corrupt_v a_o ancient_a practice_n and_o use_v the_o key_n of_o the_o church_n only_o to_o unlock_v the_o conscience_n first_o and_o then_o the_o purse_n of_o the_o laity_n and_o be_v a_o wretched_a corruption_n of_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o repentance_n by_o make_v it_o a_o light_n and_o transient_a thing_n and_o that_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o sorrow_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v sufficient_a for_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n from_o they_o i_o doubt_v not_o come_v the_o first_o loose_a and_o wretched_a mistake_v about_o repentance_n and_o these_o be_v join_v with_o the_o false_a and_o unwary_a doctrine_n of_o other_o about_o justify_v and_o save_v faith_n its_o be_v a_o mere_a fiduciary_a reliance_n upon_o christ_n and_o his_o merit_n and_o that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v save_v by_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o obedience_n to_o its_o command_n or_o perform_v its_o condition_n and_o that_o god_n grace_n be_v so_o powerful_a and_o miraculous_a in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n that_o it_o do_v its_o work_n instantaneous_o and_o irresistible_o these_o hinder_v man_n from_o perform_v that_o duty_n that_o true_a repentance_n and_o obedience_n which_o they_o think_v upon_o some_o account_v not_o so_o necessary_a or_o that_o they_o expect_v can_v be_v do_v for_o they_o in_o a_o instant_n and_o so_o they_o need_v not_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o it_o all_o their_o life_n by_o these_o reserve_v and_o false_a principle_n and_o comfortable_a as_o they_o call_v they_o but_o deceitful_a doctrine_n they_o shift_v off_o the_o difficult_a task_n of_o leave_v all_o their_o sin_n and_o lead_v a_o good_a life_n which_o otherwise_o must_v be_v own_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a way_n to_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n and_o when_o this_o appear_v clear_o to_o we_o as_o it_o will_v if_o we_o right_o understand_v religion_n nothing_o but_o downright_a atheism_n and_o disbelieve_v it_o will_v hinder_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o upon_o our_o life_n but_o as_o to_o the_o usefulness_n of_o those_o penitential_a austerity_n and_o mortification_n and_o act_n of_o humiliation_n though_o private_a repentance_n may_v be_v without_o they_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v of_o some_o good_a use_n and_o advantage_n both_o as_o mean_n to_o promote_v it_o and_o as_o sign_n fit_a to_o express_v it_o thus_o fast_v especial_o and_o abstinence_n from_o food_n be_v a_o proper_a way_n both_o of_o afflict_v the_o soul_n and_o of_o bring_v the_o body_n into_o subjection_n and_o as_o feast_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v improper_a for_o one_o sorrow_v mourn_a and_o repent_v as_o we_o ought_v often_o to_o be_v upon_o serious_a and_o sad_a reflection_n make_v upon_o our_o sin_n so_o for_o many_o sin_n pamper_v and_o indulge_v the_o carcase_n be_v add_v fuel_n to_o they_o and_o to_o abate_v and_o subtract_v from_o our_o meat_n and_o drink_n be_v to_o cut_v off_o those_o recruit_n and_o nourishment_n which_o usual_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n and_o maintain_v the_o lust_n thereof_o now_o then_o private_a prudence_n and_o discretion_n will_v advise_v every_o good_a man_n to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o which_o he_o find_v may_v be_v so_o useful_a and_o instrumental_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o virtue_n and_o to_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n but_o to_o enjoin_v it_o further_o and_o lay_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o it_o to_o all_o person_n and_o temper_n as_o of_o prayer_n give_v alm_n and_o other_o christian_a duty_n this_o be_v more_o than_o either_o the_o church_n or_o the_o scripture_n do_v ever_o warrant_n i_o speak_v as_o to_o private_a repentance_n which_o be_v effectual_a to_o every_o man_n pardon_n and_o salvation_n as_o to_o public_a such_o as_o the_o public_a fast_n command_v by_o authority_n either_o in_o the_o jewish_a or_o christian_a church_n there_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o obedience_n to_o those_o who_o be_v lawful_a governor_n make_v it_o a_o duty_n to_o comply_v with_o their_o religious_a command_n and_o design_n and_o to_o express_v our_o public_a and_o solemn_a repentance_n by_o such_o sign_n as_o be_v fit_a and_o usual_a on_o such_o a_o occasion_n and_o not_o to_o keep_v a_o festival_n when_o our_o governor_n and_o our_o christian_a neighbour_n and_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o some_o judgement_n call_v upon_o we_o for_o fast_v and_o humiliation_n but_o bow_v long_o we_o be_v then_o to_o fast_o and_o whither_o to_o eat_v nothing_o till_o the_o evening_n and_o what_o kind_n of_o meat_n be_v what_o our_o health_n and_o constitution_n and_o a_o little_a degree_n of_o prudence_n join_v with_o a_o good_a sense_n of_o religion_n will_v direct_v we_o in_o without_o a_o confessor_n he_o be_v a_o slave_n to_o his_o appetite_n and_o make_v a_o god_n of_o his_o belly_n who_o can_v deny_v himself_o a_o meal_n now_o and_o then_o upon_o such_o a_o account_n and_o he_o be_v a_o weak_a and_o superstitious_a creature_n who_o think_v religion_n lie_v in_o some_o strict_a and_o little_a nicety_n of_o perform_v this_o without_o regard_n to_o his_o health_n and_o the_o more_o true_a and_o proper_a design_n of_o it_o fast_v have_v be_v always_o observe_v by_o devout_a and_o pious_a penitent_n in_o all_o age_n as_o a_o exercise_n of_o penitence_n and_o a_o help_n to_o devotion_n and_o religion_n and_o lent_n or_o the_o antepaschal_n fast_o be_v especial_o of_o great_a usage_n and_o antiquity_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o not_o observe_v alike_o in_o all_o place_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o irenaeus_n and_o other_o but_o it_o be_v chief_o design_v for_o public_a penitence_n of_o notorious_a sinner_n who_o be_v to_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n at_o easter_n but_o it_o may_v be_v of_o good_a use_n to_o the_o private_a repentance_n of_o every_o particular_a christian_a who_o ought_v to_o set_v aside_o some_o time_n for_o the_o examine_v of_o himself_o and_o the_o reflect_v upon_o his_o past_a sin_n and_o as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v he_o ought_v to_o exercise_n a_o particular_a repentance_n for_o all_o the_o wilful_a sin_n he_o ever_o commit_v and_o to_o have_v some_o appoint_a time_n to_o offer_v up_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n and_o to_o let_v his_o heart_n bleed_v afresh_o and_o pierce_v itself_o very_o deep_o with_o the_o remembrance_n of_o its_o past_a sin_n which_o though_o god_n have_v forget_v so_o as_o not_o to_o punish_v yet_o he_o ought_v never_o to_o forget_v so_o as_o not_o to_o repent_v of_o they_o i_o mention_v not_o other_o bodily_a penance_n such_o as_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n which_o be_v eastern_a modes_n of_o mourn_v but_o do_v no_o more_o oblige_v we_o than_o rend_v our_o garment_n and_o pour_v out_o water_n which_o be_v use_v by_o they_o and_o as_o to_o whip_n and_o go_v barefoot_a which_o one_o call_v the_o penance_n of_o a_o goose_n some_o of_o those_o which_o be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v rather_o heathenish_a than_o christian_a custom_n like_o baal_n priest_n cut_v and_o lance_v themselves_o and_o they_o be_v no_o more_o proper_a to_o cure_v man_n of_o their_o sin_n or_o be_v help_n to_o repentance_n than_o the_o take_v a_o purge_n or_o vomit_n which_o will_v work_v as_o effectual_o upon_o their_o mind_n and_o expel_v their_o vice_n and_o corruption_n as_o well_o as_o any_o of_o those_o penitential_a rod_n and_o discipline_n upon_o the_o back_n of_o fool_n who_o understand_v not_o what_o true_a repentance_n be_v all_o such_o bodily_a exercise_n profit_v nothing_o to_o the_o free_n from_o their_o sin_n but_o be_v only_o a_o commute_v with_o god_n for_o they_o and_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o repentance_n lie_v only_o in_o such_o a_o opus_fw-la operatum_fw-la which_o however_o severe_a it_o seem_v yet_o be_v much_o easy_a than_o to_o leave_v their_o sin_n and_o their_o belove_a lust_n as_o we_o find_v many_o of_o our_o lover_n of_o wine_n rather_o choose_v to_o take_v physic_n now_o and_o then_o to_o cure_v their_o headache_n than_o to_o become_v sober_a which_o will_v do_v it_o much_o better_o but_o true_a repentance_n be_v not_o to_o be_v know_v or_o judge_v of_o by_o such_o unnatural_a folly_n which_o they_o call_v the_o fruit_n but_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o shadow_n of_o true_a repentance_n nor_o by_o any_o of_o these_o external_n symptom_n or_o act_n of_o penitence_n which_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a exercise_n or_o attendant_n of_o it_o but_o by_o the_o change_n wrought_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o the_o effectual_a amendment_n and_o reformation_n of_o both_o as_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o soundness_n and_o goodness_n of_o our_o health_n not_o by_o the_o strength_n or_o bitterness_n of_o the_o physic_n we_o
restitution_n for_o it_o even_o before_o he_o be_v apprehend_v and_o before_o the_o thought_n and_o terror_n of_o death_n fright_v he_o into_o it_o and_o herein_o may_v lie_v a_o mighty_a difference_n for_o if_o a_o man_n upon_o the_o reflection_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o great_a danger_n he_o be_v in_o thereby_o shall_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n set_v these_o thing_n home_o upon_o his_o mind_n strong_o fix_v and_o exciting_a these_o thought_n in_o he_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o good_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o become_v better_a and_o do_v strengthen_v and_o make_v good_a these_o by_o his_o action_n and_o thus_o begin_v to_o be_v good_a and_o cease_v to_o be_v wicked_a not_o from_o a_o sudden_a fright_n and_o fear_n of_o death_n but_o from_o the_o conviction_n of_o religion_n from_o the_o free_a and_o full_a persuasion_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n which_o be_v like_a to_o remain_v and_o continue_v with_o he_o this_o put_v he_o into_o a_o much_o better_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o be_v more_o true_o repentance_n than_o that_o which_o arise_v in_o man_n when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v when_o they_o have_v a_o force_n put_v upon_o they_o which_o almost_o take_v away_o the_o true_a freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o their_o will_n and_o therefore_o what_o they_o do_v then_o be_v owe_v whole_o to_o that_o and_o cease_v general_o when_o that_o be_v remove_v as_o to_o the_o thief_n we_o know_v not_o what_o his_o case_n be_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v mere_a conjecture_n to_o suppose_v he_o do_v not_o repent_v till_o he_o come_v to_o die_v and_o it_o be_v the_o most_o groundless_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o apply_v his_o case_n to_o that_o of_o a_o wicked_a man_n who_o repent_v not_o till_o he_o find_v he_o must_v quick_o die_v when_o so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v his_o be_v perfect_o different_a that_o he_o be_v neither_o a_o very_a wicked_a man_n in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o as_o for_o that_o single_a act_n of_o wickedness_n which_o be_v record_v of_o he_o that_o he_o may_v repent_v of_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o commit_v it_o and_o that_o may_v be_v many_o year_n before_o he_o suffer_v for_o it_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v make_v no_o certain_a judgement_n by_o it_o much_o less_o raise_v a_o doctrine_n from_o it_o which_o suppose_v those_o two_o thing_n which_o so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v may_v be_v both_o false_a and_o than_o who_o will_v venture_v his_o soul_n upon_o such_o a_o mere_a uncertainty_n as_o that_o another_o man_n who_o he_o know_v very_o little_a of_o do_v not_o repent_v till_o he_o come_v to_o die_v and_o live_v very_o ill_a all_o the_o while_n before_o neither_o of_o which_o may_v be_v true_a but_o if_o they_o be_v yet_o 3._o how_o can_v he_o tell_v but_o this_o may_v be_v a_o extraordinary_a case_n and_o such_o as_o no_o way_n belong_v to_o he_o nor_o to_o any_o other_o sinner_n whatsoever_o what_o if_o christ_n to_o show_v the_o wonderful_a and_o miraculous_a power_n of_o his_o cross_n towards_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n be_v please_v to_o give_v a_o uncommon_a and_o extraordinary_a instance_n of_o it_o at_o that_o time_n such_o as_o no_o other_o sinner_n shall_v ever_o expect_v the_o like_a unless_o christ_n shall_v again_o come_v down_o and_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n with_o he_o what_o if_o god_n who_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n be_v please_v to_o let_v this_o penitent_a thief_n be_v a_o singular_a example_n of_o his_o unlimited_a power_n and_o prerogative_n to_o save_v beyond_o all_o ordinary_a rule_n because_o of_o his_o die_v at_o that_o time_n with_o christ_n this_o do_v no_o more_o make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o stand_n and_o certain_a measure_n of_o his_o deal_n with_o other_o than_o a_o prince_n show_v some_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o mercy_n to_o a_o few_o person_n when_o he_o come_v first_o to_o his_o crown_n and_o release_n all_o prisoner_n at_o his_o inauguration_n declare_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o constant_a rule_n of_o his_o government_n or_o that_o his_o subject_n shall_v have_v reason_n to_o expect_v this_o at_o other_o time_n from_o he_o thus_o the_o case_n may_v be_v extraordinary_a as_o to_o god_n but_o i_o rather_o lay_v it_o as_o such_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o person_n himself_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a person_n who_o have_v the_o honour_n not_o only_o to_o die_v with_o christ_n and_o to_o bear_v he_o company_n upon_o the_o cross_n but_o to_o confess_v and_o own_v he_o there_o in_o the_o face_n of_o all_o his_o enemy_n who_o be_v then_o flout_v and_o revile_v he_o when_o this_o good_a man_n be_v own_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n call_v he_o lord_n and_o pray_v he_o to_o remember_v he_o when_o he_o come_v into_o his_o kingdom_n so_o that_o he_o declare_v the_o most_o illustrious_a act_n of_o faith_n in_o he_o that_o can_v be_v great_a than_o his_o own_o disciple_n than_o have_v for_o they_o do_v not_o so_o clear_o believe_v and_o understand_v his_o kingdom_n not_o to_o be_v of_o this_o world_n and_o they_o all_o forsake_v he_o and_o flee_v when_o this_o man_n alone_o bear_v witness_v to_o he_o before_o the_o scoff_a jew_n and_o all_o his_o barbarous_a crucifier_n which_o be_v be_v a_o martyr_n to_o he_o though_o not_o for_o he_o a_o confess_v he_o in_o his_o death_n though_o not_o by_o it_o and_o he_o that_o do_v thus_o confess_v christ_n before_o man_n and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o do_v it_o when_o he_o be_v in_o his_o low_a and_o most_o contemptible_a state_n and_o who_o probable_o be_v for_o this_o treat_v with_o more_o insult_a mockery_n if_o not_o worse_a usage_n by_o christ_n and_o his_o own_o crucifier_n be_v it_o any_o wonder_n that_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n matth._n 10.32_o shall_v confess_v such_o a_o one_o before_o his_o father_n in_o heaven_n and_o that_o he_o who_o suffer_v with_o he_o and_o so_o eminent_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v reign_v with_o he_o and_o be_v save_v and_o receive_v into_o his_o kingdom_n can_v a_o wicked_a and_o careless_a sinner_n who_o have_v deny_v christ_n by_o his_o life_n who_o have_v affront_v disobey_v and_o contemn_v he_o who_o in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n have_v crucify_v to_o himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n heb._n 6.6_o by_o apostatise_v from_o his_o baptism_n and_o by_o a_o unchristian_a life_n can_v such_o a_o one_o expect_v to_o have_v the_o same_o treatment_n and_o usage_n from_o our_o saviour_n for_o a_o few_o die_a sorrow_n and_o empty_a vow_n and_o little_a remorse_n as_o this_o famous_a convert_n this_o great_a confessor_n this_o eminent_a martyr_n this_o apostle_n of_o christ_n as_o i_o may_v call_v he_o who_o preach_v he_o upon_o the_o cross_n before_o his_o great_a enemy_n and_o seal_v his_o illustrious_a faith_n in_o he_o with_o his_o die_a word_n and_o his_o last_o breath_n no_o sure_o the_o case_n must_v be_v very_o different_a between_o he_o and_o a_o ordinary_a and_o profligate_v sinner_n a_o wicked_a and_o vile_a christian_a i_o do_v not_o think_v any_o far_o fetch_v notion_n necessary_a to_o salve_v this_o matter_n of_o the_o thief_n salvation_n by_o suppose_v he_o with_o a_o late_a author_n to_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o baptism_n the_o baptismus_fw-la sanguinis_fw-la and_o then_o that_o baptism_n will_v save_v a_o man_n without_o obedience_n and_o a_o good_a life_n for_o i_o deny_v that_o baptism_n have_v any_o such_o grace_n or_o benefit_n as_o without_o those_o to_o save_v a_o wicked_a man_n though_o he_o shall_v be_v baptise_a in_o articulo_fw-la mortis_fw-la when_o he_o be_v just_o a_o die_a for_o if_o a_o new_o baptise_a person_n be_v not_o actual_o a_o good_a man_n in_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o god_n will_v accept_v by_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n his_o baptism_n shall_v not_o save_v he_o though_o it_o put_v he_o into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n if_o he_o be_v so_o but_o not_o otherwise_o as_o be_v plain_a by_o simon_n magus_n for_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n be_v not_o specifical_o different_a before_o baptism_n and_o after_o but_o only_o gradual_o if_o they_o be_v a_o man_n will_v defer_v his_o baptism_n till_o near_o his_o death_n as_o some_o do_v of_o old_a upon_o this_o mistake_a notion_n of_o such_o a_o baptismal_a grace_n as_o save_v a_o man_n by_o a_o outward_a without_o a_o inward_a regeneration_n and_o real_a holiness_n the_o actual_a proof_n and_o sign_n of_o which_o the_o primitive_a church_n require_v in_o the_o adult_n before_o they_o admit_v they_o to_o
shall_v hearken_v only_o to_o the_o desire_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o our_o inferior_a appetite_n and_o not_o to_o the_o wise_a voice_n and_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o folly_n of_o this_o and_o see_v the_o many_o ill_a effect_n that_o have_v come_v of_o it_o when_o we_o consider_v right_o and_o weigh_v thing_n impartial_o and_o make_v judgement_n not_o by_o our_o lust_n and_o passion_n but_o by_o right_a reason_n and_o wisdom_n and_o shall_v condemn_v ourselves_o when_o we_o grow_v cool_v for_o all_o the_o mad_a frolic_n and_o extravagancy_n we_o commit_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o folly_n and_o shall_v then_o feel_v the_o pain_n and_o wound_n they_o give_v we_o though_o we_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o they_o before_o then_o we_o shall_v see_v that_o danger_n which_o before_o we_o be_v not_o due_o aware_a of_o and_o have_v a_o dread_n and_o terror_n of_o that_o upon_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o due_a punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n for_o the_o consciousness_n of_o our_o own_o guilt_n will_v fill_v we_o with_o terrible_a fear_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o burden_n great_a than_o we_o can_v bear_v but_o how_o full_o to_o get_v rid_v of_o it_o be_v a_o defect_n and_o a_o desideratum_fw-la in_o natural_a religion_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v go_v further_a than_o that_o for_o the_o other_o motive_n to_o repentance_n which_o be_v fetch_v from_o revelation_n and_o from_o the_o gospel_n and_o christianity_n under_o which_o god_n now_o command_v all_o man_n to_o repent_v as_o st._n paul_n say_v act_v 17.30_o now_o more_o than_o heretofore_o namely_o by_o some_o more_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a motive_n great_a than_o mankind_n have_v before_o to_o encourage_v they_o to_o this_o duty_n such_o as_o i_o shall_v come_v now_o to_o consider_v and_o shall_v offer_v very_o large_o sect_n iii_o motive_n to_o repentance_n from_o the_o gospel_n 1._o now_o then_o by_o revelation_n and_o the_o gospel_n we_o have_v a_o assurance_n of_o god_n pardon_v we_o upon_o our_o repentance_n which_o the_o world_n can_v not_o have_v without_o a_o revelation_n for_o this_o depend_v upon_o the_o free_a will_n and_o anbitrary_a pleasure_n of_o god_n to_o which_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v by_o his_o essential_a and_o natural_a goodness_n and_o of_o which_o we_o can_v be_v certain_o assure_v without_o a_o express_a promise_n and_o divine_a revelation_n nature_n teach_v all_o mankind_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v from_o revelation_n but_o must_v be_v suppose_v as_o previous_a and_o antecedent_n to_o it_o we_o learn_v it_o not_o from_o the_o bible_n but_o from_o the_o great_a volume_n of_o nature_n that_o lie_v every_o where_o write_v before_o we_o with_o the_o plain_a mark_n of_o a_o infinite_a and_o perfect_a and_o wise_a god_n and_o in_o that_o the_o character_n of_o his_o goodness_n be_v as_o legible_a as_o these_o of_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n by_o make_v his_o sun_n to_o shine_v on_o the_o evil_a and_o on_o the_o good_a and_o send_v rain_n on_o the_o just_a and_o the_o unjust_a and_o by_o other_o the_o natural_a provision_n and_o contrivance_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o creature_n god_n have_v show_v himself_o to_o be_v no_o evil_a and_o malicious_a principle_n as_o some_o heretic_n imagine_v but_o a_o be_v of_o goodness_n which_o be_v a_o essential_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o as_o natural_a and_o necessary_a to_o he_o as_o his_o very_a be_v and_o this_o goodness_n belong_v to_o he_o not_o only_o as_o a_o creator_n but_o a_o governor_n and_o oblige_v he_o not_o to_o condemn_v a_o innocent_a creature_n nor_o inflict_v more_o misery_n upon_o it_o than_o he_o give_v it_o good_a by_o its_o be_v his_o natural_a justice_n as_o well_o as_o his_o goodness_n hinder_v he_o from_o do_v any_o injury_n by_o his_o power_n or_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o unalterable_a rule_n of_o right_n and_o wrong_n from_o doom_a man_n to_o misery_n by_o a_o eternal_a decree_n before_o they_o have_v offend_v he_o from_o punish_v any_o one_o more_o than_o he_o deserve_v for_o the_o fault_n of_o another_o and_o for_o any_o fault_n of_o its_o own_o that_o be_v whole_o inevitable_a and_o unavoidable_a but_o after_o man_n have_v wilful_o offend_v god_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o voluntary_a crime_n and_o presumptuous_a disobedience_n against_o his_o know_a and_o righteous_a law_n and_o so_o fall_v under_o his_o just_a anger_n and_o displeasure_n that_o then_o he_o shall_v not_o punish_v they_o as_o they_o deserve_v this_o his_o natural_a goodness_n do_v no_o way_n require_v of_o he_o if_o it_o do_v than_o he_o can_v never_o punish_v any_o sin_n nor_o make_v any_o use_n of_o the_o sword_n of_o justice_n but_o his_o goodness_n will_v tie_v up_o his_o hand_n and_o put_v a_o necessary_a and_o constant_a restraint_n upon_o he_o which_o will_v make_v it_o whole_o inconsistent_a with_o his_o other_o attribute_n and_o with_o his_o wise_a government_n of_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o which_o it_o be_v more_o necessary_a to_o punish_v sin_n than_o to_o forgive_v it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a then_o with_o goodness_n to_o punish_v sin_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a from_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v forgive_v and_o god_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o do_v this_o from_o his_o essential_a or_o natural_a goodness_n but_o it_o depend_v upon_o a_o more_o free_a and_o arbitrary_a grace_n and_o goodness_n that_o be_v not_o include_v in_o the_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o god_n or_o in_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n as_o a_o necessary_a part_n of_o it_o and_o so_o not_o knowable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n god_n goodness_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n and_o yet_o so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v he_o never_o offer_v forgiveness_n to_o a_o great_a number_n of_o his_o creature_n when_o they_o once_o rebel_v against_o he_o and_o yet_o the_o devil_n themselves_o can_v bring_v no_o just_a impeachment_n against_o the_o divine_a goodness_n notwithstanding_o that_o no_o more_o can_v we_o have_v do_v if_o god_n have_v deal_v thus_o with_o mankind_n if_o he_o have_v punish_v we_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o wilful_o break_v his_o law_n and_o never_o admit_v we_o to_o pardon_n a_o good_a lawgiver_n be_v bind_v only_o to_o give_v righteous_a and_o good_a law_n to_o his_o subject_n and_o if_o they_o break_v they_o they_o make_v themselves_o just_o liable_a to_o the_o punishment_n that_o be_v threaten_v and_o it_o be_v no_o more_o contrary_a to_o goodness_n to_o inflict_v that_o than_o it_o be_v at_o first_o to_o threaten_v it_o and_o though_o that_o be_v very_o severe_a and_o terrible_a yet_o if_o it_o exceed_v not_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o crime_n i._n e._n if_o it_o be_v no_o great_a than_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o end_n of_o government_n for_o that_o be_v the_o only_a true_a and_o full_a measure_n by_o which_o the_o proportion_n of_o the_o fault_n and_o the_o punishment_n can_v be_v adjust_v it_o be_v no_o way_n contrary_a to_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o governor_n to_o see_v it_o execute_v i_o do_v not_o think_v he_o be_v always_o oblige_v to_o punish_v by_o his_o vindictive_a justice_n no_o more_o than_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o pardon_v by_o his_o essential_a goodness_n but_o here_o his_o prerogative_n rogative_n take_v place_n and_o there_o be_v room_n either_o to_o pardon_v or_o to_o punish_v as_o he_o please_v without_o regard_n to_o any_o law_n or_o obligation_n mercy_n which_o be_v a_o relax_n of_o a_o law_n be_v due_a by_o no_o law_n if_o it_o be_v it_o will_v make_v void_a all_o other_o law_n it_o will_v be_v not_o a_o relax_a or_o a_o abate_n of_o a_o law_n but_o a_o correct_v all_o other_o law_n by_o a_o law_n that_o be_v superior_a to_o they_o and_o so_o it_o will_v be_v a_o injury_n or_o a_o deny_v a_o legal_a right_n not_o to_o grant_v it_o where_o that_o snperiour_a law_n require_v it_o but_o it_o be_v a_o pure_a and_o arbitrary_a and_o undue_a favour_n show_v to_o one_o that_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o right_n or_o claim_v to_o it_o which_o a_o supreme_a governor_n who_o have_v a_o power_n paramount_n to_o all_o law_n may_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o grant_v or_o deny_v by_o the_o mere_a motion_n and_o free_a inclination_n of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n so_o that_o mankind_n can_v not_o know_v that_o god_n will_v do_v this_o will_v be_v so_o good_a as_o to_o forgive_v their_o wilful_a sin_n and_o offence_n against_o he_o from_o his_o natural_a goodness_n nor_o can_v have_v any_o certain_a ground_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o but_o by_o his_o own_o express_a promise_n and_o positive_a declaration_n of_o this_o his_o free_a grace_n and_o good_a will_n towards_o they_o
all_o the_o corruption_n and_o imperfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o conquer_v all_o those_o sin_n that_o be_v think_v never_o so_o difficult_a or_o even_o insuperable_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o to_o practise_v all_o those_o virtue_n that_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o our_o natural_a temper_n or_o sensual_a inclination_n be_v there_o never_o so_o many_o argument_n to_o the_o do_v of_o a_o thing_n and_o never_o so_o much_o danger_n in_o not_o do_v it_o be_v it_o never_o so_o great_a and_o important_a or_o never_o so_o necessary_a yet_o if_o after_o all_o a_o man_n be_v without_o power_n and_o without_o ability_n to_o do_v it_o they_o will_v be_v all_o in_o vain_a and_o to_o no_o more_o purpose_n than_o to_o persuade_v a_o blind_a man_n to_o see_v by_o the_o conveniency_n of_o that_o sense_n or_o a_o lame_a man_n to_o run_v by_o the_o danger_n he_o may_v otherwise_o be_v in_o or_o a_o man_n tumble_v from_o a_o precipice_n to_o stop_v before_o he_o fall_v to_o the_o bottom_n it_o be_v only_a to_o mock_v and_o deride_v we_o with_o motive_n and_o argument_n to_o a_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v whole_o out_o of_o our_o power_n to_o effect_v it_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o such_o motive_n to_o the_o do_v a_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v otherwise_o persuade_v be_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o importance_n as_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o sufficient_a power_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o without_o which_o all_o our_o vigour_n will_v be_v dampt_v and_o all_o the_o sinew_n of_o industry_n cut_v and_o all_o our_o endeavour_n blast_v by_o which_o we_o shall_v set_v about_o it_o and_o we_o shall_v run_v the_o censure_n of_o those_o foolish_a undertaker_n our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o luke_n 14._o who_o will_v make_v war_n or_o build_v a_o tower_n without_o power_n to_o go_v on_o with_o it_o god_n have_v therefore_o give_v we_o the_o great_a encouragement_n by_o the_o gospel_n that_o can_v be_v to_o set_v upon_o the_o practice_n as_o of_o all_o other_o duty_n so_o especial_o of_o this_o hard_a one_o of_o repentance_n when_o he_o thereby_o assure_v we_o that_o his_o grace_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o that_o he_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v that_o his_o spirit_n shall_v be_v give_v we_o and_o abide_v with_o we_o for_o ever_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v mighty_o strengthen_v by_o it_o in_o the_o inner_a man_n so_o that_o a_o new_a and_o strong_a and_o vital_a principle_n shall_v be_v add_v to_o humane_a nature_n to_o strengthen_v its_o weakness_n repair_v its_o decay_n recruit_v its_o force_n support_v its_o feeble_a power_n raise_v its_o sink_a state_n and_o restore_v it_o to_o the_o virtue_n and_o perfection_n it_o have_v lose_v by_o its_o sin_n how_o weak_a and_o decay_a how_o corrupt_v and_o degenerate_v humane_a nature_n be_v of_o its_o self_n both_o scripture_n and_o our_o own_o experience_n do_v sufficient_o teach_v we_o how_o strong_a and_o violent_a our_o passion_n be_v and_o how_o weak_a our_o reason_n to_o master_n and_o govern_v they_o how_o prone_a the_o will_n be_v to_o consent_v to_o what_o be_v evil_a be_v it_o but_o a_o little_a grateful_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o what_o strong_a proclivity_n and_o inclination_n be_v in_o we_o to_o many_o sin_n the_o heathen_n be_v very_o sensible_a of_o this_o corruption_n and_o decay_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o into_o what_o a_o low_a and_o degenerate_a state_n it_o be_v sink_v and_o therefore_o they_o complain_v very_o often_o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o soul_n be_v sink_v into_o matter_n and_o a_o terrestrial_a state_n its_o wing_n be_v moult_v and_o its_o power_n be_v droop_a and_o sickly_a and_o what_o shall_v raise_v and_o restore_v it_o and_o be_v a_o cure_n to_o this_o disease_n they_o can_v not_o find_v out_o they_o feel_v how_o strong_a be_v the_o propension_n to_o vice_n and_o how_o the_o mind_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o hierocles_n speak_v be_v carry_v by_o its_o passion_n like_v so_o many_o weight_n hang_v upon_o it_o and_o incline_v it_o to_o sin_n and_o what_o shall_v balance_v these_o what_o shall_v turn_v and_o counterpoise_v those_o propensity_n and_o inclination_n what_o shall_v bear_v up_o against_o all_o the_o corruption_n from_o within_o and_o the_o temptation_n from_o without_o and_o relieve_v and_o succour_v the_o weak_a force_n of_o decay_a nature_n that_o be_v so_o strong_o besiege_v and_o so_o little_a able_a to_o hold_v out_o of_o itself_o this_o they_o can_v not_o know_v for_o it_o be_v only_o by_o the_o gospel_n and_o christianity_n that_o we_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o be_v give_v to_o we_o when_o we_o ask_v it_o and_o to_o belong_v as_o a_o right_n to_o all_o christian_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o be_v a_o stand_a principle_n to_o prevent_v and_o restrain_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o work_v holiness_n and_o virtue_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o now_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o we_o have_v the_o great_a encouragement_n to_o repent_v and_o leave_v our_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o power_n to_o do_v so_o we_o have_v a_o new_a principle_n of_o life_n convey_v into_o our_o soul_n and_o a_o fresh_a and_o heavenly_a and_o almost_o a_o miraculous_a power_n give_v to_o we_o by_o which_o the_o lame_a may_v walk_v and_o the_o leper_n be_v cleanse_v i._n e._n by_o which_o those_o who_o be_v natural_o impotent_a may_v be_v enable_v to_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o the_o great_a sinner_n may_v be_v cure_v of_o their_o foul_a sin_n all_o the_o excuse_n which_o be_v more_o reasonable_a and_o plausible_a heretofore_o of_o the_o weakness_n and_o impotency_n of_o our_o nature_n of_o the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o our_o corruption_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o unavoidableness_n of_o our_o sinful_a action_n be_v now_o quite_o take_v away_o by_o this_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o the_o gospel_n promise_n and_o bestow_v upon_o we_o by_o this_o the_o great_a sin_n may_v be_v conquer_v the_o strong_a lust_n and_o temptation_n overcome_v and_o the_o long_a habit_n and_o custom_n change_v and_o break_v so_o that_o no_o sinner_n shall_v be_v discourage_v from_o break_v off_o his_o sin_n by_o repentance_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o difficulty_n or_o impossibility_n of_o it_o since_o no_o sin_n be_v too_o strong_a for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o we_o can_v in_o every_o thing_n be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o he_o which_o strengthen_v we_o and_o great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o we_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o devil_n or_o any_o sin_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o which_o can_v never_o take_v such_o possession_n of_o any_o soul_n as_o not_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o the_o power_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n however_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o overcome_v a_o long_a custom_n and_o root_v out_o a_o ill_a disposition_n and_o to_o restrain_v and_o check_v a_o unbridled_a lust_n and_o appetite_n that_o have_v too_o long_o have_v the_o reins_o throw_v upon_o its_o neck_n yet_o a_o firm_a resolution_n strengthen_v with_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o heaven_n will_v be_v able_a even_o to_o quicken_v and_o raise_v those_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n to_o create_v they_o again_o in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n and_o to_o renew_v they_o again_o unto_o repentance_n heb._n 6.6_o that_o lust_n which_o we_o think_v be_v so_o violent_a that_o all_o the_o force_n of_o reason_n can_v not_o stand_v against_o it_o that_o temptation_n which_o we_o call_v irresistible_a that_o custom_n and_o habit_n which_o we_o imagine_v incurable_a that_o vice_n which_o we_o count_v too_o hard_o for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o deny_v these_o may_v all_o be_v certain_o not_o to_o say_v easy_o overcome_v by_o the_o divine_a grace_n if_o we_o will_v make_v use_n of_o it_o let_v the_o great_a sinner_n therefore_o with_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o auxiliary_a force_n of_o heaven_n set_v upon_o his_o strong_a sin_n let_v he_o but_o bold_o and_o resolute_o fall_v upon_o they_o and_o he_o shall_v find_v they_o will_v give_v ground_n and_o in_o a_o little_a time_n their_o power_n will_v abate_v and_o he_o will_v by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n and_o his_o own_o constant_a endeavour_n obtain_v a_o full_a and_o a_o perfect_a victory_n over_o they_o god_n will_v not_o indeed_o without_o our_o own_o endeavour_n and_o cooperation_n do_v the_o whole_a work_n for_o we_o nor_o will_v his_o spirit_n work_v upon_o we_o as_o if_o we_o be_v machine_n and_o have_v not_o internal_a power_n and_o principle_n of_o action_n within_o ourselves_o by_o
very_o good_a person_n subject_a to_o it_o and_o one_o of_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o cure_v it_o be_v to_o know_v that_o this_o be_v one_o cause_n of_o that_o trouble_n of_o mind_n which_o will_v be_v so_o much_o abate_v when_o one_o be_v persuade_v from_o whence_o it_o often_o come_v or_o be_v heighten_v for_o melancholy_a be_v not_o curable_a by_o religion_n or_o divinity_n and_o they_o who_o be_v subject_a to_o it_o shall_v take_v the_o more_o care_n of_o their_o life_n that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a and_o great_a cause_n to_o fall_v in_o and_o join_v with_o the_o melancholy_a of_o their_o body_n and_o they_o shall_v make_v a_o judgement_n of_o themselves_o in_o their_o best_a temper_n and_o when_o their_o thought_n be_v clear_a and_o shall_v trust_v other_o and_o especial_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n to_o judge_v for_o they_o since_o they_o be_v so_o unfit_a general_o to_o pass_v judgement_n upon_o themselves_o 2._o this_o trouble_v of_o mind_n which_o make_v man_n despair_v of_o mercy_n be_v most_o unreasonable_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o there_o be_v pardon_v hold_v out_o to_o the_o great_a sinner_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o great_a sin_n or_o the_o great_a number_n of_o sin_n if_o we_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o leave_v they_o and_o become_v good_a man_n before_o we_o die_v this_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_a and_o therefore_o no_o man_n have_v any_o just_a cause_n to_o despair_v for_o the_o great_a sin_n or_o sin_n who_o be_v so_o hearty_o trouble_v for_o they_o that_o he_o will_v not_o for_o the_o world_n commit_v they_o again_o and_o who_o resolve_v never_o to_o do_v so_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o to_o practise_v the_o contrary_a virtue_n and_o who_o make_v good_a this_o resolution_n by_o a_o virtuous_a and_o pious_a and_o religious_a life_n this_o man_n will_v as_o certain_o be_v happy_a as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v always_o innocent_a and_o never_o have_v offend_v god_n i_o can_v say_v he_o will_v be_v in_o a_o state_n as_o comfortable_a and_o free_a from_o trouble_n though_o if_o he_o have_v thus_o repent_v and_o become_v a_o good_a man_n he_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o be_v so_o but_o he_o will_v be_v as_o safe_a and_o if_o he_o have_v still_o some_o trouble_n of_o mind_n remain_v upon_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o sin_n though_o never_o so_o long_o pass_v and_o he_o can_v see_v the_o pardon_n of_o they_o with_o the_o same_o certainty_n and_o evidence_n that_o he_o know_v he_o commit_v they_o yet_o this_o shall_v not_o hinder_v his_o pardon_n nor_o affect_v his_o salvation_n if_o he_o have_v true_o and_o full_o repent_v of_o they_o for_o 3._o and_o last_o this_o trouble_v of_o mind_n which_o proceed_v from_o judge_v too_o hardly_o or_o severe_o of_o himself_o be_v rather_o a_o infirmity_n than_o a_o sin_n and_o god_n will_v not_o condemn_v a_o man_n for_o it_o though_o he_o may_v condemn_v himself_o for_o god_n will_v not_o condemn_v a_o man_n unjust_o though_o he_o shall_v unjust_o condemn_v himself_o much_o less_o because_o he_o do_v so_o despair_n be_v indeed_o a_o sad_a state_n but_o i_o can_v say_v it_o be_v always_o a_o damnable_a sin_n or_o want_v of_o faith_n as_o some_o think_v for_o it_o may_v arise_v not_o from_o a_o disbelief_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n or_o the_o freeness_n and_o fullness_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o and_o through_o christ_n but_o mere_o from_o a_o false_a and_o mistake_v and_o too_o hard_a and_o humble_a a_o opinion_n of_o a_o man_n self_n and_o this_o be_v a_o fault_n not_o of_o a_o man_n will_n but_o of_o his_o judgement_n and_o a_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n in_o his_o understanding_n for_o which_o he_o shall_v never_o be_v condemn_v by_o a_o righteous_a god_n but_o he_o will_v reverse_v this_o false_a judgement_n which_o he_o make_v of_o himself_o when_o he_o live_v or_o when_o he_o die_v and_o set_v it_o right_n in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n and_o do_v justice_n to_o he_o at_o the_o great_a tribunal_n though_o he_o do_v not_o do_v it_o to_o himself_o here_o that_o god_n will_v judge_v man_n according_a to_o their_o work_n be_v plain_a in_o scripture_n but_o no_o where_o that_o i_o know_v that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o according_a to_o their_o thought_n their_o vain_a hope_n and_o presumptuous_a or_o vain_a fear_n and_o trouble_n and_o doubt_n and_o even_a despair_n of_o themselves_o so_o that_o though_o this_o trouble_v of_o mind_n or_o this_o wound_a spirit_n be_v a_o comfortless_a and_o unhappy_a state_n yet_o it_o true_o depend_v upon_o the_o cause_n to_o make_v judgement_n of_o it_o or_o to_o conclude_v any_o thing_n from_o it_o and_o true_a and_o timely_a repentance_n be_v the_o best_a and_o certain_a remedy_n for_o it_o chap._n iu._n the_o ill_a consequence_n draw_v from_o the_o privilege_n of_o repentance_n obviate_v and_o prevent_v the_o most_o wicked_a and_o great_a of_o sinner_n who_o have_v any_o thought_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o of_o another_o world_n though_o they_o be_v not_o prevail_v upon_o by_o this_o to_o become_v better_a yet_o make_v this_o reserve_n and_o refuge_n to_o themselves_o that_o they_o will_v repent_v hereafter_o at_o some_o time_n or_o other_o and_o so_o escape_v the_o wrath_n to_o come_v they_o know_v and_o be_v very_o sensible_a if_o they_o have_v not_o shake_v off_o all_o religion_n and_o all_o think_v and_o consider_v of_o these_o thing_n that_o except_o they_o repent_v they_o shall_v all_o perish_v but_o they_o hope_v and_o intend_v to_o prevent_v this_o by_o the_o benefit_n of_o repentance_n and_o so_o make_v use_n of_o that_o not_o to_o bring_v they_o off_o from_o their_o sin_n but_o to_o encourage_v they_o in_o they_o with_o hope_n to_o avoid_v all_o the_o miserable_a consequence_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o live_v in_o they_o and_o so_o by_o this_o privilege_n of_o a_o after_o repentance_n they_o set_v aside_o the_o present_a necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o whole_o destroy_v or_o supersede_n all_o religion_n i_o shall_v therefore_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v that_o most_o common_a and_o most_o fatal_a abuse_n of_o it_o for_o i_o be_o confident_a there_o be_v more_o soul_n perish_v by_o that_o than_o by_o any_o other_o mistake_v whatsoever_o and_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o than_o by_o downright_a infidelity_n and_o disbelief_n of_o all_o religion_n which_o be_v a_o very_a rare_a thing_n and_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o find_v out_o any_o certain_a instance_n that_o have_v ever_o be_v of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v so_o much_o against_o the_o natural_a sense_n and_o reason_n and_o apprehension_n of_o mankind_n but_o the_o other_o be_v the_o common_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n even_o for_o christian_n perhaps_o above_o any_o other_o to_o make_v false_a reason_n to_o themselves_o from_o this_o privilege_n of_o repentance_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n from_o the_o gospel_n to_o think_v they_o may_v secure_v and_o save_v their_o soul_n and_o yet_o indulge_v and_o allow_v themselves_o in_o the_o present_a enjoyment_n of_o their_o sin_n because_o they_o may_v set_v all_o right_n by_o repent_v of_o they_o hereafter_o i_o shall_v therefore_o against_o this_o error_n and_o abuse_n of_o repentance_n and_o to_o obviate_v this_o mischievous_a consequence_n offer_v these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o can_v we_o think_v a_o wise_a god_n will_v make_v such_o a_o grant_n and_o concession_n to_o his_o creature_n as_o shall_v destroy_v all_o religion_n and_o make_v void_a the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o good_a life_n which_o according_a to_o these_o man_n thought_n be_v unavoidable_o do_v by_o this_o gospel-priviledge_n of_o repentance_n for_o since_o say_v they_o a_o man_n be_v as_o certain_o safe_a who_o come_v in_o at_o any_o time_n upon_o repentance_n and_o shall_v be_v as_o certain_o save_v by_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o if_o he_o have_v spend_v all_o his_o life_n in_o the_o strict_a virtue_n and_o religion_n what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o such_o a_o early_a and_o constant_a and_o perpetual_a obedience_n and_o spend_v a_o whole_a life_n in_o the_o servitude_n and_o drudgery_n of_o religion_n when_o come_v in_o at_o the_o eleven_o hour_n and_o work_v but_o a_o short_a space_n at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o day_n will_v have_v as_o much_o wage_n and_o as_o sure_a a_o reward_n and_o be_v as_o certain_o accept_v by_o god_n shall_v not_o a_o sinner_n when_o ever_o he_o return_v and_o repent_v find_v mercy_n be_v there_o any_o time_n or_o bound_n prefix_v to_o his_o repentance_n so_o that_o he_o may_v not_o do_v it_o so_o many_o year_n hence_o as_o well_o as_o at_o present_a and_o after_o he_o have_v
of_o to_o those_o who_o only_o resolve_v to_o do_v so_o though_o never_o so_o sincere_o and_o therefore_o shall_v a_o man_n purpose_n be_v never_o so_o sincere_a at_o that_o time_n which_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o may_v be_v as_o to_o the_o present_a sense_n of_o his_o mind_n that_o be_v he_o may_v real_o intend_v at_o that_o time_n what_o otherwise_o can_v not_o be_v proper_o call_v a_o purpose_n or_o resolution_n in_o he_o yet_o this_o may_v not_o be_v afterward_o effectual_a but_o may_v go_v off_o as_o most_o of_o the_o vow_n of_o sick_a man_n and_o ship-wrecked_n mariner_n do_v when_o the_o sickness_n and_o the_o storm_n be_v over_o and_o they_o be_v just_a as_o they_o be_v before_o when_o they_o be_v well_o and_o upon_o dry_a land_n for_o nothing_o be_v more_o easy_a and_o more_o sudden_a than_o to_o wish_v and_o purpose_n and_o resolve_v well_o especial_o when_o man_n be_v under_o any_o great_a fear_n or_o great_a danger_n which_o whole_o take_v up_o their_o mind_n and_o they_o consider_v not_o so_o much_o the_o difficulty_n of_o perform_v what_o they_o resolve_v upon_o as_o the_o necessity_n they_o see_v of_o avoid_v the_o danger_n that_o be_v before_o they_o but_o when_o they_o be_v get_v free_a from_o that_o their_o mind_n and_o their_o purpose_n change_v as_o well_o as_o their_o circumstance_n but_o let_v we_o allow_v all_o that_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o these_o purpose_n of_o the_o die_a sinner_n be_v not_o only_o sincere_a but_o will_v be_v effectual_a too_o if_o he_o live_v which_o neither_o he_o nor_o any_o other_o but_o only_a god_n can_v know_v yet_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v deal_v with_o he_o for_o what_o he_o may_v or_o will_v hereafter_o be_v and_o not_o for_o what_o he_o be_v or_o be_v at_o present_a or_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o divine_a judgement_n at_o the_o last_o day_n shall_v be_v this_o to_o reward_v sinner_n because_o they_o may_v have_v be_v good_a man_n if_o they_o have_v live_v long_o or_o to_o punish_v good_a man_n because_o they_o may_v have_v be_v bad_a perhaps_o if_o they_o have_v live_v long_o too_o though_o god_n have_v see_v either_o of_o these_o in_o his_o infinite_a prescience_n but_o think_v fit_a to_o prevent_v they_o by_o cut_v a_o man_n off_o and_o take_v he_o out_o of_o the_o world_n he_o will_v not_o acquit_v or_o condemn_v he_o for_o foresee_a futurity_n which_o may_v or_o will_v have_v happen_v but_o for_o past_a and_o certain_a action_n which_o he_o have_v do_v and_o which_o god_n himself_o can_v make_v to_o be_v undo_v though_o he_o may_v hinder_v these_o to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v not_o and_o so_o to_o become_v nothing_o it_o be_v the_o present_a habit_n and_o temper_n and_o frame_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n and_o the_o present_a moral_a state_n of_o virtue_n or_o vice_n which_o a_o man_n be_v in_o when_o he_o die_v shall_v dispose_v he_o to_o happiness_n or_o misery_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o he_o that_o be_v former_o or_o may_v hereafter_o be_v a_o good_a man_n if_o he_o have_v live_v but_o only_o he_o that_o be_v so_o at_o present_a in_o the_o disposition_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o habit_n of_o his_o life_n be_v fit_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o meet_v for_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n and_o it_o be_v not_o he_o that_o be_v a_o wicked_a man_n heretofore_o or_o may_v be_v such_o afterward_o if_o he_o have_v live_v in_o such_o trial_n and_o circumstance_n which_o it_o please_v god_n to_o take_v he_o away_o from_o and_o so_o in_o this_o sense_n take_v he_o from_o the_o evil_a to_o come_v but_o he_o that_o be_v a_o wicked_a man_n at_o present_a in_o the_o habit_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o course_n of_o his_o life_n shall_v go_v to_o hell_n repentance_n be_v not_o a_o resolution_n to_o forsake_v sin_n and_o become_v a_o good_a man_n but_o the_o become_v so_o after_o we_o have_v be_v otherwise_o in_o any_o instance_n and_o he_o that_o have_v live_v very_o careless_o and_o wicked_o all_o his_o life_n and_o only_o resolve_v to_o live_v otherwise_o when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v can_v no_o more_o be_v call_v a_o good_a man_n than_o he_o a_o good_a scholar_n that_o have_v spend_v all_o his_o time_n idle_o in_o the_o university_n but_o when_o he_o be_v to_o be_v expel_v from_o thence_o resolve_v to_o study_v hard_o or_o he_o a_o rich_a man_n who_o have_v prodigal_o waste_v all_o his_o estate_n but_o when_o it_o be_v go_v almost_o to_o the_o last_o farthing_n resolve_v to_o save_v and_o become_v rich._n good_a resolution_n be_v good_a spur_n to_o quicken_v and_o be_v necessary_a to_o carry_v on_o and_o put_v we_o upon_o any_o great_a or_o excellent_a design_n but_o if_o the_o design_n be_v attain_v as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v purpose_v and_o resolve_v upon_o no_o man_n will_v miss_v of_o his_o end_n nor_o ever_o fail_v of_o be_v wise_a and_o learned_a and_o rich_a and_o great_a if_o a_o sudden_a resolution_n of_o be_v so_o will_v do_v the_o business_n nor_o will_v any_o sinner_n be_v either_o miserable_a or_o wicked_a when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v if_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o purpose_n and_o resolve_v at_o that_o time_n to_o become_v good_a and_o happy_a it_o be_v a_o loose_a and_o a_o false_a notion_n of_o repentance_n which_o place_n it_o in_o mere_a purpose_n and_o in_o good_a wish_n and_o resolution_n and_o in_o a_o short_a transient_a passion_n and_o compunction_n of_o mind_n and_o inward_a work_n of_o thought_n rather_o than_o in_o a_o settle_a and_o permanent_a change_n both_o of_o mind_n and_o action_n in_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a life_n in_o turn_v from_o sin_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o right_a in_o be_v renew_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o amend_v and_o reform_v our_o way_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n place_n it_o that_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o this_o dangerous_a mistake_n of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n but_o repentance_n as_o i_o have_v all_o along_o show_v be_v a_o great_a thing_n than_o most_o imagine_v it_o be_v not_o a_o slight_a remedy_n but_o a_o medicine_n make_v up_o indeed_o of_o a_o great_a many_o part_n and_o ingredient_n such_o as_o sorrow_n and_o trouble_n and_o fast_v and_o confession_n and_o good_a purpose_v and_o resolve_v and_o the_o like_a but_o till_o these_o work_n the_o cure_n and_o make_v the_o mind_n better_o purge_v out_o all_o the_o sickly_a matter_n free_v the_o soul_n from_o all_o its_o sin_n and_o restore_v it_o to_o a_o state_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n of_o grace_n and_o goodness_n they_o all_o signify_v nothing_o for_o true_a and_o perfect_a repentance_n must_v be_v like_o health_n or_o a_o recovery_n after_o sickness_n and_o till_o the_o mind_n be_v bring_v off_o from_o its_o sick_a and_o weak_a state_n from_o all_o its_o spiritual_a malady_n and_o sinful_a habit_n to_o a_o good_a degree_n of_o soundness_n and_o a_o virtuous_a crasis_n and_o constitution_n so_o as_o to_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n work_v righteousness_n and_o perform_v the_o proper_a act_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n so_o as_o the_o drunkard_n be_v make_v sober_a the_o unclean_a chaste_a the_o unrighteous_a not_o only_o just_a but_o charitable_a the_o profane_a and_o irreligious_a devout_a and_o pious_a and_o the_o like_a it_o have_v not_o repent_v as_o the_o scripture_n require_v nor_o be_v it_o qualify_v for_o pardon_n or_o for_o future_a happiness_n for_o no_o wicked_a man_n in_o any_o kind_n shall_v enter_v into_o heaven_n 1_o cor._n 6.9_o till_o he_o be_v make_v good_a after_o he_o have_v be_v otherwise_o in_o any_o instance_n for_o one_o wilful_a and_o habitual_a sin_n continue_v in_o will_n certain_o damn_v he_o and_o nothing_o but_o obedience_n which_o if_o it_o be_v after_o disobedience_n be_v call_v repentance_n be_v the_o gospel_n condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o without_o this_o faith_n and_o trust_n in_o christ_n and_o hope_n in_o god_n mercy_n and_o free_a grace_n which_o be_v the_o true_a support_n and_o comfort_n to_o a_o good_a man_n be_v deceitful_a comfort_n and_o mere_a delusion_n to_o a_o bad_a one_o for_o without_o holiness_n and_o habit_n of_o grace_n and_o goodness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o if_o we_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n we_o must_v keep_v the_o commandment_n and_o god_n sure_o do_v not_o give_v we_o such_o command_n that_o we_o shall_v either_o keep_v they_o while_o we_o live_v or_o else_o repent_v of_o not_o do_v it_o when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v then_o a_o man_n may_v break_v they_o all_o while_n he_o live_v and_o only_o repent_v that_o he_o have_v not_o keep_v they_o when_o he_o be_v a_o die_a and_o this_o shall_v be_v instead_o of_o keep_v
of_o they_o which_o will_v defeat_v and_o destroy_v all_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o keep_v god_n commandment_n and_o god_n must_v then_o alter_v those_o term_n and_o alter_v even_o his_o own_o judgement_n at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o not_o judge_v we_o by_o our_o work_n nor_o by_o what_o we_o have_v do_v in_o the_o flesh_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n but_o only_o by_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o die_a repentance_n which_o i_o no_o where_o find_v mention_v nor_o be_v this_o dis-junctive_a any_o where_n in_o the_o gospel_n leave_v thy_o sin_n and_o live_v well_o and_o keep_v my_o command_n or_o else_o repent_v and_o be_v sorry_a for_o not_o do_v all_o these_o thing_n at_o the_o last_o and_o that_o shall_v be_v as_o well_o but_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o give_v my_o positive_a argument_n more_o full_o against_o this_o mischievous_a mistake_n 3_o the_o next_o difficulty_n and_o the_o next_o plea_n for_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n be_v this_o that_o god_n may_v on_o a_o sudden_a so_o powerful_o alter_v a_o man_n mind_n and_o so_o work_v upon_o his_o heart_n by_o his_o spirit_n as_o to_o change_v and_o convert_v he_o and_o make_v he_o another_o man_n in_o a_o very_a little_a time_n or_o just_a before_o he_o die_v i_o answer_v god_n may_v do_v this_o if_o he_o please_v to_o exert_v his_o utmost_a force_n and_o power_n upon_o we_o and_o so_o he_o may_v raise_v we_o again_o after_o we_o be_v dead_a and_o make_v we_o live_v a_o new_a life_n upon_o earth_n but_o we_o be_v not_o i_o suppose_v ordinary_o to_o expect_v this_o no_o more_o be_v we_o the_o other_o which_o be_v as_o contrary_a to_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o the_o other_o of_o his_o providence_n god_n do_v not_o use_v a_o miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a power_n in_o either_o and_o for_o any_o man_n to_o depend_v upon_o this_o be_v a_o downright_a tempt_a of_o god_n and_o by_o neglect_v the_o common_a mean_n which_o he_o have_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n to_o call_v for_o a_o miracle_n which_o god_n will_v not_o grant_v to_o the_o careless_a and_o idle_a when_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o it_o god_n have_v give_v we_o all_o sufficient_a mean_n sufficient_a motive_n and_o argument_n sufficient_a grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o repent_v and_o leave_v our_o sin_n and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o make_v use_n of_o these_o but_o abuse_v the_o talent_n he_o have_v commit_v to_o we_o he_o will_v not_o for_o that_o reason_n give_v we_o a_o double_a number_n when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v and_o dispense_v the_o more_o to_o we_o for_o our_o have_v be_v idle_a and_o prodigal_a all_o our_o life_n the_o habit_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n which_o we_o have_v be_v contract_v all_o our_o life_n will_v not_o be_v change_v on_o a_o sudden_a when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v when_o we_o have_v complain_v so_o long_o and_o often_o of_o our_o sin_n as_o be_v so_o hard_o to_o be_v overcome_v and_o so_o impossible_a to_o be_v leave_v off_o shall_v we_o expect_v all_o of_o a_o sudden_a to_o have_v it_o become_v so_o easy_a a_o matter_n and_o so_o sudden_a a_o business_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o they_o when_o we_o have_v suffer_v they_o to_o run_v so_o long_o upon_o we_o and_o have_v not_o think_v they_o curable_a by_o all_o the_o method_n of_o grace_n and_o religion_n shall_v we_o think_v to_o meet_v with_o a_o sudden_a charm_n and_o amulet_n for_o they_o that_o shall_v cure_v they_o we_o know_v not_o how_o some_o man_n talk_v of_o infuse_a habit_n without_o be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v they_o either_o to_o sense_n or_o to_o nature_n and_o of_o instantaneous_a conversion_n without_o be_v able_a to_o give_v any_o one_o example_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n from_o all_o the_o scripture_n some_o indeed_o be_v sudden_o and_o miraculous_o convert_v to_o christianity_n as_o st._n paul_n and_o the_o gaoler_n and_o a_o man_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o believe_v otherwise_o than_o he_o do_v by_o such_o a_o strong_a argument_n as_o a_o revelation_n which_o shall_v immediate_o turn_v his_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n but_o to_o have_v he_o that_o have_v be_v along_o while_o accustom_a to_o do_v evil_a in_o a_o instant_n do_v good_a be_v without_o precedent_n in_o scripture_n and_o no_o way_n reconcileable_a with_o that_o know_a place_n of_o jerem._n 13.23_o a_o man_n can_v sudden_o step_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o vice_n into_o those_o of_o virtue_n they_o do_v not_o lie_v near_o but_o contrary_a to_o one_o another_o so_o that_o a_o man_n must_v go_v back_o and_o undo_v his_o vicious_a habit_n and_o unravel_v all_o his_o sinful_a custom_n by_o degree_n before_o he_o can_v attain_v to_o the_o contrary_a virtuous_a one_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v acquire_v without_o great_a pain_n and_o time_n and_o long_a care_n and_o watchfulness_n to_o root_v out_o vice_n and_o make_v grace_n grow_v in_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o a_o easy_a nor_o a_o sudden_a work_n we_o find_v how_o much_o it_o cost_v we_o to_o mortify_v a_o lust_n to_o conquer_v a_o passion_n to_o master_v a_o ill_a inclination_n and_o what_o pain_n we_o must_v take_v with_o ourselves_o to_o do_v this_o and_o can_v we_o think_v all_o this_o may_v be_v do_v on_o a_o sudden_a by_o a_o man_n who_o have_v all_o his_o day_n live_v loose_o and_o give_v the_o reins_o to_o all_o these_o that_o he_o can_v be_v make_v that_o in_o a_o moment_n which_o he_o can_v not_o be_v make_v all_o his_o life_n god_n may_v indeed_o give_v he_o a_o new_a soul_n and_o that_o a_o very_a virtuous_a one_o and_o annihilate_v his_o old_a one_o that_o be_v so_o habitual_o vicious_a but_o to_o make_v that_o good_a in_o a_o moment_n be_v more_o difficult_a than_o the_o other_o more_o contrary_a to_o nature_n and_o what_o be_v as_o little_a to_o be_v expect_v so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v from_o god_n the_o sum_n be_v none_o but_o a_o good_a man_n can_v go_v to_o heaven_n and_o none_o can_v be_v make_v such_o on_o a_o sudden_a without_o a_o miracle_n and_o no_o man_n can_v expect_v to_o be_v save_v by_o that_o but_o by_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n those_o grace_n and_o virtuous_a habit_n which_o can_v alone_o qualify_v and_o make_v we_o meet_v for_o heaven_n can_v be_v bring_v into_o our_o soul_n on_o a_o sudden_a nor_o can_v any_o sudden_a conviction_n or_o sudden_a thought_n and_o sudden_a passion_n change_v and_o alter_v a_o man_n mind_n so_o as_o to_o renew_v it_o and_o put_v it_o in_o another_o frame_n and_o make_v it_o inward_o holy_a and_o righteous_a when_o it_o be_v habitual_o bad_a before_o without_o so_o much_o time_n and_o so_o many_o act_n of_o obedience_n as_o shall_v change_v its_o principle_n thought_n inclination_n affection_n temper_n disposition_n and_o the_o like_a in_o vain_a have_v god_n command_v we_o so_o many_o virtue_n and_o so_o many_o act_n of_o obedience_n as_o qualification_n and_o condition_n to_o fit_v our_o mind_n for_o eternal_a happiness_n if_o without_o live_v in_o those_o and_o perform_v they_o any_o time_n our_o soul_n may_v be_v dispose_v and_o fit_v for_o it_o there_o can_v be_v a_o sufficient_a change_n of_o the_o mind_n for_o this_o purpose_n without_o change_n of_o life_n and_o action_n to_o talk_v of_o inward_a principle_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n without_o vital_a act_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n in_o the_o life_n and_o that_o a_o old_a sinner_n by_o such_o a_o new_a principle_n infuse_v into_o he_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o embryo_n saint_n just_a conceive_v though_o not_o form_v as_o he_o shall_v be_v nor_o able_a to_o perform_v any_o act_n of_o obedience_n be_v to_o strain_v a_o metaphor_n and_o depend_v upon_o a_o similitude_n without_o right_o understand_v the_o thing_n every_o christian_a have_v this_o inward_a principle_n of_o grace_n infuse_v into_o he_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o baptism_n and_o christianity_n and_o it_o exert_v itself_o with_o his_o own_o will_n and_o endeavour_n all_o his_o life_n unless_o hinder_v by_o he_o and_o it_o be_v never_o perfect_o take_v away_o from_o any_o perhaps_o or_o at_o least_o only_a from_o the_o most_o vile_a and_o profligate_v of_o sinner_n in_o this_o world_n but_o it_o will_v and_o do_v stir_v and_o move_v even_o in_o very_o wicked_a mind_n but_o this_o be_v all_o ineffectual_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n unless_o it_o produce_v act_n of_o virtue_n and_o obedience_n and_o a_o good_a life_n without_o which_o it_o neither_o sanctify_v nor_o regenerate_v nor_o make_v we_o good_a man_n nor_o fit_a for_o heaven_n and_o without_o those_o which_o be_v the_o vital_a motion_n and_o effectual_a operation_n of_o this_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v give_v
two_o such_o receptacle_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o man_n and_o angel_n to_o spend_v a_o eternity_n in_o for_o the_o fix_a continuance_n and_o eternal_a duration_n of_o their_o state_n be_v more_o plain_o reveal_v then_o their_o particular_a state_n and_o condition_n so_o that_o all_o rational_a soul_n must_v be_v consign_v to_o one_o of_o those_o state_n and_o place_n for_o they_o who_o have_v make_v a_o three_o or_o four_o have_v make_v it_o only_o out_o of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o imagination_n not_o out_o of_o any_o scriptural_a foundation_n or_o authority_n there_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v very_o great_a difference_n and_o unequal_a degree_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n in_o those_o two_o place_n or_o else_o neither_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o different_a case_n of_o man_n can_v be_v account_v for_o with_o any_o tolerable_a ease_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o our_o thought_n or_o be_v any_o way_n reconcile_v to_o the_o principle_n either_o of_o reason_n or_o religion_n god_n the_o just_a and_o all-knowing_a judge_n will_v give_v all_o allowance_n to_o the_o hard_a circumstance_n the_o invincible_a ignorance_n the_o unavoidable_a failure_n the_o powerful_a temptation_n the_o particular_a case_n and_o several_a disadvantage_n that_o any_o of_o mankind_n have_v be_v under_o and_o with_o the_o fair_a and_o most_o impartial_a equity_n will_v adjudge_v all_o their_o condition_n and_o proportion_n their_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n according_a to_o what_o be_v due_a to_o they_o all_o thing_n consider_v according_a to_o the_o right_n or_o wrong_a use_n of_o that_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n which_o he_o give_v they_o and_o the_o fault_n or_o virtue_n under_o that_o light_n and_o knowledge_n they_o have_v of_o their_o own_o will_n and_o choice_n by_o which_o alone_o they_o can_v either_o be_v or_o be_v denominate_v good_a or_o bad_a man_n some_o of_o mankind_n seem_v not_o to_o have_v either_o virtue_n enough_o to_o qualify_v they_o for_o heaven_n or_o to_o be_v so_o wilful_o vicious_a as_o to_o deserve_v hell_n but_o to_o be_v in_o a_o kind_n of_o middle_a state_n here_o between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n whatever_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o hereafter_o and_o many_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o some_o vice_n which_o the_o scripture_n declare_v damnable_a and_o exclusive_a of_o heaven_n yet_o be_v not_o of_o such_o downright_a irreligion_n and_o general_n profligacy_n and_o debauchery_n as_o other_o thus_o also_o many_o have_v some_o real_a sense_n of_o religion_n but_o yet_o be_v but_o weak_o move_v and_o influence_v by_o it_o and_o do_v but_o just_o live_v in_o a_o very_a low_a way_n of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o be_v not_o so_o rich_a in_o good_a work_n nor_o do_v so_o abound_v in_o act_n of_o piety_n zeal_n usefulness_n and_o charity_n as_o other_o therefore_o one_o equal_a complete_a perfect_a entire_a state_n either_o of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n can_v belong_v to_o all_o these_o alike_o but_o heaven_n or_o hell_n be_v proportionable_a unequal_a different_a condition_n of_o both_o exact_o suit_v and_o fit_v to_o the_o moral_a and_o religious_a desert_n capacity_n and_o qualification_n of_o all_o rational_a being_n in_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v fix_v to_o all_o eternity_n without_o alteration_n though_o perhaps_o not_o without_o further_a improvement_n and_o gradual_a rise_n and_o fall_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o either_o of_o those_o state_n these_o thought_n have_v be_v a_o great_a ease_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o myself_o in_o the_o conception_n of_o the_o great_a and_o amaze_a thing_n of_o another_o world_n and_o i_o therefore_o communicate_v they_o not_o only_o on_o the_o forementioned_a account_n but_o because_o they_o may_v be_v so_o to_o other_o who_o consider_v those_o great_a object_n of_o meditation_n with_o any_o penetration_n of_o thought_n according_a to_o the_o best_a help_n we_o have_v of_o philosophy_n and_o scripture_n and_o i_o be_o persuade_v it_o will_v be_v good_a service_n to_o religion_n if_o it_o be_v thus_o fair_o reconcile_v in_o all_o the_o reveal_v truth_n and_o article_n of_o it_o to_o the_o thought_n of_o inquisitive_a man_n as_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o may_v be_v but_o this_o be_v a_o subject_n of_o another_o nature_n which_o i_o be_o not_o now_o to_o meddle_v withal_o chap._n vi_o practical_a rule_n and_o direction_n concern_v the_o particular_a exercise_n of_o repentance_n i_o shall_v now_o consider_v the_o particular_a exercise_n of_o repentance_n take_v as_o a_o single_a duty_n distinct_a from_o all_o other_o of_o obedience_n which_o be_v in_o the_o large_a sense_n involve_v in_o it_o and_o without_o which_o it_o be_v not_o effectual_a to_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n as_o i_o have_v all_o along_o show_v but_o repentance_n take_v single_o for_o a_o particular_a act_n of_o a_o sinner_n just_o strike_v and_o affect_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o exercise_v at_o set_a time_n penitential_a reflection_n and_o proper_a action_n upon_o the_o thought_n and_o remembrance_n of_o they_o this_o which_o be_v often_o call_v repentance_n and_o be_v so_o in_o some_o sense_n but_o not_o sufficient_a to_o complete_a this_o duty_n and_o to_o entitle_v we_o to_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o repentance_n as_o they_o be_v promise_v to_o it_o in_o scripture_n in_o a_o more_o large_a and_o comprehensive_a notion_n as_o include_v a_o good_a life_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o obedience_n after_o we_o have_v fail_v and_o come_v short_a in_o any_o point_n this_o which_o i_o will_v call_v penitence_n or_o penance_n as_o be_v a_o penal_a exercise_n or_o penitential_a course_n and_o discipline_n fit_a for_o a_o sinner_n to_o go_v through_o after_o he_o have_v commit_v any_o great_a sin_n or_o whenever_o he_o serious_o remember_v and_o consider_v and_o recollect_n as_o he_o ought_v often_o to_o do_v with_o himself_o the_o most_o considerable_a miscarriage_n of_o his_o life_n this_o consist_v in_o these_o follow_a thing_n 1._o in_o confess_v of_o his_o sin_n 2._o in_o inward_a and_o outward_a sorrow_n for_o it_o 3._o in_o humiliation_n bodily_a austerity_n and_o mortification_n and_o especial_o fast_v as_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o in_o these_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o church_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v place_v this_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n as_o consist_v of_o such_o penitential_a act_n not_o as_o a_o permanent_a habit_n of_o renew_a obedience_n and_o recover_v virtue_n nor_o as_o if_o the_o essence_n or_o the_o formal_a virtue_n and_o proper_a fruit_n of_o it_o lay_v in_o these_o but_o in_o reformation_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n conversion_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n but_o these_o be_v the_o bud_n and_o blossom_n of_o those_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n the_o seed_n and_o the_o sign_n of_o it_o or_o at_o least_o the_o outward_a concomitant_n and_o attendant_n of_o it_o and_o such_o a_o retinue_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o go_v along_o with_o it_o for_o the_o solemnity_n at_o least_o and_o decent_a performance_n of_o it_o if_o not_o as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o thing_n itself_o necessary_a general_o in_o private_a but_o always_o in_o public_a act_n or_o expression_n of_o repentance_n wherein_o a_o public_a reparation_n and_o satisfaction_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o god_n honour_n and_o authority_n his_o judgement_n to_o be_v avert_v and_o his_o anger_n deprecate_v and_o a_o common_a sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o all_o this_o to_o be_v promote_v and_o inculcate_v among_o other_o as_o in_o public_a penance_n and_o national_a repentance_n and_o therefore_o we_o read_v chief_o of_o these_o upon_o such_o occasion_n both_o in_o scripture_n and_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n open_v sin_n be_v a_o dishonour_n of_o god_n a_o affront_a and_o despise_v his_o power_n and_o authority_n a_o set_n up_o our_o will_n against_o he_o a_o gratify_a and_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o undue_a liberty_n and_o unlawful_a inclination_n of_o body_n now_o it_o be_v fit_a therefore_o in_o our_o repentance_n for_o they_o wherein_o we_o make_v what_o amends_o we_o can_v to_o god_n and_o repair_v the_o injury_n we_o have_v do_v he_o and_o undo_v the_o sin_n as_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a and_o show_v our_o utmost_a displeasure_n against_o it_o that_o we_o shall_v fall_v down_o before_o he_o and_o confess_v it_o and_o be_v sorry_a for_o it_o and_o humble_v ourselves_o to_o he_o and_o own_o our_o vileness_n and_o wretchedness_n and_o unworthiness_n and_o express_v the_o deep_a resentment_n of_o it_o and_o show_v our_o anger_n against_o ourselves_o and_o revenge_v it_o very_o severe_o and_o afflict_v our_o soul_n and_o our_o body_n with_o something_o that_o shall_v not_o be_v very_o grateful_a to_o they_o nor_o pleasant_a and_o acceptable_a to_o our_o sense_n the_o design_n of_o all_o this_o be_v to_o beget_v in_o our_o mind_n such_o thought_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o such_o passion_n and_o
be_v in_o a_o good_a state_n or_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o sure_a touchstone_n by_o which_o every_o christian_a may_v safe_o try_v himself_o and_o every_o sinner_n know_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o a_o pardon_v and_o good_a state_n namely_o that_o they_o do_v not_o live_v in_o any_o know_v and_o wilful_a sin_n whatever_o i_o shall_v i._o show_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o ii_o consider_v what_o other_o sin_n be_v consistent_a with_o a_o good_a state_n iii_o represent_v the_o benefit_n and_o effect_n of_o repentance_n or_o the_o happiness_n of_o be_v in_o such_o a_o good_a state_n sect_n i._n not_o commit_v sin_n the_o only_a sure_a mark_n of_o a_o good_a state_n to_o show_v this_o mark_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v the_o true_a test_n and_o criterion_n by_o which_o we_o may_v make_v judgement_n of_o our_o spiritual_a condition_n and_o know_v we_o be_v in_o a_o good_a state_n i_o shall_v offer_v these_o follow_a consideration_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o 1._o then_o those_o other_o mark_v which_o come_v short_a of_o this_o by_o which_o too_o many_o be_v apt_a to_o deceive_v themselves_o be_v not_o safe_a and_o sufficient_a many_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v some_o inward_a and_o secret_a thing_n wrought_v upon_o their_o mind_n the_o mark_n of_o grace_n to_o they_o and_o the_o sign_n and_o evidence_n of_o their_o good_a state_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v sad_o cheat_v and_o delude_v unless_o these_o inward_a mark_n be_v make_v more_o certain_a and_o evident_a by_o outward_a and_o visible_a action_n none_o can_v know_v they_o have_v any_o inward_a principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n in_o their_o soul_n or_o the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o they_o as_o some_o love_n to_o speak_v but_o by_o such_o vital_a operation_n and_o visible_a effect_n of_o it_o in_o their_o life_n as_o we_o can_v know_v the_o tree_n be_v alive_a at_o the_o root_n but_o by_o the_o sprout_n and_o branch_n that_o shoot_v from_o it_o and_o show_v it_o to_o be_v so_o but_o we_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v dead_a without_o those_o in_o their_o proper_a time_n and_o so_o we_o may_v ourselves_o in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n without_o the_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n and_o holiness_n in_o our_o life_n a_o christian_n can_v know_v he_o have_v faith_n but_o by_o his_o work_n nor_o be_v sure_a of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n but_o by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o it_o in_o restrain_v he_o from_o sin_n and_o the_o visible_a effect_n of_o it_o in_o a_o holy_a conversation_n we_o can_v so_o perfect_o feel_v and_o discern_v this_o secret_a and_o inward_a principle_n in_o ourselves_o so_o as_o to_o be_v any_o way_n assure_v of_o it_o unless_o the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o it_o appear_v in_o our_o action_n and_o in_o reform_v and_o better_v our_o life_n and_o to_o judge_v of_o our_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n any_o otherwise_o from_o any_o voice_n or_o testimony_n within_o be_v very_o precarious_a and_o ungrounded_a and_o very_a liable_a to_o error_n and_o delusion_n for_o the_o spirit_n bear_v witness_n to_o none_o but_o those_o who_o conscience_n at_o the_o same_o time_n bear_v witness_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o not_o commit_v sin_n and_o it_o seal_v none_o but_o those_o who_o have_v this_o mark_v and_o bear_v the_o mark_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n upon_o their_o soul_n and_o in_o their_o life_n the_o presumptuous_a and_o conceit_a enthusiast_n be_v very_o confident_a and_o assure_v of_o himself_o and_o his_o good_a state_n though_o he_o be_v evident_o guilty_a of_o very_o great_a and_o notorious_a sin_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v force_v to_o that_o lewd_a principle_n that_o god_n see_v no_o sin_n in_o his_o child_n and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o those_o whereas_o this_o according_a to_o st._n john_n be_v the_o only_a mark_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n that_o he_o do_v not_o commit_v sin_n to_o pretend_v to_o inward_a mark_n of_o grace_n when_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o sinful_a action_n be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v judge_v himself_o to_o be_v sound_a at_o heart_n and_o healthful_a within_o when_o the_o plague_n be_v break_v out_o upon_o he_o and_o the_o spot_n appear_v and_o his_o sore_n run_v to_o talk_v then_o of_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o pulse_n and_o other_o secret_a and_o uncertain_a sign_n within_o himself_o whereby_o he_o feel_v himself_o to_o be_v well_o be_v evident_a cheat_n and_o wretched_a delusion_n and_o so_o it_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o our_o spiritual_a good_a state_n by_o any_o inward_a mark_n and_o token_n when_o our_o life_n be_v bad_a and_o we_o commit_v sin_n in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n i._n e._n live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o wilful_a wickedness_n but_o further_a there_o be_v other_o imperfect_a sign_n not_o quite_o so_o deceitful_a and_o enthusiastic_a as_o these_o by_o which_o many_o think_v they_o be_v in_o a_o good_a state_n though_o they_o be_v not_o bring_v off_o actual_o from_o every_o sin_n as_o that_o they_o be_v trouble_v and_o concern_v at_o their_o sin_n and_o commit_v they_o with_o great_a reluctancy_n and_o uneasiness_n of_o mind_n so_o that_o they_o do_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o will_v not_o and_o that_o they_o often_o wish_v they_o be_v better_a and_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o leave_v their_o sin_n and_o some_o purpose_n to_o do_v so_o though_o their_o sin_n be_v so_o strong_a and_o powerful_a that_o they_o still_o prevail_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o can_v whole_o get_v rid_v of_o they_o this_o they_o take_v to_o be_v good_a sign_n of_o grace_n that_o they_o have_v some_o good_a motion_n and_o stir_n in_o their_o soul_n some_o desire_n and_o wish_n and_o this_o desire_n of_o grace_n they_o take_v to_o be_v grace_n itself_o and_o though_o they_o do_v not_o the_o good_a they_o will_v yet_o that_o they_o have_v some_o mind_n and_o inclination_n to_o do_v it_o now_o all_o this_o may_v be_v in_o such_o as_o be_v true_o sinner_n and_o unregenerate_a person_n that_o be_v still_o in_o a_o impenitent_a state_n and_o under_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o their_o sin_n but_o be_v not_o quite_o senseless_a and_o stupefy_v nor_o be_v come_v to_o what_o the_o apostle_n call_v a_o sear_a conscience_n without_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n nor_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n void_a of_o all_o judgement_n about_o they_o which_o be_v the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o profligate_v wickedness_n till_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o those_o their_o sin_n will_v be_v uneasy_a to_o they_o and_o fill_v they_o with_o trouble_n whenever_o they_o think_v and_o reflect_v upon_o they_o as_o they_o can_v avoid_v to_o do_v sometime_o and_o they_o will_v feel_v sharp_a twitch_n and_o vellication_n of_o conscience_n as_o long_o as_o they_o have_v any_o conscience_n remain_v and_o have_v not_o quite_o waste_v and_o destroy_v it_o and_o wear_v off_o all_o the_o natural_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a upon_o their_o mind_n but_o if_o they_o will_v still_o sin_v notwithstanding_o this_o and_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o secret_a call_v or_o loud_a clamour_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n but_o will_v still_o follow_v their_o lust_n and_o vice_n and_o be_v draw_v away_o by_o the_o strong_a and_o allure_a temptation_n of_o they_o all_o this_o regret_n and_o trouble_v which_o they_o sometime_o bring_v upon_o they_o be_v only_o a_o self-conviction_n and_o self-condemnation_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v any_o abatement_n to_o their_o sin_n that_o it_o add_v this_o high_a aggravation_n to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v commit_v all_o the_o while_n against_o conscience_n and_o against_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o though_o now_o and_o then_o in_o a_o good_a mood_n and_o a_o melancholy_a fit_n when_o they_o be_v thus_o trouble_v for_o their_o sin_n they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o leave_v they_o and_o come_v to_o some_o faint_a wish_n purpose_n and_o resolution_n to_o do_v so_o yet_o if_o these_o prove_v ineffectual_a and_o the_o next_o temptation_n overcome_v they_o and_o they_o commit_v the_o sin_n again_o when_o it_o be_v offer_v again_o and_o the_o company_n or_o the_o charm_n invite_v again_o to_o it_o it_o be_v certain_a whosoever_o thus_o commit_v sin_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v john_n 8.34_o and_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n he_o be_v such_o a_o slave_n to_o it_o and_o it_o have_v get_v such_o power_n over_o he_o that_o it_o lead_v he_o captive_a at_o its_o will_n and_o be_v so_o far_o master_n of_o he_o that_o he_o can_v throw_v it_o off_o notwithstanding_o his_o frequent_a wish_n and_o imperfect_a desire_n that_o he_o can_v but_o how_o short_a all_o this_o be_v of_o perfect_a repentance_n and_o therefore_o of_o put_v we_o into_o a_o