v teachable_a or_o 3._o from_o a_o loss_n of_o all_o due_a reverence_n unto_o the_o ministry_n as_o god_n ordinance_n for_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o word_n with_o a_o secret_a fortification_n of_o conscience_n by_o prejudices_fw-la against_o its_o power_n from_o the_o suggestion_n of_o satan_n or_o 4._o from_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n which_o the_o heart_n will_v shelter_v and_o secure_v from_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n or_o from_o what_o other_o cause_n soever_o it_o be_v it_o proceed_v from_o a_o dangerous_a hardness_n of_o heart_n from_o the_o power_n of_o sin._n where_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n where_o this_o hardness_n be_v thus_o prevalent_a in_o they_o i_o do_v not_o no_o man_n can_v give_v they_o assurance_n that_o sin_n have_v not_o the_o dominion_n in_o they_o but_o because_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o various_a degree_n it_o may_v not_o be_v conclude_v absolute_o from_o any_o or_o all_o of_o they_o in_o any_o degree_n that_o so_o it_o be_v but_o this_o we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n in_o who_o this_o evil_a frame_n be_v find_v in_o any_o degree_n and_o not_o sincere_o endeavour_v against_o to_o keep_v any_o true_a solid_a peace_n with_o god_n or_o in_o his_o own_o soul_n what_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o in_o he_o be_v but_o a_o ruinous_a security_n 2._o that_o this_o be_v the_o high_a road_n unto_o final_a obduration_n and_o impenitency_n and_o therefore_o 3._o it_o be_v the_o present_a duty_n of_o those_o who_o have_v any_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o shake_v themselves_o out_o of_o this_o dust_n and_o not_o to_o give_v themselves_o any_o rest_n until_o they_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o path_n of_o recovery_n the_o call_v of_o god_n for_o a_o return_n unto_o such_o backslider_n in_o heart_n be_v multiply_v the_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o motive_n unto_o it_o be_v innumerable_a this_o aught_o never_o to_o depart_v from_o their_o mind_n that_o without_o it_o they_o shall_v eternal_o perish_v and_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o they_o may_v be_v overtake_v with_o that_o destruction_n thus_o far_o have_v we_o proceed_v in_o the_o enquiry_n whether_o sin_n have_v the_o dominion_n in_o we_o or_o no_o there_o be_v on_o the_o other_o side_n many_o evidence_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o grace_n sufficient_a to_o discard_v the_o plea_n and_o pretence_n of_o sin_n unto_o the_o throne_n but_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o be_v not_o my_o present_a design_n i_o have_v only_o examine_v the_o plea_n of_o sin_n which_o render_v the_o enquiry_n difficult_a and_o the_o case_n dubious_a and_o they_o arise_v all_o from_o the_o act_n of_o sin_n in_o we_o as_o it_o fight_v against_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v its_o proper_a and_o constant_a work_n 1_o pet._n ij_o 11_o 12._o it_o do_v so_o against_o the_o design_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v to_o live_v to_o god_n against_o the_o order_n and_o peace_n of_o it_o which_o it_o disturb_v and_o against_o its_o eternal_a blessedness_n which_o it_o will_v deprive_v it_o of_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o pretence_n insist_v on_o may_v be_v of_o some_o use_n
that_o live_v in_o sin_n be_v that_o the_o liberty_n which_o he_o purchase_v with_o his_o blood_n be_v not_o to_o be_v value_v or_o esteem_v they_o flatter_v he_o with_o their_o lip_n in_o the_o outward_a performance_n of_o some_o duty_n but_o in_o their_o heart_n they_o despise_v he_o and_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o his_o mediation_n but_o the_o time_n be_v approach_v wherein_o they_o will_v learn_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o slavery_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n make_v believer_n free_a and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v now_o tender_v unto_o sinner_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n life_n and_o death_n be_v here_o set_v before_o you_o choose_v life_n that_o you_o may_v live_v for_o ever_o 2._o let_v those_o that_o be_v believer_n in_o all_o their_o conflict_n with_o sin_n live_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n on_o this_o purchase_n of_o liberty_n make_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ._n for_o two_o thing_n will_v hence_o ensue_v 1._o that_o they_o will_v have_v a_o mighty_a argument_n always_o in_o readiness_n to_o oppose_v unto_o the_o deceit_n and_o violence_n of_o sin._n the_o soul_n will_v hereon_o say_v to_o its_o self_n shall_v i_o forego_v and_o part_v with_o that_o which_o christ_n purchase_v for_o i_o at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n by_o give_v place_n to_o the_o solicitation_n of_o lust_n or_o sin_n shall_v i_o despise_v his_o purchase_n god_n forbid_v see_v rom._n vi_fw-la 2._o by_o such_o arguing_n be_v the_o mind_n frequent_o preserve_v from_o close_v with_o the_o enticement_n and_o seduction_n of_o sin._n 2._o it_o be_v a_o effectual_a argument_n for_o faith_n to_o use_v in_o its_o plead_n for_o deliverance_n from_o the_o power_n of_o sin._n we_o ask_v for_o nothing_o but_o what_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o we_o and_o if_o this_o plea_n be_v pursue_v it_o will_v be_v prevalent_a 2_o the_o internal_a efficient_a cause_n of_o this_o liberty_n or_o that_o whereby_o the_o power_n and_o rule_n of_o sin_n be_v destroy_v in_o we_o be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n himself_o which_o far_o evince_v the_o greatness_n of_o this_o mercy_n every_o act_n for_o the_o mortification_n of_o sin_n be_v no_o less_o immediate_o from_o he_o than_o those_o positive_a grace_n be_v whereby_o we_o be_v sanctify_v it_o be_v through_o the_o spirit_n that_o we_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n rom._n viij_o 13._o where_o he_o be_v there_o and_o there_o alone_o be_v liberty_n all_o attempt_n for_o the_o mortification_n of_o sin_n without_o his_o especial_a aid_n and_o operation_n be_v frustrate_a and_o this_o manifest_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o world._n he_o alone_o by_o who_o it_o can_v be_v destroy_v and_o all_o those_o efficacious_a operation_n of_o his_o whereby_o it_o be_v so_o be_v general_o despise_v and_o they_o must_v live_v and_o die_v slave_n unto_o sin_n by_o who_o they_o be_v so_o wherefore_o a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o wisdom_n for_o the_o attain_n and_o preserve_v this_o liberty_n consist_v in_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n on_o that_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o of_o he_o when_o sin_n in_o any_o instance_n by_o any_o temptation_n urge_v for_o power_n and_o rule_n in_o we_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o turn_v into_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o resolution_n which_o in_o their_o place_n be_v not_o to_o be_v neglect_v but_o immediate_a cry_n unto_o god_n for_o such_o supply_n of_o his_o spirit_n as_o without_o which_o sin_n will_v not_o be_v subdue_v we_o shall_v find_v our_o best_a relief_n bear_v it_o in_o mind_n try_v it_o on_o the_o next_o occasion_n and_o god_n will_v bless_v it_o with_o success_n 3_o the_o instrumental_a cause_n of_o this_o freedom_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o believer_n themselves_o in_o and_o for_o the_o destruction_n of_o sin._n and_o this_o also_o manifest_v the_o importance_n of_o this_o privilege_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o our_o religious_a duty_n of_o prayer_n of_o fast_v of_o meditation_n of_o watchfulness_n unto_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o obedience_n they_o be_v all_o design_v to_o prevent_v and_o ruin_v the_o interest_n of_o sin_n in_o we_o we_o be_v call_v into_o a_o theatre_n to_o fight_v and_o contend_v into_o a_o field_n to_o be_v try_v in_o a_o warfare_n our_o enemy_n be_v this_o sin_n which_o strive_v and_o contend_v for_o the_o rule_n over_o we_o this_o we_o be_v to_o resist_v even_o unto_o blood_n that_o be_v our_o utmost_a in_o do_v and_o suffer_v and_o certain_o that_o be_v in_o itself_o and_o unto_o we_o of_o the_o high_a importance_n which_o on_o divine_a appointment_n and_o command_n be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o constant_a endeavour_n of_o our_o whole_a life_n second_o it_o appear_v so_o to_o be_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o bondage_n which_o we_o be_v deliver_v from_o thereby_o bondage_n be_v that_o which_o humane_a nature_n be_v most_o averse_a from_o until_o it_o be_v debase_v and_o debauch_v by_o sensual_a lusts._n man_n of_o ingenuous_a spirit_n have_v in_o all_o age_n choose_v rather_o to_o die_v than_o to_o be_v make_v slave_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o bondage_n as_o that_o which_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin._n to_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o base_a lust_n as_o covetousness_n uncleanness_n drunkenness_n ambition_n pride_n and_o the_o like_a to_o make_v provision_n to_o fulfil_v their_o desire_n in_o the_o will_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o flesh_n be_v the_o worst_a of_o slavery_n but_o we_o may_v say_v what_o we_o please_v on_o this_o subject_n none_o think_v themselves_o so_o free_a none_o make_v such_o a_o appearance_n of_o generous_a freedom_n unto_o other_o as_o those_o who_o be_v avow_v servant_n of_o sin._n if_o those_o be_v not_o freeman_n who_o do_v what_o they_o please_v and_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n approve_v in_o what_o they_o do_v who_o puff_n at_o all_o their_o enemy_n and_o scorn_v such_o as_o pusillanimous_a slave_n who_o go_v not_o forth_o unto_o the_o same_o compass_n of_o excess_n with_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v esteem_v free_a they_o plead_v with_o the_o pharisee_n that_o they_o be_v the_o only_a freeman_n and_o be_v never_o in_o bondage_n to_o any_o the_o servile_a restraint_n of_o fear_n from_o divine_a judgement_n and_o future_a account_n they_o whole_o despise_v see_v the_o description_n psal._n lxxiij_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o who_o so_o free_a so_o joyous_a as_o such_o person_n as_o for_o other_o they_o be_v plague_v all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o be_v chastened_a every_o morning_n v_o 14._o yea_o they_o go_v heavy_o and_o mournful_o under_o the_o oppression_n of_o this_o enemy_n cry_v out_o continual_o for_o deliverance_n but_o the_o truth_n insist_v on_o be_v not_o at_o all_o impeach_v by_o this_o observation_n it_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o slavery_n of_o such_o person_n that_o they_o know_v not_o themselves_o to_o be_v slave_n and_o boast_v that_o they_o be_v free_a they_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o state_n of_o enmity_n against_o god_n and_o bondage_n under_o sin_n and_o they_o like_v well_o of_o it_o as_o all_o abject_a slave_n do_v under_o the_o worst_a of_o tyrant_n they_o know_v no_o better_o but_o true_a liberty_n consist_v in_o inward_a peace_n tranquillity_n of_o mind_n design_n for_o and_o inclination_n unto_o the_o best_a thing_n the_o most_o noble_a object_n of_o our_o natural_a rational_a soul_n all_o these_o they_o be_v utter_a stranger_n unto_o who_o spend_v their_o life_n in_o the_o service_n of_o vile_a and_o base_a lusts._n envy_v not_o their_o gallantry_n their_o glister_a appearance_n their_o heap_n of_o wealth_n and_o treasure_n they_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a vile_a and_o contemptible_a slave_n the_o apostle_n determine_v their_o case_n rom._n vi_fw-la 17._o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o eternal_a thankfulness_n unto_o god_n that_o we_o be_v deliver_v from_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin._n yea_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o grace_n of_o a_o good_a frame_n of_o spirit_n when_o a_o soul_n be_v make_v real_o sensible_a of_o the_o excellency_n of_o this_o freedom_n when_o it_o so_o find_v the_o power_n and_o interest_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v weaken_v as_o that_o it_o can_v rejoice_v in_o it_o and_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n for_o it_o rom._n seven_o 25._o three_o it_o be_v so_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o this_o bondage_n or_o what_o it_o bring_v man_n unto_o if_o after_o all_o the_o base_a drudgery_n which_o sinful_a man_n be_v put_v unto_o in_o the_o service_n of_o their_o lust_n if_o after_o all_o the_o conflict_n which_o their_o conscience_n put_v they_o on_o with_o fear_n and_o terror_n in_o the_o world_n they_o can_v expect_v
show_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o total_a or_o partial_a hardness_n of_o heart_n be_v either_o total_a and_o absolute_a or_o partial_a and_o comparative_a only_o total_a hardness_n be_v either_o natural_a and_o universal_a or_o judiciary_n in_o some_o particular_a individual_n natural_a hardness_n be_v the_o blindness_n or_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o sin_n by_o nature_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v cure_v by_o the_o use_n or_o application_n of_o any_o outward_a mean_n hardness_n and_o impenitent_a heart_n rom._n ij_o 5._o this_o be_v that_o heart_n of_o stone_n which_o god_n promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n to_o take_v away_o by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o almighty_a grace_n ezek._n xxxvi_o 26._o where_o this_o hardness_n abide_v uncured_a unremoved_a there_o sin_n be_v absolute_o in_o the_o throne_n this_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o inquire_v about_o judiciary_n hardness_n be_v either_o immediate_o from_o god_n or_o it_o be_v by_o the_o devil_n through_o his_o permission_n in_o the_o first_o way_n god_n be_v say_v frequent_o to_o harden_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n in_o their_o sin_n and_o unto_o their_o ruin_n as_o he_o do_v with_o pharaoh_n and_o he_o do_v it_o in_o general_n two_o way_n 1._o by_o withhold_a from_o they_o those_o supply_n of_o light_n wisdom_n and_o understanding_n without_o which_o they_o can_v understand_v their_o condition_n see_v their_o danger_n nor_o avoid_v their_o ruin_n 2._o by_o withhold_a the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o mean_n which_o they_o enjoy_v for_o their_o conviction_n and_o repentance_n yea_o and_o give_v they_o a_o efficacy_n unto_o their_o obduration_n isa._n vi_fw-la 9_o 10._o and_o concern_v this_o divine_a induration_n we_o may_v observe_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o severe_a of_o divine_a punishment_n in_o this_o world_n 2._o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o execute_v but_o towards_o those_o that_o be_v habitual_o wicked_a and_o so_o do_v of_o choice_n harden_v themselves_o in_o their_o sin_n rom._n i._n 26_o 28._o 3._o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o respect_v some_o especial_a time_n and_o season_n wherein_o be_v the_o turn_a point_n for_o eternity_n 4._o that_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o so_o harden_a be_v remediless_a and_o their_o wound_n uncurable_a where_o any_o be_v thus_o harden_v there_o be_v no_o question_n about_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin._n such_o a_o heart_n be_v its_o throne_n its_o proper_a seat_n next_o to_o hell._n there_o be_v a_o judiciary_n hardness_n which_o satan_n through_o god_n permission_n bring_v on_o man_n 2_o cor._n four_o 4._o and_o there_o be_v many_o way_n whereby_o he_o do_v effect_v it_o not_o here_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o but_o there_o be_v a_o hardness_n of_o heart_n that_o be_v indeed_o but_o partial_a and_o comparative_a whatever_o appearance_n it_o may_v make_v of_o that_o which_o be_v total_a and_o absolute_a where_o the_o enquiry_n arise_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n or_o no._n there_o be_v a_o hardness_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v know_v and_o lament_v in_o they_o in_o who_o it_o be_v hereof_o the_o church_n complain_v isa._n lxiij_o 17._o o_o lord_n why_o have_v thou_o harden_v our_o heart_n from_o thy_o fear_n or_o suffer_v it_o so_o to_o be_v not_o heal_v not_o recover_v our_o hardness_n and_o there_o be_v sundry_a thing_n which_o concur_v in_o this_o kind_n of_o hardness_n of_o heart_n as_o 1._o want_v of_o readiness_n to_o receive_v divine_a impression_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god._n when_o the_o heart_n be_v soft_a and_o tender_a it_o be_v also_o humble_a and_o contrite_a and_o ready_a to_o tremble_v at_o the_o word_n of_o god._n so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o josia_n that_o his_o heart_n be_v tender_a and_o he_o humble_v himself_o before_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o hear_v his_o word_n 2_o king_n xxij_o 18_o 19_o this_o may_v be_v want_v in_o some_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n and_o they_o may_v be_v sensible_a of_o it_o they_o may_v find_v in_o themselves_o a_o great_a unreadiness_n to_o comply_v with_o divine_a warning_n reproof_n call_n they_o be_v not_o affect_v with_o the_o word_n preach_v but_o sometime_o complain_v that_o they_o sit_v under_o it_o like_o stock_n and_o stone_n they_o have_v not_o a_o experience_n of_o its_o power_n and_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o mould_n of_o it_o hereon_o they_o apprehend_v that_o their_o heart_n be_v harden_v from_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n as_o the_o church_n complain_v there_o be_v indeed_o no_o better_a frame_n of_o heart_n to_o be_v attain_v in_o this_o life_n then_o that_o whereby_o it_o be_v to_o the_o word_n as_o the_o wax_n to_o the_o seal_n fit_a and_o ready_a to_o receive_v impression_n from_o it_o a_o frame_n that_o be_v tender_a to_o receive_v the_o communication_n of_o the_o word_n in_o all_o their_o variety_n whether_o for_o reproof_n instruction_n or_o consolation_n and_o the_o want_n hereof_o be_v a_o culpable_a hardness_n of_o heart_n 2._o there_o belong_v unto_o it_o a_o affectedness_n with_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n as_o unto_o the_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n that_o it_o do_v require_v there_o be_v none_o in_o who_o there_o be_v any_o spark_n of_o save_a grace_n but_o have_v a_o gracious_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o but_o there_o be_v a_o proportion_n require_v between_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n great_a sin_n require_v great_a sorrow_n as_o peter_n on_o his_o great_a sin_n weep_v bitter_o and_o all_o especial_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n require_v a_o especial_a sense_n of_o they_o this_o the_o soul_n find_v not_o in_o itself_o it_o bear_v the_o thought_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o rebuke_n of_o conscience_n without_o any_o great_a concussion_n or_o remorse_n it_o can_v pass_v over_o the_o charge_n of_o sin_n without_o relent_v mourn_a dissolve_v in_o sigh_n and_o tear_n and_o it_o can_v but_o say_v sometime_o thereon_o that_o its_o heart_n be_v like_o the_o adamant_n or_o the_o flint_n in_o the_o rock_n this_o make_v many_o fear_n that_o they_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o they_o fear_v it_o the_o more_o because_o that_o fear_n do_v not_o affect_v and_o humble_v they_o as_o it_o ought_v and_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o all_o unaffectedness_n with_o sin_n all_o want_n of_o humiliation_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n upon_o it_o be_v from_o a_o undue_a hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o they_o who_o be_v not_o affect_v with_o it_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v jealous_a over_o themselves_o as_o even_o unto_o their_o spiritual_a state_n and_o condition_n 3._o of_o the_o same_o kind_n in_o its_o measure_n be_v unaffectedness_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o among_o who_o we_o live_v or_o in_o who_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o mourn_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o be_v a_o duty_n high_o approve_v of_o god_n ezek._n ix_o it_o argue_v the_o effectual_a work_n of_o many_o grace_n as_o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n compassion_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n love_n to_o the_o glory_n and_o interest_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world._n the_o want_n hereof_o be_v from_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o abound_v among_o we_o some_o find_v not_o themselves_o at_o all_o concern_v herein_o some_o make_v pretence_n why_o they_o need_v not_o so_o be_v or_o that_o it_o be_v not_o their_o duty_n what_o be_v it_o unto_o they_o how_o wicked_a the_o world_n be_v it_o shall_v answer_v for_o its_o own_o sin_n nor_o be_v they_o move_v when_o it_o come_v near_o they_o if_o their_o child_n come_v to_o loss_n ruin_n poverty_n than_o they_o be_v affect_v indeed_o but_o so_o long_o as_o they_o flourish_v in_o the_o world_n be_v they_o apostate_n from_o profession_n be_v they_o enemy_n to_o christ_n do_v they_o avowed_o belong_v unto_o the_o world_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o it_o they_o be_v not_o much_o concern_v especial_o if_o they_o be_v not_o scandalous_o profligate_v but_o this_o also_o be_v from_o hardness_n of_o heart_n which_o will_v be_v bewail_v where_o grace_n be_v vigilant_a and_o active_a 4._o want_v of_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o indication_n of_o divine_a displeasure_n be_v another_o instance_n of_o this_o hardness_n of_o heart_n god_n do_v ofttimes_o give_v sign_n and_o token_n hereof_o whether_o as_o unto_o the_o public_a state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n or_o as_o unto_o our_o own_o person_n in_o affliction_n and_o chastisement_n in_o the_o season_n hereof_o he_o expect_v that_o our_o heart_n shall_v be_v soft_a and_o tender_a ready_a to_o receive_v impression_n of_o his_o anger_n and_o pliable_a therein_o unto_o his_o mind_n and_o will._n there_o be_v none_o who_o at_o such_o a_o time_n he_o do_v more_o abhor_v than_o those_o who_o be_v stouthearted_a little_o regard_v he_o or_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o hand_n this_o in_o some_o measure_n may_v
up_o unto_o a_o due_a exercise_n all_o thing_n will_v go_v backward_o in_o our_o spiritual_a condition_n 4._o make_v especial_a application_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n unto_o who_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o spiritual_a supply_n be_v commit_v for_o the_o communication_n of_o they_o unto_o you_o according_a unto_o all_o especial_a occasion_n have_v sin_n get_v the_o advantage_n of_o a_o powerful_a temptation_n so_o as_o that_o it_o seem_v to_o put_v hard_o for_o dominion_n in_o the_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v with_o paul_n under_o the_o buffet_n of_o satan_n when_o he_o have_v that_o answer_n from_o god_n upon_o his_o reiterated_a prayer_n my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o sin_n shall_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o thou_o have_v it_o by_o its_o deceitfulness_n bring_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o lifeless_a senseless_a frame_n make_v it_o forgetful_a of_o duty_n negligent_a in_o they_o or_o without_o spiritual_a delight_n in_o their_o performance_n have_v it_o almost_o habituate_v the_o soul_n unto_o careless_a and_o corrupt_a inclination_n unto_o the_o love_n of_o or_o conformity_n to_o the_o world_n do_v it_o take_v advantage_n from_o our_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n under_o trouble_n distress_n or_o temptation_n on_o these_o and_o the_o like_a occasion_n it_o be_v require_v that_o we_o make_v especial_a fervent_a application_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n for_o such_o supply_n of_o grace_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a and_o efficacious_a to_o control_v the_o power_n of_o sin_n in_o they_o all_o this_o under_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o office_n and_o authority_n unto_o this_o end_n his_o grace_n and_o readiness_n from_o especial_a inducement_n we_o be_v direct_v unto_o heb._n four_o 14_o 15_o 16._o 5._o remember_v always_o the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o spiritual_a aid_n it_o be_v true_a in_o our_o first_o conversion_n to_o god_n we_o be_v as_o it_o be_v surprise_v by_o a_o mighty_a act_n of_o sovereign_a grace_n change_v our_o heart_n renew_v our_o mind_n and_o quicken_a we_o with_o a_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n ordinary_o many_o thing_n be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n in_o order_n thereunto_o and_o many_o previous_a operation_n of_o grace_n in_o our_o mind_n in_o illumination_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n do_v material_o and_o passive_o dispose_v we_o thereunto_o as_o wood_n when_o it_o be_v dry_v be_v dispose_v to_o fire_v but_o the_o work_n itself_o be_v perform_v by_o a_o immediate_a act_n of_o divine_a power_n without_o any_o active_a co-operation_n on_o our_o part_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o the_o communication_n or_o operation_n of_o actual_a grace_n for_o the_o subdue_a of_o sin._n it_o be_v give_v in_o a_o way_n of_o concurrence_n with_o we_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o when_o we_o be_v sedulous_a in_o they_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a we_o shall_v not_o fail_v of_o divine_a assistance_n according_a to_o the_o establish_a rule_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o gospel_n grace_n if_o therefore_o we_o complain_v that_o we_o find_v not_o the_o aid_n mention_v if_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o be_v not_o diligent_a in_o attendance_n unto_o all_o the_o duty_n whereby_o sin_n may_v be_v mortify_v in_o we_o we_o be_v exceed_o injurious_a to_o the_o grace_n of_o god._n wherefore_o notwithstanding_o this_o objection_n the_o truth_n stand_v firm_a that_o sin_n shall_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o we_o because_o we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n because_o of_o the_o spiritual_a aid_n that_o be_v administer_v by_o grace_n for_o its_o mortification_n and_o destruction_n second_o the_o law_n give_v no_o liberty_n of_o any_o kind_n it_o gender_v unto_o bondage_n and_o so_o can_v free_v we_o from_o any_o dominion_n not_o that_o of_o sin._n for_o this_o must_v be_v by_o liberty_n but_o this_o we_o have_v also_o by_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a liberty_n 1._o of_o state_n and_o condition_n 2._o of_o internal_a operation_n and_o we_o have_v both_o by_o the_o gospel_n the_o first_o consist_v in_o our_o deliverance_n from_o the_o law_n and_o its_o curse_n with_o all_o thing_n which_o claim_v a_o right_n against_o we_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o that_o be_v satan_n death_n and_o hell._n out_o of_o this_o state_n from_o whence_o we_o can_v never_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o law_n we_o be_v translate_v by_o grace_n into_o a_o state_n of_o glorious_a liberty_n for_o by_o it_o the_o son_n make_v we_o free_a and_o we_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ._n now_o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v there_o be_v liberty_n 1_o cor._n iij._o 17._o this_o liberty_n christ_n proclaim_v in_o the_o gospel_n unto_o all_o that_o do_v believe_v isa._n lxi_o 1._o hereon_o they_o who_o hear_v and_o receive_v the_o joyful_a sound_n be_v discharge_v from_o all_o debt_n bond_n account_n right_n and_o title_n and_o be_v bring_v into_o a_o state_n of_o perfect_a freedom_n in_o this_o state_n sin_n can_v lay_v no_o claim_n to_o dominion_n over_o any_o one_o soul._n they_o be_v go_v over_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o out_o from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n satan_n and_o darkness_n herein_o indeed_o lie_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o assure_a freedom_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o sin._n it_o can_v make_v a_o incursion_n on_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o to_o carry_v away_o any_o of_o its_o subject_n into_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o darkness_n again_o and_o a_o interest_n in_o this_o state_n ought_v to_o be_v plead_v against_o all_o the_o attempt_v of_o sin_n rom._n vi_fw-la 1_o 2._o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o to_o be_v detest_v than_o that_o any_o one_o who_o be_v christ_n freeman_n and_o dead_a to_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n shall_v give_v place_n again_o unto_o any_o of_o its_o pretence_n to_o or_o endeavour_n for_o rule_n again_o there_o be_v a_o internal_a liberty_n which_o be_v the_o freedom_n of_o the_o mind_n from_o the_o inward_a powerful_a chain_n of_o sin_n with_o a_o ability_n to_o act_v all_o â—â—e_z power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o gracious_a manner_n hereby_o be_v the_o power_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o soul_n destroy_v and_o this_o also_o be_v give_v we_o in_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v power_n administer_v in_o it_o to_o live_v unto_o god_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o all_o his_o commandment_n and_o this_o also_o give_v evidence_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o apostle_n assertion_n three_o the_o law_n do_v not_o supply_v we_o with_o effectual_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o endeavour_v the_o ruin_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n which_o must_v be_v do_v or_o in_o the_o end_v it_o will_v prevail_v it_o work_v only_o by_o fear_n and_o dread_n with_o threaten_n and_o terror_n of_o destruction_n for_o although_o it_o say_v also_o do_v this_o and_o live_v yet_o withal_o it_o discover_v such_o a_o impossibility_n in_o our_o nature_n to_o comply_v with_o its_o command_n in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n wherein_o it_o enjoin_v they_o that_o the_o very_a promise_n of_o it_o become_v a_o matter_n of_o terror_n as_o include_v the_o contrary_a sentence_n of_o death_n upon_o our_o failure_n in_o its_o command_n now_o these_o thing_n enervate_a weaken_v and_o discourage_v the_o soul_n in_o its_o conflict_n against_o sin_n they_o give_v it_o no_o life_n activity_n cheerfulness_n or_o courage_n in_o what_o they_o undertake_v hence_o those_o who_o engage_v themselves_o into_o a_o opposition_n unto_o sin_n or_o a_o relinquishment_n of_o its_o service_n mere_o on_o the_o motive_n of_o the_o law_n do_v quick_o faint_v and_o give_v over_o we_o see_v it_o so_o with_o many_o every_o day_n one_o day_n they_o will_v forsake_v all_o sin_n their_o belove_a sin_n with_o the_o company_n and_o occasion_n induce_v they_o thereunto_o the_o law_n have_v fright_v they_o with_o divine_a vengeance_n and_o sometime_o they_o proceed_v so_o far_o in_o this_o resolution_n they_o seem_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o soon_o again_o they_o return_v to_o their_o former_a way_n and_o folly_n 2_o pet._n ij_o 20_o 21_o 22._o their_o goodness_n be_v as_o the_o morning_n cloud_n and_o as_o the_o early_a dew_n so_o pass_v it_o away_o or_o if_o they_o do_v not_o return_v to_o wallow_v in_o the_o same_o mire_n of_o their_o former_a pollution_n they_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o shade_n of_o some_o superstitious_a observance_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o papacy_n for_o they_o open_o succeed_v into_o the_o room_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o not_o submit_v thereunto_o go_v about_o various_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n x._o 3_o 4._o for_o in_o that_o apostate_n
church_n where_o man_n be_v wrought_v on_o by_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n to_o relinquish_v sin_n and_o set_v themselves_o in_o opposition_n unto_o its_o power_n find_v themselves_o altogether_o unable_a to_o do_v it_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n itself_o which_o must_v be_v perfect_o holy_a they_o betake_v themselves_o to_o a_o number_n of_o superstitious_a observance_n which_o they_o trust_v unto_o in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o law_n with_o its_o command_n and_o duty_n but_o the_o law_n make_v nothing_o perfect_a nor_o be_v the_o motive_n it_o give_v for_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o sin_n in_o we_o able_a to_o bear_v we_o out_o and_o carry_v we_o through_o that_o undertake_n but_o the_o motive_n and_o encouragement_n give_v by_o grace_n to_o endeavour_v the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o sin_n in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n be_v such_o as_o give_v life_n cheerfulness_n courage_n and_o perseverance_n they_o continual_o animate_v relieve_v and_o revive_v the_o soul_n in_o all_o its_o work_n and_o duty_n keep_v it_o from_o faint_a and_o despondency_n for_o they_o be_v all_o take_v from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n from_o the_o whole_a work_n and_o end_v of_o his_o mediation_n from_o the_o ready_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o their_o own_o with_o other_o believer_n experience_n all_o give_v they_o the_o high_a assurance_n of_o final_a success_n and_o victory_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v under_o the_o influence_n of_o these_o motive_n whatever_o difficulty_n and_o opposition_n it_o meet_v withal_o from_o solicit_v temptation_n or_o surprisal_n it_o will_v renew_v its_o strength_n it_o will_v run_v and_o not_o be_v weary_a it_o will_v walk_v and_o not_o faint_a according_a to_o the_o promise_n isa._n xl_o 31._o four_o christ_n be_v not_o in_o the_o law_n he_o be_v not_o propose_v in_o it_o not_o communicate_v by_o it_o we_o be_v not_o make_v partaker_n of_o he_o thereby_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o it_o be_v christ_n reveal_v by_o it_o he_o be_v propose_v and_o exhibit_v unto_o we_o thereby_o be_v we_o make_v partaker_n of_o he_o and_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o mediation_n and_o he_o it_o be_v alone_o who_o come_v to_o and_o can_v destroy_v this_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o compliment_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n where_o all_o his_o design_n centre_n this_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a to_o destroy_v he_o alone_o ruin_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n who_o power_n be_v act_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o sin._n wherefore_o hereunto_o our_o assurance_n of_o this_o comfortable_a truth_n be_v principal_o resolve_v and_o what_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o do_v for_o this_o end_n be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o subject_n of_o gospel_n revelation_n the_o like_a may_v be_v speak_v of_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v the_o only_a principal_a efficient_a cause_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin._n for_o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v there_o be_v liberty_n and_o no_o where_o else_o but_o we_o receive_v this_o spirit_n not_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n but_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o faith_n gal._n iij._o 2._o chap._n vi_o the_o practical_a observation_n draw_v from_o and_o application_n make_v of_o the_o whole_a text._n have_v open_v the_o word_n and_o make_v some_o improvement_n of_o they_o i_o shall_v now_o take_v one_o or_o two_o observation_n from_o the_o design_n of_o they_o and_o issue_v the_o whole_a in_o a_o word_n of_o application_n i._o it_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a mercy_n and_o privilege_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin._n as_o such_o it_o be_v here_o propose_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o such_o it_o be_v esteem_v by_o they_o that_o believe_v nothing_o be_v more_o sweet_a precious_a and_o valuable_a unto_o a_o soul_n conflict_v with_o sin_n and_o temptation_n than_o to_o hear_v that_o sin_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o dominion_n over_o they_o ah_o what_o will_v some_o give_v that_o it_o may_v be_v speak_v unto_o they_o with_o power_n so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v steadfast_o believe_v it_o and_o have_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o fool_n make_v a_o mock_n of_o sin_n and_o some_o glory_n in_o the_o service_n of_o it_o which_o be_v their_o shame_n but_o those_o who_o understand_v any_o thing_n aright_o either_o of_o what_o be_v present_a or_o what_o be_v to_o come_v do_v know_v that_o this_o freedom_n from_o its_o dominion_n be_v a_o unvaluable_a mercy_n and_o we_o may_v consider_v the_o ground_n which_o evidence_n it_o so_o to_o be_v 1._o it_o appear_v so_o to_o be_v from_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o it_o be_v that_o which_o no_o man_n can_v by_o his_o own_o power_n and_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o endeavour_n attain_v unto_o man_n by_o they_o may_v grow_v rich_a or_o wise_a or_o learned_a but_o no_o man_n by_o they_o can_v shake_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o sin._n if_o a_o man_n have_v all_o the_o wealth_n of_o the_o world_n he_o can_v not_o by_o it_o purchase_v this_o liberty_n it_o will_v be_v despise_v and_o when_o sinner_n go_v hence_o to_o the_o place_n where_o the_o rich_a man_n be_v torment_v and_o have_v nothing_o more_o to_o do_v with_o this_o world_n they_o will_v give_v it_o all_o if_o they_o have_v it_o for_o a_o interest_n in_o this_o liberty_n it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o law_n and_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o can_v procure_v the_o law_n and_o its_o duty_n as_o we_o have_v declare_v can_v never_o destroy_v the_o dominion_n of_o sin._n all_o man_n will_v find_v the_o truth_n hereof_o that_o ever_o come_v to_o fall_v under_o the_o power_n of_o real_a conviction_n when_o sin_n press_v on_o they_o and_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o its_o consequent_n they_o will_v find_v that_o the_o law_n be_v weak_a and_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a and_o their_o duty_n be_v weak_a their_o resolution_n and_o vow_n be_v weak_a all_o insufficient_a to_o relieve_v they_o and_o if_o they_o think_v themselves_o free_v one_o day_n they_o shall_v find_v the_o next_o that_o they_o be_v under_o bondage_n sin_n for_o all_o this_o will_v rule_v over_o they_o with_o force_n and_o rigour_n and_o in_o this_o condition_n do_v some_o spend_v all_o their_o day_n in_o this_o world._n they_o kindle_v spark_n of_o their_o own_o and_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o they_o until_o they_o lie_v down_o in_o darkness_n and_o sorrow_n they_o sin_n and_o promise_n amendment_n and_o endeavour_v recompense_n by_o some_o duty_n yet_o can_v never_o extricate_v themselves_o from_o the_o yoke_n of_o sin._n we_o may_v therefore_o learn_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o privilege_n first_o from_o its_o cause_n whereof_o i_o shall_v mention_v some_o only_o 1._o the_o meritorious_a procure_a cause_n of_o this_o liberty_n be_v the_o death_n and_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ._n so_o be_v it_o declare_v 1_o pet._n i_o 18_o 19_o 1_o cor._n vi_fw-la 20._o chap._n seven_o 23._o nothing_o else_o can_v purchase_v this_o freedom_n under_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n we_o be_v and_o can_v not_o be_v deliver_v without_o a_o ransom_n christ_n die_v and_o rise_v and_o live_v again_o that_o he_o may_v be_v our_o lord_n rom._n fourteen_o 9_o and_o so_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o power_n of_o all_o other_o lord_n whatever_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v no_o ransom_n due_a to_o sin_n or_o satan_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o they_o be_v to_o be_v dethrone_v or_o destroy_v by_o a_o act_n of_o power_n both_o the_o devil_n and_o sin_n which_o be_v his_o work_n be_v to_o be_v destroy_v not_o appease_v heb._n ij_o 14._o 1_o john_n iij._o 8._o but_o the_o strength_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o law_n 1_o cor._n xv_o 56._o that_o be_v through_o the_o righteous_a sentence_n of_o god_n we_o be_v hold_v by_o the_o law_n obnoxious_a unto_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o sin._n from_o that_o law_n we_o can_v not_o be_v deliver_v but_o by_o this_o price_n and_o ransom_n two_o thing_n hence_o follow_v 1._o those_o who_o live_v in_o sin_n who_o willing_o abide_v in_o the_o service_n of_o it_o and_o endure_v its_o dominion_n do_v cast_v the_o utmost_a contempt_n on_o the_o wisdom_n love_n and_o grace_n of_o christ._n they_o despise_v that_o which_o cost_v he_o so_o dear_a they_o judge_v that_o he_o make_v a_o very_a foolish_a purchase_n of_o this_o liberty_n for_o we_o with_o his_o dear_a blood._n whatever_o it_o be_v they_o prefer_v the_o present_a satisfaction_n of_o their_o lust_n before_o it_o this_o be_v the_o poison_n of_o unbelief_n there_o be_v in_o it_o a_o high_a contempt_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o christ._n the_o language_n of_o man_n heart_n