speak_v of_o baptism_n be_v call_v illumination_n and_o st._n cyprian_n give_v we_o the_o reason_n because_o by_o virtue_n of_o baptism_n in_o expiatum_fw-la pectus_fw-la ac_fw-la purum_fw-la desuper_fw-la se_fw-la lumen_fw-la infundit_fw-la light_n be_v infuse_v from_o above_o into_o the_o purify_v soul_n and_o that_o this_o expression_n be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v here_o in_o the_o text_n as_o also_o chap._n 10._o 32._o the_o syriac_a and_o ethiopic_n give_v we_o good_a ground_n to_o believe_v for_o they_o render_v the_o text_n thus_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o who_o have_v be_v once_o baptize_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o at_o the_o 10_o chap._n v._o 32._o which_o we_o translate_v but_o call_v to_o remembrance_n the_o former_a day_n in_o which_o after_o you_o be_v illuminate_v you_o endure_v a_o great_a fight_n of_o affliction_n that_o be_v call_v to_o mind_v the_o former_a day_n in_o which_o after_o by_o baptism_n you_o have_v public_o embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n you_o be_v upon_o that_o account_n expose_v to_o many_o grievous_a suffering_n and_o persecution_n so_o that_o i_o think_v there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a doubt_n but_o by_o those_o that_o be_v once_o enlighten_v the_o apostle_n mean_v those_o that_o be_v baptize_v to_o proceed_v then_o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n these_o two_o expression_n seem_v to_o denote_v the_o spiritual_a benefit_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n confer_v upon_o christian_n by_o baptism_n particular_o regeneration_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o justification_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n so_o we_o find_v faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v call_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n eph._n 2._o 8._o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o our_o justification_n be_v call_v a_o gift_n and_o a_o free_a gift_n five_o several_a time_n in_o one_o chapter_n rom._n 5._o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o but_o not_o as_o the_o offence_n so_o also_o be_v the_o free_a gift_n for_o if_o through_o the_o offence_n of_o one_o many_o be_v dead_a much_o more_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o gift_n by_o grace_n which_o be_v by_o one_o man_n jesus_n christ_n have_v abound_v unto_o many_o and_o what_o this_o free_a gift_n be_v he_o tell_v we_o in_o the_o next_o word_n viz._n justification_n or_o remission_n of_o sin_n v._o 16._o and_o not_o as_o it_o be_v by_o one_o that_o sin_v so_o be_v the_o gift_n for_o the_o judgement_n be_v by_o one_o to_o condemnation_n but_o the_o free_a gift_n be_v of_o many_o offence_n unto_o justification_n for_o if_o by_o one_o man_n offence_n death_n reign_v by_o one_o much_o more_o they_o which_o receive_v abundance_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o the_o gift_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v reign_v in_o life_n by_o one_o jesus_n christ_n therefore_o as_o by_o the_o offence_n of_o one_o judgement_n come_v upon_o all_o man_n to_o condemnation_n even_o so_o by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o one_o the_o free_a gift_n come_v upon_o all_o man_n unto_o justification_n of_o life_n so_o that_o by_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n i_o understand_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o by_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o sanctify_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v entertain_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v here_o call_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o gracious_a promise_n contain_v in_o it_o particular_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n age_n that_o be_v the_o miraculous_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o phrase_n will_v i_o think_v be_v very_o plain_a to_o any_o one_o who_o shall_v but_o consider_v that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v general_o in_o scripture_n use_v for_o miraculous_a power_n and_o operation_n and_o particular_o to_o express_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n i_o need_v not_o cite_v the_o particular_a text_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o they_o be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o well_o know_v and_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v far_o that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o day_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v frequent_o call_v by_o the_o jew_n seculum_fw-la futurum_fw-la the_o age_n to_o come_v and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o very_a phrase_n use_v by_o the_o lxx_o concern_v our_o saviour_n isa_n 9_o 6._o where_o he_o be_v call_v according_a to_o our_o translation_n the_o everlasting_a father_n but_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o lxx_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o father_n of_o the_o future_a age._n and_o this_o very_a phrase_n be_v use_v once_o more_o in_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o heb._n ch_n 2._o 5._o for_o unto_o the_o angel_n have_v he_o not_o put_v in_o subjection_n the_o world_n to_o come_v whereof_o we_o now_o speak_v he_o have_v say_v before_o that_o the_o law_n be_v give_v by_o angel_n v._o 2._o if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a but_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o call_v the_o world_n to_o come_v or_o the_o future_a age_n be_v not_o commit_v to_o they_o this_o be_v administer_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o angel_n have_v he_o not_o put_v into_o subjection_n the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o this_o phrase_n be_v only_o use_v in_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n because_o the_o jew_n very_o well_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o they_o common_o express_v the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o that_o ancient_a tradition_n of_o the_o house_n of_o elias_n which_o distribute_v the_o duration_n of_o the_o world_n into_o three_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o age_n the_o age_n before_o the_o law_n the_o age_n under_o the_o law_n and_o the_o age_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o they_o call_v the_o seculum_fw-la futurum_fw-la or_o the_o age_n to_o come_v and_o which_o be_v likewise_o in_o scripture_n call_v the_o last_o day_n or_o time_n and_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o age_n concern_v which_o it_o be_v particular_o prophesy_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v be_v pour_v forth_o upon_o man_n in_o miraculous_a gift_n and_o power_n and_o to_o this_o very_a purpose_n the_o prophet_n joel_n be_v cite_v by_o st._n peter_n act_v 2._o 16_o 17._o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n joel_n and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o last_o day_n say_v god_n i_o will_v pour_v out_o of_o my_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n and_o your_o son_n and_o your_o daughter_n shall_v prophesy_v etc._n etc._n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o by_o taste_v the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v be_v mean_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v pour_v forth_o in_o the_o gospel_n age_n by_o the_o jew_n common_o call_v the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o they_o shall_v fall_v away_o that_o be_v if_o after_o all_o this_o they_o shall_v apostatise_v from_o this_o profession_n out_o of_o love_n to_o this_o present_a world_n or_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o persecution_n and_o suffering_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o difficult_a hardly_o to_o be_v hope_v for_o that_o such_o wilful_a and_o notorious_a apostate_n shall_v be_v restore_v again_o by_o repentance_n for_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o translate_v impossible_a be_v not_o always_o to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o strict_a sense_n for_o that_o which_o absolute_o can_v be_v but_o many_o time_n for_o that_o which_o be_v so_o very_o difficult_a that_o it_o seem_v next_o to_o a_o impossibility_n so_o our_o saviour_n that_o which_o in_o one_o place_n he_o call_v exceed_o hard_a viz._n for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n he_o afterward_o call_v impossible_a with_o man_n and_o so_o here_o i_o understand_v the_o apostle_n that_o those_o who_o apostatise_v from_o christianity_n after_o baptism_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o it_o be_v exceed_o hard_a to_o recover_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n this_o phrase_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n some_o understand_v of_o restore_v they_o again_o to_o
the_o most_o reverend_a dr._n john_n tillotson_n late_a archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n r._n white_a sculp_v several_a discourse_n viz._n prove_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o prejudices_fw-la against_o jesus_n and_o his_o religion_n consider_v jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n prove_v by_o his_o resurrection_n the_o danger_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n christ_n the_o author_n obedience_n the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n the_o possibility_n and_o necessity_n of_o gospel_n obedience_n and_o its_o consistence_n with_o free_a grace_n the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o the_o commission_n and_o promise_n which_o he_o give_v to_o his_o apostle_n the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n consider_v the_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o lazarus_n child_n of_o this_o world_n wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n by_o the_o most_o reverend_a dr._n john_n tillotson_n late_a lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n be_v the_o five_o volume_n publish_v from_o the_o original_n by_o ralph_n barker_n d._n d._n chaplain_n to_o his_o grace_n london_n print_v for_o ri._n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1698._o the_o content_n of_o the_o five_o volume_n serm._n i._n prove_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n matth_n xi_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o now_o when_o john_n have_v hear_v in_o prison_n the_o work_n of_o christ_n he_o send_v two_o of_o his_o disciple_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o be_v thou_o he_o that_o shall_v come_v or_o do_v we_o look_v for_o another_o jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o they_o go_v and_o show_v john_n again_o these_o thing_n which_o you_o do_v hear_v and_o see_v the_o blind_a receive_v their_o sight_n and_o the_o lame_a walk_n the_o leper_n be_v cleanse_v and_o the_o deaf_a hear_v the_o dead_a be_v raise_v up_o and_o the_o poor_a have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v unto_o they_o and_o bless_v be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o page_n i._n serm._n two_o iii_o the_o prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n consider_v matth_n xi_o 6._o and_o bless_v be_v he_o whosover_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o p._n 47_o 91._o serm._n iu._n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n prove_v by_o his_o resurrection_n rom_n i._o 4._o and_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a p._n 127._o serm._n v._o the_o danger_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n heb._n vi_o 4_o 5_o 6._o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o they_o shall_v fall_v away_o to_o renew_v they_o again_o unto_o repentance_n see_v they_o crucify_v to_o themselves_o the_o son_n of_o god_n afâ—â—sh_n and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n p._n 155._o serm._n vi_o christ_n the_o author_n and_o obedience_n the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n heb._n v._n 9_o and_o be_v make_v perfect_a he_o become_v the_o authâ—â—_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n unto_o all_o they_o thaâ—_n obey_v he_o p._n 197._o serm._n vii_o the_o possibility_n and_o necessity_n of_o gospel_n obedience_n and_o its_o consistence_n with_o free_a grace_n heb._n v._n 9_o and_o be_v make_v perfect_a he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n unto_o all_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o p._n 231._o serm._n viii_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o the_o commission_n and_o promise_n which_o he_o give_v to_o his_o apostle_n mat._n xxviii_o 18_o 19_o 20._o and_o jesus_n come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o say_v all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o i_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n p._n 265._o serm._n ix_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n consider_v luke_n xiii_o 24._o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a p._n 301._o serm._n x_o xi_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o lazarus_n luke_n xvi_o 19_o 20._o there_o be_v a_o certain_a rich_a man_n which_o be_v clothe_v in_o purple_a and_o fine_a linen_n and_o fare_v sumptuous_o every_o day_n and_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a beggar_n name_v lazarus_n which_o be_v lay_v at_o his_o gate_n full_a of_o sore_n p._n 343_o 379._o serm._n xii_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o lazarus_n luke_n xvi_o 31._o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a p._n 417._o serm._n xiii_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n luke_n xvi_o 8._o for_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v in_o their_o generation_n wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n p._n 447._o sermon_n i._o v._n vol._n v._n prove_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n matth_n xi_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o now_o when_o john_n have_v hear_v in_o prison_n the_o work_n of_o christ_n he_o send_v two_o of_o his_o disciple_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o be_v thou_o he_o that_o shall_v come_v or_o do_v we_o look_v for_o another_o jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o they_o go_v and_o show_v john_n again_o these_o thing_n which_o you_o do_v hear_v and_o see_v the_o blind_a receive_v their_o sight_n and_o the_o lame_a walk_n the_o leper_n be_v cleanse_v and_o the_o deaf_a hear_v the_o dead_a be_v raise_v up_o and_o the_o poor_a have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v unto_o they_o and_o bless_v be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o about_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v a_o general_a expectation_n of_o a_o great_a prince_n that_o shall_v come_v out_o of_o judea_n and_o govern_v all_o nation_n this_o the_o gentile_n have_v from_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o sibyl_n which_o speak_v of_o a_o great_a king_n that_o be_v to_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n about_o that_o time_n so_o virgil_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o time_n of_o augustus_n be_v the_o utmost_a date_n of_o that_o prophecy_n vltima_fw-la cumaei_n venit_fw-la jam_fw-la carminis_fw-la aetas_fw-la and_o suetonius_n tell_v we_o that_o all_o over_o the_o eastern_a country_n there_o be_v a_o ancient_a and_o constant_a tradition_n that_o such_o a_o prince_n shall_v spring_v out_o of_o judea_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v call_v by_o the_o prophet_n the_o expectation_n of_o the_o nation_n but_o more_o especial_o among_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o more_o lively_a and_o particular_a expectation_n ground_v upon_o the_o prediction_n of_o their_o prophet_n of_o a_o prince_n who_o they_o call_v the_o messiah_n or_o the_o anoint_v and_o those_o who_o be_v more_o devout_a among_o they_o do_v at_o that_o time_n wait_v for_o his_o appearance_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o simeon_n that_o he_o wait_v for_o the_o consolation_n of_o israel_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o when_o john_n the_o baptist_n appear_v in_o the_o quality_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a prophet_n they_o send_v from_o jerusalem_n to_o inquire_v whether_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n john_n 1._o 19_o the_o jew_n send_v priest_n and_o levite_n from_o jerusalem_n to_o ask_v he_o who_o be_v thou_o and_o he_o confess_v and_o deny_v not_o but_o confess_v i_o be_o not_o the_o christ_n the_o sanhedrim_n to_o who_o it_o belong_v to_o judge_v who_o be_v true_a prophet_n send_v to_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n or_o not_o he_o will_v not_o take_v this_o honour_n to_o himself_o but_o tell_v they_o the_o messiah_n be_v just_a at_o hand_n and_o the_o next_o day_n when_o jesus_n come_v to_o be_v baptize_v of_o he_o he_o bare_a record_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o see_v the_o spirit_n descend_v and_o abide_v upon_o he_o so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o know_v he_o and_o bare_a witness_n of_o he_o which_o make_v it_o the_o more_o strange_a that_o here_o in_o the_o text_n he_o shall_v send_v two_o of_o his_o disciple_n to_o inquire_v whether_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n or_o not_o be_v thou_o he_o that_o shall_v come_v or_o do_v we_o look_v for_o another_o that_o be_v be_v thou_o the_o messiah_n or_o not_o for_o so_o he_o be_v call_v in_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n of_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
the_o world_n and_o conclude_v from_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o abuse_a liberty_n that_o the_o best_a state_n of_o thing_n will_v be_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n shall_v be_v all_o slave_n to_o a_o few_o and_o be_v perpetual_o chain_v to_o the_o oar_n or_o condemn_v to_o the_o mine_n there_o be_v many_o time_n as_o bad_a consequence_n of_o good_a thing_n as_o of_o bad_a but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a for_o all_o that_o as_o knowledge_n and_o liberty_n so_o likewise_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o great_a happiness_n to_o the_o world_n in_o general_n though_o some_o be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o be_v the_o worse_a for_o it_o not_o because_o religion_n be_v bad_a but_o because_o they_o be_v so_o 4._o if_o religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o man_n free_a choice_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v necessary_o and_o constant_o have_v its_o effect_n upon_o man_n for_o it_o work_v upon_o we_o not_o by_o way_n of_o force_n or_o natural_a necessity_n but_o of_o moral_a persuasion_n if_o religion_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o go_v along_o with_o it_o do_v force_v man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o unless_o he_o be_v thus_o violent_o force_v than_o it_o will_v be_v no_o virtue_n in_o any_o man_n to_o be_v good_a nor_o any_o crime_n and_o fault_n to_o be_v otherwise_o for_o then_o the_o reason_n why_o some_o man_n be_v good_a will_v be_v because_o they_o can_v not_o help_v it_o and_o other_o bad_a because_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v not_o make_v they_o so_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o not_o but_o religion_n do_v not_o thus_o work_v upon_o men._n it_o direct_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n by_o the_o short_a and_o plain_a precept_n of_o a_o good_a life_n it_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o these_o precept_n by_o the_o promise_v of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a misery_n in_o case_n of_o obstinate_a disobedience_n it_o offer_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o help_v our_o weakness_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o that_o for_o which_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o violence_n or_o necessity_n in_o all_o this_o after_o all_o man_n may_v disobey_v these_o precept_n and_o not_o be_v persuade_v by_o these_o argument_n may_v not_o make_v use_n of_o this_o grace_n which_o god_n offer_v may_v quench_v and_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o and_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o present_a world_n prevail_v upon_o the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o man_n against_o their_o duty_n and_o their_o true_a interest_n and_o consequent_o if_o the_o motiyes_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o christiane_n religion_n have_v not_o a_o constant_a and_o certain_a effect_n upon_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n not_o but_o that_o christianity_n be_v apt_a to_o bring_v man_n to_o goodness_n but_o some_o be_v so_o obstinate_o bad_a as_o not_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o most_o powerful_a consideration_n it_o can_v offer_v to_o they_o 5._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o christianity_n be_v as_o well_o frame_v to_o make_v man_n good_a as_o any_o religion_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v and_o therefore_o wherever_o the_o fault_n be_v it_o can_v be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o we_o be_v not_o good_a so_o that_o the_o bad_a life_n of_o christian_n be_v no_o sufficient_a objection_n either_o against_o the_o truth_n or_o goodness_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n beside_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o it_o by_o miracle_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o its_o proper_a tendency_n to_o make_v man_n holy_a and_o virtuous_a be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a original_a and_o sure_o the_o goodness_n of_o any_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o its_o precept_n to_o direct_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o force_n of_o its_o argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o it_o and_o the_o suitableness_n of_o its_o aid_n and_o help_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o discharge_v and_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o all_o these_o advantage_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v above_o any_o religion_n or_o institution_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o reasonable_a and_o plain_a rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n be_v not_o where_o so_o perfect_o collect_v as_o in_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n no_o religion_n ever_o give_v man_n so_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o mighty_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n nor_o such_o gracious_a promise_n of_o divine_a assistance_n and_o such_o evidence_n of_o it_o especial_o in_o the_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o patience_n and_o self-denial_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n have_v do_v which_o teach_v man_n to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n in_o contemplation_n of_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v to_o hiwself_n a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n 6._o and_o last_o after_o all_o that_o have_v or_o can_v be_v say_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o ought_v sad_o to_o be_v lament_v by_o we_o that_o the_o wicked_a life_n of_o christian_n be_v a_o marvellous_a scandal_n and_o reproach_n to_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o a_o great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o spread_a of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n and_o a_o real_a objection_n against_o it_o to_o prejudice_v person_n with_o who_o it_o do_v just_o bring_v into_o doubt_n the_o goodness_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o institution_n itself_o to_o see_v how_o little_o effect_v it_o have_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o men._n it_o be_v hard_a for_o a_o man_n to_o maintain_v the_o reputation_n of_o a_o excellent_a master_n in_o any_o kind_n when_o all_o the_o world_n see_v that_o most_o of_o his_o scholar_n prove_v dunce_n whatever_o commendation_n may_v be_v give_v to_o any_o art_n or_o science_n man_n will_v question_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o it_o when_o they_o see_v the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o not_o able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n answerable_a to_o it_o the_o christian_a religion_n pretend_v to_o be_v a_o art_n of_o serve_a god_n more_o decent_o and_o devout_o and_o of_o live_v better_a than_o other_o man_n but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o why_o do_v not_o the_o professor_n of_o this_o excellent_a religion_n show_v the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o it_o in_o their_o life_n and_o though_o i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v that_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n and_o disparage_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n yet_o it_o will_v certain_o go_v a_o great_a way_n with_o prejudice_v person_n and_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v otherwise_o so_o that_o we_o have_v infinite_a reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a that_o there_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o contrariety_n between_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n so_o notorious_a and_o palpable_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o religion_n that_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v and_o read_v in_o the_o conversation_n of_o men._n who_o that_o look_v upon_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o present_a age_n can_v believe_v if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v it_o that_o the_o holy_a and_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v ever_o be_v so_o much_o as_o hear_v much_o less_o pretend_a to_o be_v entertain_v and_o believe_v among_o we_o nay_o among_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o make_v a_o more_o serious_a profession_n of_o religion_n when_o we_o consider_v how_o strange_o they_o allow_v themselves_o in_o malice_n and_o envy_n in_o passion_n and_o anger_n and_o uncharitable_a censure_n and_o evil_a speak_v in_o fierce_a contention_n and_o animosity_n who_o will_v believe_v that_o the_o great_a instrument_n of_o these_o man_n religion_n i_o mean_v the_o holy_a bible_n by_o which_o they_o profess_v to_o regulate_v and_o govern_v their_o life_n be_v full_a of_o plain_a and_o strict_a precept_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o charity_n and_o peace_n and_o do_v a_o hundred_o time_n with_o all_o imaginable_a severity_n and_o under_o pain_n of_o forfeit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n forbid_v malice_n and_o envy_n and_o revenge_n and_o evil_a speak_n and_o rash_a and_o uncharitable_a censure_n and_o
here_o speak_v of_o this_o may_v be_v bad_a enough_o and_o the_o great_a sin_n any_o man_n who_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_a life_n in_o the_o more_o notorious_o he_o contradict_v his_o profession_n and_o fall_v off_o from_o christianity_n and_o the_o near_o he_o approach_v to_o the_o sin_n in_o the_o text_n and_o the_o danger_n there_o threaten_v but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o this_o be_v not_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o four_o but_o it_o be_v a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n more_o especial_o to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n the_o renounce_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o and_o this_o will_v be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o occasion_n and_o main_a scope_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o that_o be_v to_o confirm_v the_o jew_n who_o have_v new_o embrace_v christianity_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o religion_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o apostatise_v from_o it_o because_o of_o the_o persecution_n and_o suffering_n which_o attend_v that_o profession_n it_o please_v god_n when_o christianity_n first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n to_o permit_v the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o raise_v a_o vehement_a persecution_n against_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o by_o reason_n whereof_o many_o out_o of_o base_a fear_n do_v apostatise_v from_o it_o and_o in_o testimony_n of_o their_o renounce_n it_o be_v force_v to_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o heathen_a idol_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n endeavour_v to_o caution_n and_o arm_n man_n against_o throughout_o this_o epistle_n ch._n 2._o 1._o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n we_o shall_v fall_v away_o and_o chap._n 3._o 12._o it_o be_v call_v a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n to_o apostatise_v from_o the_o live_a god_n take_v heed_n brethren_n lest_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o you_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n to_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n that_o be_v to_o fall_v from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n to_o idolatry_n and_o chap._n 10._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o that_o be_v not_o decline_v the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n for_o fear_n of_o persecution_n and_o v._o 26._o it_o be_v call_v a_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o v._o 39_o a_o draw_v back_o to_o perdition_n and_o ch._n 12._o it_o be_v call_v by_o way_n of_o eminency_n the_o sin_n which_o so_o easy_o beset_v the_o sin_n which_o in_o those_o time_n of_o persecution_n they_o be_v so_o liable_a to_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n which_o st._n john_n speak_v of_o and_o call_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n and_o do_v not_o require_v christian_n to_o pray_v for_o those_o who_o fall_v into_o it_o with_o any_o assurance_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v forgive_v 1_o john_n 5._o 16._o there_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v pray_v for_o it_o all_o vnrighteousness_n be_v sin_n and_o there_o be_v a_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n we_o know_v that_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o that_o be_v do_v not_o fall_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n to_o that_o of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n but_o he_o that_o be_v beget_v of_o god_n keep_v himself_o and_o that_o wicked_a one_o touch_v he_o not_o and_o then_o v._o 21._o he_o add_v this_o caution_n little_a chrildren_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n which_o sufficient_o show_v what_o that_o sin_n be_v which_o he_o be_v speak_v of_o before_o so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n which_o the_o apostle_n design_v to_o caution_n man_n against_o throughout_o this_o epistle_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a what_o fall_v away_o it_o be_v he_o here_o speak_v of_o namely_o a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n and_o more_o especial_o to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n 5th_o we_o will_v consider_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o recover_v such_o person_n by_o repentance_n if_o they_o fall_v away_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n and_o that_o for_o these_o three_o reason_n 1._o because_o of_o the_o greatness_n and_o heinousness_n of_o the_o sin_n 2._o because_o it_o renounce_v and_o cast_v off_o the_o mean_n of_o recovery_n 3._o because_o it_o be_v so_o high_a a_o provocation_n of_o god_n to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o such_o person_n 1._o because_o of_o the_o greatness_n and_o heinousness_n of_o the_o sin_n both_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o downright_a apostasy_n from_o god_n a_o direct_a renounce_n of_o he_o and_o reject_v of_o his_o truth_n after_o man_n have_v own_v it_o and_o be_v inward_o persuade_v and_o convince_v of_o it_o and_o so_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o in_o this_o epistle_n call_v it_o a_o apostasy_n from_o the_o live_a god_n a_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o have_v all_o the_o aggravation_n that_o a_o crime_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v against_o the_o clear_a light_n and_o knowledge_n and_o the_o full_a conviction_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n concern_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o he_o renounce_v against_o the_o great_a obligation_n lay_v upon_o he_o by_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n after_o the_o free_a pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n receive_v and_o a_o miraculous_a power_n confer_v for_o a_o witness_n and_o testimony_n to_o themselves_o of_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v it_o be_v the_o high_a affront_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o reveal_v this_o religion_n to_o the_o world_n and_o seal_v it_o with_o his_o blood_n and_o in_o effect_n a_o expression_n of_o as_o high_a malice_n to_o the_o author_n of_o this_o religion_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v guilty_a of_o when_o they_o put_v he_o to_o so_o cruel_a and_o shameful_a a_o death_n now_o a_o sin_n of_o this_o heinous_a nature_n be_v apt_a natural_o either_o to_o plunge_v man_n into_o hardness_n and_o impenitency_n or_o to_o drive_v they_o to_o despair_v and_o either_o of_o these_o condition_n be_v effectual_a barrs_n to_o their_o recovery_n and_o both_o these_o danger_n the_o apostle_n warn_v man_n of_o in_o this_o epistle_n ch._n 3._o 12_o 13._o take_v heed_n brethren_n lest_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o you_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n to_o apostatise_v from_o the_o live_a god_n but_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a whilst_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n lest_o any_o of_o you_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n or_o else_o the_o reflection_n upon_o so_o horrid_a a_o crime_n be_v apt_a to_o drive_v a_o man_n to_o despair_n as_o it_o do_v judas_n who_o after_o he_o have_v betray_v the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v find_v no_o ease_n but_o by_o make_v away_o himself_o the_o guilt_n of_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n fill_v he_o with_o such_o terror_n that_o he_o be_v glad_a to_o fly_v to_o death_n for_o refuge_n and_o to_o lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o himself_o and_o this_o likewise_o be_v the_o case_n of_o spira_n who_o apostasy_n though_o it_o be_v not_o total_a from_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o only_o from_o the_o purity_n and_o reformation_n of_o it_o bring_v he_o to_o that_o desperation_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o hell_n upon_o earth_n and_o of_o this_o danger_n likewise_o the_o apostle_n admonish_v ch._n 12._o 15._o look_v diligent_o lest_o any_o man_n fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n lest_o any_o man_n fall_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n lest_o any_o root_n of_o bitterness_n spring_v up_o trouble_v you_o and_o then_o he_o compare_v the_o case_n of_o such_o person_n to_o esau_n who_o when_o he_o have_v renounce_v his_o birthright_n to_o which_o the_o blessing_n be_v annex_v be_v afterward_o when_o he_o will_v have_v inherit_v the_o blessing_n reject_v and_o find_v no_o place_n of_o repentance_n though_o he_o seek_v it_o careful_o with_o tear_n two_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n do_v renounce_v and_o cast_v off_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o recovery_n and_o therefore_o it_o become_v extreme_o difficult_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n they_o reject_v the_o gospel_n which_o afford_v the_o best_a argument_n and_o mean_n to_o repentance_n and_o renounce_v the_o only_a way_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o certain_o that_o man_n be_v in_o
in_o ourselves_o not_o secure_a because_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n that_o our_o resolution_n may_v be_v bear_v down_o one_o time_n or_o other_o by_o the_o assault_v of_o temptation_n if_o we_o be_v not_o continual_o vigilant_a and_o upon_o our_o guard_n not_o confident_a in_o ourselves_o because_o we_o stand_v by_o faith_n and_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n infer_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v high_o mind_v but_o fear_v man_n may_v have_v go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o christianity_n and_o have_v be_v sincere_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o afterward_o may_v apostatise_v in_o the_o foul_a manner_n not_o only_o fall_v off_o to_o a_o vicious_a life_n but_o even_o desert_a the_o profession_n of_o their_o religion_n i_o will_v to_o god_n the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o give_v we_o too_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o possibility_n of_o this_o when_o we_o see_v so_o many_o revolt_n from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n to_o the_o corruption_n and_o superstition_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o from_o a_o religious_a and_o sober_a life_n to_o plunge_v themselves_o into_o all_o kind_n of_o lewdness_n and_o debauchery_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v into_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n can_v we_o doubt_v any_o long_a whether_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o christian_n to_o fall_v away_o i_o wish_v we_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o the_o possibility_n of_o their_o recovery_n as_o we_o be_v of_o their_o fall_v and_o that_o we_o have_v as_o many_o example_n of_o the_o one_o as_o of_o the_o other_o let_v we_o then_o be_v very_o vigilant_a over_o ourselves_o and_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 17._o see_v we_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v lest_o we_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o our_o own_o steadfastness_n two_o this_o show_v we_o how_o great_a a_o aggravation_n it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o sin_n against_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n which_o the_o gospel_n afford_v and_o the_o mercy_n which_o it_o offer_v unto_o they_o that_o which_o aggravate_v the_o sin_n of_o these_o person_n be_v that_o after_o they_o be_v once_o enlighten_v that_o be_v at_o their_o baptism_n be_v instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n the_o clear_a and_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v of_o god_n will_n to_o mankind_n that_o after_o they_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o god_n grace_n and_o have_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o have_v many_o other_o benefit_n confer_v upon_o they_o that_o after_o all_o this_o they_o shall_v fall_v off_o from_o this_o holy_a religion_n this_o be_v that_o which_o do_v so_o heighten_v and_o inflame_v their_o gild_n and_o make_v their_o case_n so_o near_o desperate_a the_o two_o great_a aggravation_n of_o crime_n be_v wilfulness_n and_o ingratitude_n if_o a_o crime_n be_v wilful_o commit_v and_o commit_v against_o one_o that_o have_v oblige_v we_o by_o the_o great_a favour_n and_o benefit_n now_o he_o commit_v a_o fault_n wilful_o who_o do_v it_o against_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o his_o duty_n ignorance_n excuse_v for_o so_o far_o as_o a_o man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o evil_n he_o do_v so_o far_o the_o action_n be_v involuntary_a but_o knowledge_n make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o wilful_a fault_n and_o this_o be_v a_o more_o peculiar_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o christian_n because_o god_n have_v afford_v they_o the_o great_a mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n that_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v the_o clear_a light_n that_o ever_o mankind_n have_v and_o the_o mercy_n which_o the_o gospel_n bring_v be_v the_o great_a that_o ever_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o free_a pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o help_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v what_o god_n require_v of_o we_o so_o that_o we_o who_o sin_n after_o baptism_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christianity_n and_o those_o great_a blessing_n which_o the_o gospel_n bestow_v on_o mankind_n be_v of_o all_o person_n in_o the_o world_n the_o most_o inexcusable_a the_o sin_n of_o heathen_n bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o we_o because_o they_o never_o enjoy_v those_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n never_o have_v those_o blessing_n confer_v upon_o they_o which_o christian_n be_v partaker_n of_o so_o that_o we_o may_v apply_v to_o ourselves_o those_o severe_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o epistle_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n hear_v how_o our_o saviour_n aggravate_v the_o fault_n of_o man_n upon_o this_o account_n of_o the_o wilfulness_n of_o they_o and_o their_o be_v commit_v against_o the_o express_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n luke_o 12._o 47_o 48._o the_o servant_n which_o know_v his_o lord_n will_n and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neither_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n for_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v much_o be_v require_v and_o to_o who_o man_n have_v commit_v much_o of_o he_o they_o will_v ask_v the_o more_o the_o mean_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o many_o talent_n commit_v to_o our_o trust_n of_o the_o neglect_n whereof_o a_o severe_a account_n will_v be_v take_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n if_o we_o be_v wilful_a offender_n there_o be_v no_o excuse_n for_o we_o and_o little_a hope_n of_o pardon_n if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n say_v the_o apostle_n in_o this_o epistle_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n i_o know_v the_o apostle_n speak_v this_o particular_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n but_o it_o be_v in_o proportion_n true_a of_o all_o other_o sin_n which_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v guilty_a of_o they_o who_o after_o they_o have_v entertain_v christianity_n and_o make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o and_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n reform_v by_o it_o do_v again_o relapse_n into_o any_o vicious_a course_n do_v thereby_o render_v their_o condition_n very_o dangerous_a so_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 2_o pet._n 2._o 20_o 21._o if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v again_o entangle_v therein_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n for_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o therefore_o we_o may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v serious_o what_o we_o do_v when_o under_o the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n which_o the_o gospel_n afford_v we_o and_o the_o inestimable_a blessing_n and_o favour_n which_o it_o confer_v upon_o we_o we_o live_v in_o any_o wicked_a and_o vicious_a course_n our_o sin_n be_v not_o of_o a_o common_a rate_n when_o they_o have_v so_o much_o of_o wilfulness_n and_o unworthiness_n in_o they_o if_o man_n shall_v be_v severe_o punish_v for_o live_v against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n what_o vengeance_n shall_v be_v pour_v on_o those_o who_o offend_v against_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v etc._n etc._n three_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o those_o who_o upon_o every_o failing_n and_o infirmity_n be_v afraid_a they_o have_v commit_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v restore_v by_o repentance_n there_o be_v many_o who_o be_v of_o a_o dark_a and_o melancholy_a temper_n be_v apt_a to_o represent_v thing_n worse_o to_o themselves_o than_o there_o be_v reason_n for_o and_o do_v many_o time_n fancy_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o great_a crime_n in_o the_o do_n or_o neglect_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o in_o their_o nature_n be_v indifferent_a and_o be_v apt_a to_o aggravate_v and_o blow_v up_o every_o little_a infirmity_n into_o a_o unpardonable_a sin_n most_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o extenuate_v their_o sin_n and_o not_o to_o be_v sensible_a enough_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o heinousness_n of_o they_o but_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a infelicity_n of_o melancholy_a person_n to_o look_v upon_o their_o fault_n as_o black_a and_o great_a than_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v and_o whatsoever_o they_o hear_v and_o read_v in_o scripture_n that_o be_v speak_v against_o the_o gross_a and_o
life_n remember_v that_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n i_o will_v conclude_v with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n immediate_o after_o the_o text_n the_o earth_n which_o drink_v in_o the_o rain_n that_o come_v oft_o upon_o it_o and_o bring_v forth_o herb_n meet_v for_o they_o by_o who_o it_o be_v dress_v receive_v blessing_n from_o god_n but_o that_o which_o bear_v thorn_n and_o brier_n be_v reject_v and_o be_v nigh_o unto_o curse_v who_o end_n be_v to_o be_v burn_v and_o how_o glad_o will_v i_o add_v the_o next_o word_n but_o belove_v we_o be_v persuade_v better_a thing_n of_o you_o and_o thing_n that_o accompany_v salvation_n though_o we_o thus_o speak_v sermon_n vi_o christ_n the_o author_n and_o obedience_n the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n heb._n v._n 9_o and_o be_v make_v perfect_a he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n unto_o all_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o this_o be_v speak_v of_o christ_n our_o great_a high_a priest_n under_o the_o gospel_n upon_o the_o excellency_n of_o who_o person_n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o eternal_a benefit_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o apostle_n insist_o so_o large_o in_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a chapter_n but_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v brief_o comprehend_v in_o the_o text_n that_o our_o high_a priest_n be_v make_v perfect_a become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o in_o which_o word_n we_o have_v these_o four_o thing_n considerable_a one_a the_o great_a blessing_n and_o benefit_n here_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o be_v eternal_a salvation_n and_o this_o imply_v in_o it_o not_o only_o our_o deliverance_n from_o hell_n and_o redemption_n from_o eternal_a misery_n but_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n for_o we_o two_o the_o author_n of_o this_o great_a blessing_n and_o benefit_n to_o mankind_n and_o that_o be_v jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v here_o represent_v to_o we_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o our_o high_a priest_n who_o by_o make_v atonement_n for_o we_o and_o reconcile_a we_o to_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o mankind_n three_o the_o way_n and_o means_n whereby_o he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v make_v perfect_a he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v consummate_v his_o work_n and_o finish_v his_o course_n and_o receive_v the_o reward_n of_o it_o for_o this_o word_n have_v a_o allusion_n to_o those_o that_o run_v in_o a_o race_n where_o he_o that_o win_v receive_v the_o crown_n and_o to_o this_o the_o apostle_n plain_o allude_v phil._n 3._o 12._o where_o he_o say_v not_o as_o though_o i_o have_v already_o attain_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o as_o if_o i_o have_v already_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o prize_n but_o i_o be_o press_v or_o reach_v forward_o towards_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o be_v already_o perfect_a that_o be_v not_o as_o if_o i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n or_o have_v the_o prize_n or_o crown_n in_o my_o hand_n but_o i_o be_o press_v forward_o towards_o it_o in_o like_a manner_n our_o bless_a saviour_n when_o he_o have_v finish_v the_o course_n of_o his_o humiliation_n and_o obedience_n which_o be_v accomplish_v in_o his_o suffering_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o reward_n of_o they_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o exalt_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o crown_v with_o glory_n and_o honour_n he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d make_v perfect_a and_o therefore_o when_o he_o be_v give_v up_o the_o ghost_n upon_o the_o cross_n he_o say_v john_n 19_o 30._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v finish_v or_o perfect_v that_o be_v he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v by_o way_n of_o suffering_n for_o our_o redemption_n and_o the_o same_o word_n be_v likewise_o use_v luke_n 13._o 32._o concern_v our_o saviour_n suffering_n i_o do_v cure_n to_o day_n and_o to_o morrow_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o three_o day_n i_o shall_v be_v perfect_v this_o he_o speak_v concern_v his_o own_o death_n and_o therefore_o chap._n 2._o 10._o god_n be_v say_v to_o make_v the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n perfect_a through_o suffering_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o thus_o our_o high_a priest_n be_v make_v perfect_a in_o this_o sense_n that_o be_v have_v finish_v his_o course_n which_o be_v accomplish_v in_o his_o suffering_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o reward_n of_o they_o in_o be_v exalt_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o we_o four_o you_o have_v here_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n who_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o this_o great_a benefit_n or_o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v suspend_v and_o that_o be_v obedience_n he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o these_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n contain_v in_o the_o text._n for_o the_o full_a explication_n whereof_o i_o shall_v take_v into_o consideration_n these_o five_o thing_n one_a how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n two_o what_o obedience_n the_o gospel_n require_v as_o a_o condition_n and_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v as_o a_o qualification_n in_o those_o who_o hope_v for_o eternal_a salvation_n three_o we_o will_v consider_v the_o possibility_n of_o perform_v this_o condition_n by_o that_o grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v offer_v and_o ready_a to_o be_v afford_v to_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n four_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o 5thly_a i_o shall_v show_v that_o this_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n one_a we_o will_v consider_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o this_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o word_n be_v make_v perfect_a he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n that_o be_v as_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o have_v finish_v his_o course_n which_o be_v accomplish_v in_o his_o last_o suffering_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o reward_n of_o they_o be_v exalt_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o we_o so_o that_o by_o all_o that_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o his_o humiliation_n and_o by_o all_o that_o he_o still_o continue_v to_o do_v for_o we_o now_o that_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n he_o have_v effect_v and_o bring_v about_o the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o salvation_n his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o life_n his_o death_n and_o suffering_n his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o his_o powerful_a intercession_n for_o we_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n have_v all_o a_o great_a influence_n upon_o the_o reforming_a and_o save_v of_o mankind_n and_o by_o all_o these_o way_n and_o mean_n he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o cause_n of_o our_o salvation_n as_o a_o rule_n and_o as_o a_o pattern_n as_o a_o price_n and_o propitiation_n and_o as_o a_o patron_n and_o advocate_n that_o be_v continual_o plead_v our_o cause_n and_o intercede_v with_o god_n on_o our_o behalf_n for_o mercy_n and_o grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n and_o indeed_o our_o condition_n require_v a_o high_a priest_n who_o be_v qualify_v in_o all_o these_o respect_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o mankind_n out_o of_o that_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a state_n into_o which_o it_o be_v sink_v a_o high_a priest_n who_o lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o from_o who_o mouth_n we_o may_v learn_v the_o law_n of_o god_n who_o life_n shall_v be_v a_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o holiness_n to_o we_o and_o his_o death_n a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o by_o who_o grace_n and_o assistance_n we_o shall_v be_v endow_v with_o power_n and_o strength_n to_o mortify_v our_o lust_n and_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o such_o a_o high_a priest_n become_v we_o who_o be_v holy_a harmless_a undefiled_a and_o separate_v from_o sinner_n who_o may_v have_v compassion_n on_o the_o ignorant_a and_o they_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o be_v himself_o compass_v with_o infirmity_n may_v have_v the_o feel_n of_o we_o be_v in_o all_o point_v tempt_v as_o we_o be_v only_o without_o sin_n and_o in_o a_o word_n may_v be_v able_a to_o
he_o shall_v continue_v for_o some_o time_n in_o the_o resolution_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n and_o afterward_o fall_v off_o from_o it_o and_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o he_o his_o latter_a end_n will_v be_v worse_o than_o his_o beginning_n all_o his_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v will_v not_o be_v remember_v he_o shall_v die_v in_o his_o iniquity_n for_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o god_n soul_n will_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o this_o be_v so_o very_o clear_a and_o plain_a from_o scripture_n that_o no_o man_n can_v entertain_v a_o contrary_a persuasion_n without_o contradict_v the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o bible_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v this_o that_o a_o virtual_a obedience_n and_o sincere_a faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v sufficient_a where_o there_o be_v no_o time_n and_o opportunity_n for_o actual_a obedience_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o where_o there_o be_v opportunity_n for_o actual_a obedience_n and_o the_o continue_a practice_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o perseverance_n therein_o they_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o a_o wellgrounded_n hope_n and_o assurance_n of_o it_o two_o there_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o there_o be_v a_o sincere_a obedience_n perfect_a obedience_n consist_v in_o the_o exact_a conformity_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n without_o the_o least_o imperfection_n and_o without_o fail_v in_o any_o point_n or_o degree_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o this_o obedience_n as_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o present_a state_n so_o neither_o do_v god_n require_v it_o of_o we_o as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o eternal_a life_n we_o be_v indeed_o command_v to_o be_v perfect_a as_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a but_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v this_o strict_o and_o rigorous_o for_o that_o be_v not_o only_o impossible_a to_o man_n in_o this_o present_a state_n of_o imperfection_n but_o absolute_o impossible_a to_o humane_a nature_n for_o man_n to_o be_v perfect_a as_o god_n be_v perfect_a but_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o this_o precept_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v imitate_v those_o divine_a perfection_n of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n and_o purity_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v as_o like_o god_n in_o all_o these_o as_o we_o can_v and_o be_v still_o aspire_v after_o a_o near_a resemblance_n of_o he_o as_o may_v be_v evident_a to_o any_o one_o who_o consider_v the_o connexion_n and_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n by_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n i_o mean_v such_o a_o conformity_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o to_o the_o general_a course_n and_o tenor_n of_o they_o that_o we_o do_v not_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n or_o in_o the_o customary_a neglect_n of_o any_o material_a and_o considerable_a part_n of_o our_o know_a duty_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o wilful_o and_o deliberate_o guilty_a of_o the_o single_a act_n of_o heinous_a and_o notorious_a sin_n as_o i_o have_v former_o explain_v this_o matter_n more_o at_o large_a in_o another_o discourse_n and_o this_o obedience_n even_o in_o the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v mix_v with_o great_a frailty_n and_o imperfection_n but_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v the_o utmost_a that_o we_o can_v do_v in_o this_o state_n of_o infirmity_n and_o imperfection_n the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o merciful_a and_o gracious_a as_o that_o god_n be_v please_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o meritorious_a obedience_n and_o suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o accept_v this_o sincere_a though_o imperfect_a obedience_n and_o to_o reward_v it_o with_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o i_o doubt_v not_o after_o all_o the_o intricate_a dispute_n and_o infinite_a controversy_n about_o this_o business_n be_v the_o true_a and_o clear_a state_n of_o this_o matter_n and_o this_o sincere_a obedience_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o we_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o our_o happiness_n though_o it_o be_v sometime_o call_v by_o divine_n evangelical_n perfection_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o very_o improper_o so_o call_v for_o nothing_o be_v proper_o perfect_a to_o which_o any_o thing_n be_v want_v and_o great_a defect_n and_o imperfection_n must_v needs_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o best_a and_o holy_a man_n upon_o earth_n and_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o perfection_n in_o this_o life_n do_v neither_o understand_v the_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o themselves_o but_o as_o st._n john_n say_v of_o such_o person_n they_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o they_o and_o beside_o other_o imperfection_n these_o two_o be_v evident_a in_o they_o ignorance_n and_o pride_n and_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o this_o second_o particular_a namely_o what_o obedience_n the_o gospel_n require_v as_o a_o condition_n and_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v as_o a_o qualification_n for_o eternal_a life_n sermon_n vii_o the_o possibility_n and_o necessity_n of_o gospel_n obedience_n and_o its_o consistence_n with_o free_a grace_n heb._n v._n 9_o and_o be_v make_v perfect_a he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n unto_o all_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o these_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v these_o five_o thing_n one_a how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n two_o what_o obedience_n the_o gospel_n require_v as_o a_o condition_n and_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v as_o a_o qualification_n in_o those_o who_o hope_v for_o eternal_a salvation_n three_o the_o possibility_n of_o our_o perform_v this_o condition_n by_o that_o grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v offer_v and_o ready_a to_o be_v afford_v to_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n four_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n 5th_o the_o consistency_n of_o this_o method_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n with_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n i_o have_v handle_v the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o and_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v viz._n the_o possibility_n of_o our_o perform_v this_o condition_n by_o that_o grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v offer_v and_o ready_a to_o be_v afford_v to_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n only_o to_o those_o who_o obey_v he_o then_o those_o who_o live_v in_o disobedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n but_o there_o can_v be_v the_o guilt_n of_o disobedience_n where_o obedience_n be_v impossible_a no_o man_n be_v guilty_a or_o just_o liable_a to_o punishment_n for_o the_o not_o do_v of_o that_o which_o it_o be_v no_o way_n possible_a for_o he_o to_o do_v therefore_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n into_o which_o god_n be_v enter_v with_o mankind_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v the_o possibility_n of_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o otherwise_o it_o leave_v they_o in_o as_o bad_a a_o condition_n as_o they_o be_v in_o before_o because_o it_o only_o offer_v new_a blessing_n and_o benefit_n to_o we_o but_o set_v we_o never_o the_o near_o the_o obtain_n of_o they_o if_o so_o be_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v grant_v be_v altogether_o impossible_a to_o we_o nay_o it_o render_v our_o state_n many_o degree_n worse_o if_o our_o not_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o such_o gracious_a offer_v bring_v we_o under_o new_a and_o great_a guilt_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o some_o few_o person_n have_v great_a benefit_n by_o it_o because_o they_o by_o a_o especial_a and_o effectual_a grace_n shall_v be_v enable_v to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v not_o this_o a_o mighty_a straighten_n to_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o confine_v it_o within_o so_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o still_o to_o leave_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o if_o salvation_n have_v never_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o as_o it_o certain_o do_v if_o as_o this_o doctrine_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v the_o gild_n and_o punishment_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v great_o increase_v and_o heighten_v by_o their_o contempt_n of_o and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o those_o man_n to_o obey_v it_o for_o want_v of_o that_o special_a and_o effectual_a grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o enable_v they_o thereto_o
for_o the_o bless_a sight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n i_o come_v in_o the_o five_o and_o last_o place_n to_o show_v that_o this_o method_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n which_o be_v call_v the_o law_n or_o covenant_n of_o work_n because_o it_o consist_v so_o much_o in_o external_a rite_n and_o observance_n which_o be_v but_o type_n and_o shadow_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o in_o this_o epistle_n and_o which_o when_o they_o be_v come_v that_o law_n do_v expire_v of_o itself_o and_o be_v out_o of_o date_n the_o obligation_n and_o observance_n of_o it_o be_v no_o long_o necessary_a but_o a_o better_a covenant_n which_o be_v establish_v upon_o better_a promise_n come_v in_o the_o place_n of_o it_o and_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v by_o sincere_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v no_o long_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o that_o external_a and_o servile_a and_o imperfect_a dispensation_n which_o consist_v in_o circumcision_n and_o in_o almost_o a_o endless_a number_n of_o external_a ceremony_n these_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n so_o often_o speak_v of_o by_o st._n paul_n concern_v which_o the_o jew_n have_v not_o only_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o they_o to_o a_o man_n justification_n and_o salvation_n but_o likewise_o of_o the_o merit_n of_o they_o in_o opposition_n to_o both_o which_o opinion_n st._n paul_n call_v the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n but_o there_o be_v no_o where_o the_o least_o intimation_n give_v either_o by_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n that_o obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v in_o substance_n the_o moral_a law_n clear_v and_o perfect_v be_v not_o necessary_a to_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v our_o saviour_n express_a direction_n to_o the_o young_a man_n who_o ask_v what_o good_a thing_n he_o shall_v do_v that_o he_o may_v obtain_v eternal_a life_n if_o thou_o will_v say_v he_o enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n and_o that_o he_o may_v understand_v what_o commandment_n he_o mean_v he_o instance_v in_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o indeed_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n and_o the_o precept_n and_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v full_a and_o express_a to_o this_o purpose_n not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n whosoever_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o that_o be_v these_o precept_n which_o i_o have_v deliver_v and_o do_v they_o not_o i_o will_v liken_v he_o to_o a_o foolish_a man_n who_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n and_o the_o rain_n descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blue_a and_o beat_v upon_o that_o house_n and_o it_o fall_v and_o great_a be_v the_o fall_n of_o it_o if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o in_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o faith_n that_o be_v act_v and_o inspire_v by_o charity_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v that_o charity_n or_o love_n which_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n be_v evident_a from_o what_o he_o say_v elsewhere_o that_o neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n in_o which_o text_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o term_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o what_o be_v available_a with_o god_n to_o that_o purpose_n and_o st._n james_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n tell_v we_o that_o by_o the_o work_n of_o obedience_n our_o faith_n be_v make_v perfect_a and_o that_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a and_o sure_o a_o dead_a faith_n will_v neither_o justify_v nor_o save_v any_o man._n st._n john_n likewise_o very_o earnest_o caution_n we_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o any_o such_o doctrine_n as_o will_v take_v away_o the_o necessity_n of_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n little_a child_n say_v he_o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a as_o he_o be_v righteous_a to_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v the_o plain_a word_n of_o my_o text_n that_o christ_n become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o so_o that_o no_o man_n have_v reason_n to_o fear_v that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n to_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a life_n shall_v be_v any_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n for_o so_o long_o as_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v but_o assert_v and_o secure_v one_a that_o faith_n be_v the_o root_n and_o principle_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o that_o without_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n two_o that_o we_o stand_v continual_o in_o need_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v that_o obedience_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o we_o and_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o three_o that_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n be_v found_v in_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n confer_v these_o blessing_n upon_o we_o not_o for_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o obedience_n but_o only_o for_o the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o redeemer_n i_o say_v so_o long_o as_o we_o assert_v these_o three_o thing_n we_o give_v all_o that_o the_o gospel_n any_o where_o ascribe_v to_o faith_n and_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n i_o have_v be_v careful_a to_o express_v these_o thing_n more_o full_o and_o distinct_o that_o no_o man_n may_v imagine_v that_o whilst_o we_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n we_o have_v any_o design_n to_o derogate_v in_o the_o least_o from_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o only_o to_o engage_v and_o encourage_v man_n to_o holiness_n and_o a_o good_a life_n by_o convince_a they_o of_o the_o absolute_a and_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v be_v in_o plain_a english_a no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n that_o he_o may_v get_v to_o heaven_n and_o whoever_o find_v fault_n with_o this_o doctrine_n find_v fault_n with_o the_o gospel_n itself_o and_o the_o main_a end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n therein_o reveal_v to_o mankind_n which_o offer_v salvation_n to_o man_n upon_o no_o other_o term_n than_o these_o which_o i_o have_v mention_v and_o to_o preach_v and_o press_v this_o doctrine_n be_v certain_o if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v so_o to_o pursue_v the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o plain_o and_o express_o declare_v by_o st._n paul_n tit._n 2._o 11_o 12._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o if_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n have_v this_o effect_n upon_o we_o than_o we_o may_v with_o confidence_n wait_v for_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n and_o then_o he_o add_v these_o thing_n teach_v and_o exhort_v and_o rebuke_v with_o all_o authority_n that_o be_v declare_v and_o inculcate_v this_o doctrine_n and_o rebuke_v severe_o those_o who_o teach_v or_o practice_v contrary_a to_o it_o and_o he_o repeat_v it_o again_o with_o a_o more_o vehement_a charge_n to_o titus_n to_o press_v upon_o man_n the_o necessity_n of_o
temptation_n of_o a_o wicked_a world_n and_o be_v possess_v of_o so_o great_a a_o happiness_n by_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n whereby_o they_o may_v forfeit_v their_o happiness_n or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o entertain_v a_o thought_n of_o offend_v that_o god_n to_o who_o they_o can_v but_o be_v sensible_a how_o infinite_o they_o be_v oblige_v in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n few_o man_n have_v so_o little_a goodness_n as_o to_o sin_v without_o a_o temptation_n but_o in_o that_o state_n where_o man_n be_v perfect_o good_a and_o can_v have_v no_o temptation_n to_o be_v otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o they_o shall_v fall_v from_o that_o state_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o damn_a that_o that_o likewise_o be_v immutable_a the_o scripture_n do_v seem_v plain_o enough_o to_o assert_v when_o it_o call_v it_o a_o everlasting_a destruction_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o use_v such_o expression_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o misery_n as_o signify_v the_o long_a and_o most_o interminable_a duration_n expression_n of_o as_o great_a a_o extent_n as_o those_o which_o be_v use_v to_o signify_v the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o as_o large_a and_o unlimited_a as_o any_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o those_o language_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v beside_o that_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o other_o world_n be_v in_o scripture_n represent_v as_o in_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o the_o devil_n of_o who_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o any_o of_o they_o ever_o do_v or_o will_v repent_v not_o because_o repentance_n be_v impossible_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o extreme_a misery_n but_o because_o there_o be_v no_o place_n leave_v for_o it_o be_v under_o a_o irreversible_a doom_n there_o be_v no_o encouragement_n to_o repentance_n no_o hope_n of_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n without_o which_o repentance_n be_v impossible_a for_o if_o a_o man_n do_v utter_o despair_v of_o pardon_n and_o be_v assure_v upon_o good_a ground_n that_o god_n will_v never_o show_v mercy_n to_o he_o in_o this_o case_n a_o man_n will_v grow_v desperate_a and_o not_o care_v what_o he_o do_v he_o that_o know_v that_o whatever_o he_o do_v he_o be_v miserable_a and_o undo_v will_v not_o matter_n how_o he_o demean_v himself_o all_o motive_n to_o repentance_n be_v go_v after_o a_o man_n once_o know_v it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n and_o this_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o represent_v to_o we_o as_o the_o case_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o damn_a spirit_n because_o their_o state_n be_v final_o determine_v and_o they_o be_v conclude_v under_o a_o irreversible_a sentence_n therefore_o repentance_n be_v impossible_a to_o they_o sorry_a no_o doubt_n they_o be_v and_o hearty_o trouble_v that_o by_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o folly_n they_o have_v bring_v this_o misery_n upon_o themselves_o and_o they_o can_v but_o conceive_v a_o everlasting_a displeasure_n against_o themselves_o for_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n and_o author_n of_o their_o own_o ruin_n and_o the_o reflection_n upon_o this_o will_v be_v a_o perpetual_a spring_n of_o discontent_n and_o fill_v their_o mind_n with_o eternal_a rage_n and_o vexation_n and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o feel_v the_o intolerable_a punishment_n of_o sin_n and_o groan_v under_o the_o insupportable_a torment_n of_o it_o and_o see_v no_o end_n of_o this_o miserable_a state_n no_o hope_n of_o get_v out_o of_o it_o they_o can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o affect_v than_o with_o discontent_n at_o themselves_o and_o rage_n and_o fury_n against_o god_n they_o be_v indeed_o penitent_a so_o far_o as_o to_o be_v trouble_v at_o themselves_o for_o what_o they_o have_v do_v but_o this_o trouble_n work_v no_o change_n and_o alteration_n in_o they_o they_o still_o hate_v god_n who_o inflict_v these_o punishment_n upon_o they_o and_o who_o they_o believe_v be_v determine_v to_o continue_v they_o in_o this_o miserable_a state_n the_o present_a anguish_n of_o their_o condition_n and_o their_o despair_n of_o better_v it_o make_v they_o mad_a and_o their_o mind_n be_v so_o distract_v by_o the_o wildness_n of_o their_o passion_n and_o their_o spirit_n so_o exasperate_v and_o set_v on_o fire_n by_o their_o own_o giddy_a motion_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o rest_n and_o silence_n in_o their_o soul_n not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o liberty_n of_o one_o calm_a and_o sedate_v thought_n or_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o reflect_v upon_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o sin_n and_o shall_v entertain_v any_o thought_n of_o return_v to_o god_n and_o their_o duty_n they_o be_v present_o check_v with_o this_o consideration_n that_o their_o case_n be_v determine_v that_o god_n be_v implacable_o offend_v with_o they_o and_o be_v inexorable_o and_o peremptory_o resolve_v to_o make_v they_o miserable_a for_o ever_o and_o during_o this_o persuasion_n no_o man_n can_v return_v to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o repentance_n this_o consideration_n of_o the_o immutable_a state_n of_o man_n after_o this_o life_n shall_v engage_v we_o with_o all_o seriousness_n and_o diligence_n to_o endeavour_v to_o secure_v our_o future_a happiness_n god_n have_v set_v before_o we_o good_a and_o evil_n life_n and_o death_n and_o we_o may_v yet_o choose_v which_o we_o please_v but_o in_o the_o other_o world_n we_o must_v stand_v to_o that_o choice_n which_o we_o have_v make_v here_o and_o inherit_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o by_o sin_n mankind_n be_v bring_v into_o a_o miserable_a state_n but_o our_o condition_n be_v not_o desperate_a and_o past_a remedy_n god_n have_v send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o a_o saviour_n to_o give_v repentance_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o though_o our_o case_n be_v bad_a it_o need_v not_o continue_v so_o if_o it_o be_v not_o our_o own_o fault_n there_o be_v a_o possibility_n now_o of_o change_v our_o condition_n for_o the_o better_a and_o of_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o perpetual_a happiness_n for_o ourselves_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n call_v upon_o we_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o assist_v we_o so_o that_o no_o man_n case_n be_v so_o bad_a but_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o better_v it_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o and_o will_v make_v use_n of_o the_o grace_n which_o god_n offer_v who_o be_v never_o want_v to_o the_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o men._n under_o the_o influence_n and_o assistance_n of_o this_o grace_n those_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n may_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n may_v be_v turn_v from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o be_v translate_v from_o one_o state_n to_o another_o from_o the_o dominion_n of_o satan_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n dear_a son_n but_o if_o we_o neglect_v the_o opportunity_n of_o this_o life_n and_o stand_v out_o against_o the_o offer_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o mercy_n there_o will_v no_o overture_n be_v make_v to_o we_o in_o the_o other_o world_n after_o this_o life_n be_v end_v god_n will_v try_v we_o no_o more_o our_o final_a miscarriage_n in_o this_o world_n will_v prove_v fatal_a to_o we_o in_o the_o other_o and_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v permit_v to_o live_v over_o again_o to_o correct_v our_o error_n as_o the_o tree_n fall_v so_o it_o shall_v lie_v such_o a_o state_n as_o we_o be_v settle_v in_o when_o we_o go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n shall_v be_v fix_v in_o the_o other_o and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o possibility_n of_o change_v it_o we_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o own_o counsel_n and_o by_o god_n grace_n we_o may_v mould_n and_o fashion_v our_o own_o fortune_n but_o if_o we_o trifle_v away_o this_o advantage_n we_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o redemption_n god_n have_v yet_o leave_v heaven_n and_o hell_n to_o our_o choice_n and_o we_o have_v need_v to_o look_v about_o we_o and_o choose_v well_o who_o can_v choose_v but_o once_o for_o all_o and_o for_o ever_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o space_n and_o opportunity_n leave_v we_o of_o repentance_n but_o so_o soon_o as_o we_o step_v out_o of_o this_o life_n and_o be_v enter_v upon_o the_o other_o world_n our_o condition_n will_v be_v seal_v never_o to_o be_v reverse_v and_o because_o after_o this_o life_n there_o will_v be_v no_o further_a hope_n of_o mercy_n there_o will_v be_v no_o possibility_n of_o repentance_n this_o be_v the_o accept_a time_n this_o be_v the_o day_n of_o salvation_n therefore_o to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n lest_o god_n