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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
grace_n good_a will_n work_n 11,614 5 6.0602 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A44431 The almost Christian discovered, in some sermons on Acts 26, 28 with a blow at profaneness / by the R.R. Ezekiel Hopkins, late Lord Bishop of London-Derry ; to which is added the upright Christian discovered, gathered out of the judicious treatises of William Bates, D.D. Hopkins, Ezekiel, 1634-1690.; Bates, William, 1625-1699. 1693 (1693) Wing H2728; ESTC R13653 54,869 143

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this_o efficiency_n be_v so_o sweet_o attemper_v to_o the_o native_a liberty_n of_o the_o will_n that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o pain_n and_o a_o torment_n to_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v separate_v from_o that_o god_n who_o now_o his_o understanding_n do_v apprehend_v and_o who_o his_o will_n do_v clasp_v about_o as_o the_o real_a and_o chief_a good_a here_o you_o see_v be_v both_o moral_a swasion_n and_o physical_a determination_n of_o the_o will_n to_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n god_n do_v real_o determine_v it_o by_o the_o efficacious_a touch_n of_o his_o grace_n whereby_o he_o powerful_o turn_v the_o bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o it_o to_o himself_o which_o before_o stand_v towards_o sin_n and_o vanity_n and_o that_o this_o may_v not_o infringe_v the_o will_n prerogative_n of_o act_v free_o he_o do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n moral_o persuade_v it_o by_o represent_v himself_o as_o the_o best_a and_o most_o satisfy_a object_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o the_o irresistableness_n of_o god_n work_v upon_o the_o will_n yet_o still_o man_n will_n be_v free_a in_o god_n work_v of_o grace_n which_o some_o have_v think_v to_o be_v a_o irreconcilable_a difference_n for_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o will_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o redouble_a pure_a act_n for_o otherwise_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n themselves_o that_o be_v under_o that_o bless_a necessity_n that_o they_o can_v but_o love_v and_o serve_v god_n will_v not_o love_v he_o and_o serve_v he_o free_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o will_n consist_v in_o a_o act_n upon_o rational_a ground_n and_o motive_n which_o by_o how_o much_o strong_a they_o be_v by_o so_o much_o more_o they_o turn_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o will_n to_o he_o and_o yet_o by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o the_o will_n be_v free_a in_o act_v so_o that_o here_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o will_n may_v not_o violate_v the_o causality_n of_o god_n purpose_n he_o change_v it_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o irresistible_a grace_n and_o yet_o that_o this_o 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supply_n of_o grace_n to_o keep_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o draw_v back_o to_o perdition_n yet_o withal_o their_o own_o freedom_n be_v such_o that_o they_o may_v if_o they_o will_v but_o when_o the_o will_n cease_v its_o freedom_n it_o never_o incline_v but_o to_o that_o which_o be_v most_o please_a and_o nothing_o be_v please_v to_o a_o renew_a sanctify_a will_n so_o much_o as_o that_o sovereign_n good_a which_o comprehend_v in_o it_o all_o other_o good_a thus_o you_o see_v how_o god_n dispose_v of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n change_v it_o without_o constrain_a of_o it_o turn_v it_o not_o forcible_o but_o infallible_o to_o himself_o when_o he_o draw_v it_o by_o the_o sweet_a and_o efficacious_a operation_n of_o his_o grace_n thus_o i_o have_v dispatch_v the_o first_o thing_n and_o show_v how_o god_n work_v the_o renew_v change_n upon_o the_o will_n of_o a_o sinner_n the_o second_o particular_a be_v to_o show_v you_o what_o other_o change_n may_v be_v wrought_v upon_o the_o will_n which_o yet_o fall_v short_a of_o true_a grace_n and_o may_v bring_v a_o man_n almost_o to_o christianity_n and_o yet_o leave_v he_o in_o a_o natural_a state_n and_o condition_n first_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n may_v have_v many_o faint_a velleity_n and_o wish_n and_o woulding_n after_o grace_n when_o he_o hear_v so_o much_o speak_v of_o the_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n of_o holiness_n he_o be_v convince_v in_o his_o judgement_n that_o those_o thing_n be_v true_a that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o that_o though_o while_o he_o be_v carnal_a spiritual_a duty_n be_v tedious_a and_o a_o burden_n to_o he_o yet_o be_v he_o spiritualise_v they_o will_v become_v more_o delightful_a to_o he_o than_o those_o very_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o keep_v he_o from_o close_v with_o grace_n be_v he_o renew_v those_o very_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n will_v become_v unsavoury_a to_o he_o that_o which_o now_o he_o be_v afraid_a to_o lose_v if_o he_o will_v turn_v to_o conscience_n he_o will_v not_o value_v the_o loss_n of_o it_o when_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n i_o say_v be_v thus_o convince_v of_o this_o it_o will_v make_v he_o to_o break_v out_o into_o pang_n of_o affection_n wish_v for_o grace_n o_o that_o i_o be_v holy_a and_o gracious_a i_o wish_v my_o heart_n be_v change_v and_o renew_v i_o wish_v i_o be_v better_a and_o can_v do_v better_a i_o appeal_v to_o every_o man_n conscience_n when_o he_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o excellency_n and_o desirableness_n of_o holiness_n whether_o they_o have_v not_o breathe_v forth_o such_o wish_n as_o these_o be_v when_o you_o have_v see_v a_o christian_a that_o be_v eminent_a and_o exemplary_a for_o piety_n have_v not_o you_o wish_v yourselves_o in_o his_o condition_n not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o future_a reward_n and_o glory_n but_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o present_a grace_n have_v you_o not_o wish_v that_o such_o have_v be_v your_o comeliness_n and_o beauty_n have_v you_o not_o wish_v not_o only_o with_o balaam_n to_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o that_o your_o last_o end_n may_v be_v like_o he_o but_o also_o your_o life_n by_o live_v righteous_o and_o yet_o still_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o course_n and_o sinful_a state_n as_o former_o why_o now_o such_o empty_a velleity_n and_o idle_a wish_n a_o unregenerate_a man_n may_v possible_o have_v he_o may_v wish_v he_o be_v a_o saint_n even_o as_o a_o fond_a foolish_a man_n according_a to_o his_o idle_a fancy_n may_v wish_v that_o he_o be_v a_o angel_n but_o such_o wish_n do_v not_o put_v they_o upon_o a_o constant_a attempt_n and_o use_v of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v become_v such_o their_o wish_n and_o their_o sigh_n vanish_v away_o together_o the_o one_o retain_v no_o long_a a_o impression_n upon_o their_o heart_n than_o the_o other_o in_o the_o air_n he_o run_v into_o the_o commission_n of_o that_o sin_n which_o with_o his_o mouth_n he_o wish_v he_o may_v not_o commit_v and_o life_n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o holy_a duty_n and_o yet_o can_v wish_v that_o he_o have_v perform_v they_o such_o contradictory_n wish_n have_v unregenerate_a man_n they_o wish_v themselves_o holy_a and_o yet_o be_v wilful_o sinful_a they_o wish_v that_o they_o be_v better_o and_o yet_o will_v not_o endeavour_v their_o own_o amendment_n second_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n he_o may_v not_o rest_v in_o these_o wish_n but_o he_o may_v rise_v to_o a_o resolution_n i_o say_v to_o some_o degree_n of_o resolution_n they_o resolve_v many_o thing_n that_o their_o lust_n shall_v no_o long_o enslave_v they_o that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v no_o long_o bewitch_v they_o that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n shall_v no_o long_o affright_v they_o but_o that_o they_o will_v break_v through_o all_o and_o act_n like_o man_n and_o such_o generous_a and_o ingenuous_a resolution_n as_o these_o a_o man_n in_o his_o natural_a estate_n may_v fortify_v himself_o with_o grace_n they_o know_v they_o must_v have_v else_o they_o be_v eternal_o undo_v they_o know_v that_o god_n have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o their_o endeavour_n and_o they_o peremptory_o resolve_v that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o themselves_o we_o may_v see_v the_o same_o strong_a resolution_n of_o those_o that_o come_v to_o inquire_v of_o jeremy_n chap._n 42.5_o 6._o they_o say_v the_o lord_n be_v a_o true_a and_o faithful_a witness_n between_o we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o according_a to_o all_o thing_n for_o which_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n shall_v send_v thou_o to_o we_o etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o none_o more_o rebellious_a and_o disobedient_a against_o god_n than_o these_o man_n that_o make_v this_o remonstrance_n and_o now_o notwithstanding_o these_o wish_n and_o these_o resolution_n the_o will_n of_o a_o natural_a
general_n i_o have_v show_v you_o that_o unregenerate_a man_n may_v go_v far_o yea_o very_o far_o towards_o a_o man_n may_v be_v almost_o a_o christian_a and_o yet_o be_v out_o of_o christ_n be_v near_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o yet_o not_o in_o it_o and_o possible_o be_v for_o ever_o exclude_v and_o shut_v out_o of_o it_o sermon_n ii_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o next_o thing_n propound_v as_o we_o have_v see_v in_o the_o general_n so_o now_o let_v we_o consider_v in_o particular_a what_o progress_n a_o natural_a man_n may_v make_v towards_o grace_n and_o that_o i_o shall_v do_v by_o consider_v the_o several_a step_n and_o degree_n by_o which_o they_o may_v arise_v up_o to_o a_o great_a height_n and_o glory_n of_o outward_a profession_n and_o this_o we_o can_v better_o do_v than_o by_o show_v 1._o what_o grace_n be_v 2._o what_o resemblance_n that_o which_o be_v wrought_v by_o a_o mere_a carnal_a man_n may_v carry_v in_o it_o like_o true_a grace_n by_o compare_v these_o together_o we_o may_v see_v how_o near_o a_o unregenerate_a carnal_a man_n may_v come_v to_o true_a and_o save_a grace_n first_o what_o grace_n be_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o that_o i_o speak_v not_o now_o of_o a_o objective_a grace_n inherent_a in_o god_n but_o terminate_v on_o we_o whereby_o a_o change_n be_v wrought_v in_o our_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o this_o objective_a grace_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o divine_a love_n favour_n and_o good_a will_n of_o god_n express_v in_o we_o but_o i_o speak_v of_o a_o subjective_a grace_n inherent_a in_o we_o whereby_o a_o real_a change_n be_v make_v in_o our_o life_n and_o nature_n and_o in_o brief_a you_o may_v take_v this_o description_n of_o subjective_n or_o inherent_a grace_n it_o be_v a_o supernatural_a habit_n immediate_o infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n reside_v in_o every_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o a_o principle_n of_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a operation_n and_o there_o be_v a_o fivefold_a change_v wrought_v by_o it_o 1._o upon_o the_o judgement_n or_o the_o direct_a understanding_n by_o inform_v and_o enlighten_v it_o 2._o upon_o the_o conscience_n in_o the_o reflex_n understanding_n by_o awaken_n and_o pacify_v it_o 3._o upon_o the_o affection_n by_o spiritualize_v they_o 4._o upon_o the_o will_n by_o convert_v it_o 5._o upon_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n by_o reform_v it_o this_o fivefold_a change_n be_v wrought_v upon_o the_o whole_a soul_n by_o true_a and_o sanctify_a grace_n now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o shall_v show_v how_o far_o a_o natural_a man_n may_v attain_v to_o these_o so_o as_o to_o be_v almost_o a_o christian_a first_o as_o for_o his_o mind_n or_o understanding_n he_o may_v be_v irradiate_v with_o a_o clear_a and_o sparkle_a knowledge_n of_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a object_n when_o yet_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o true_o convert_v to_o god_n it_o be_v true_a as_o in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o light_n be_v number_v and_o reckon_v among_o the_o first_o of_o god_n work_n so_o likewise_o in_o this_o new_a creation_n the_o first_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v to_o shed_v abroad_o his_o heavenly_a light_n it_o the_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v this_o first_o in_o order_n in_o that_o commission_n which_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n give_v to_o st._n paul_n act_v 26.18_o he_o send_v he_o to_o the_o gentile_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o to_o turn_v then_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o than_o it_o follow_v from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o god_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v a_o illumination_n about_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o may_v gil●_n and_o beautify_v the_o understanding_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n who_o like_o a_o toad_n may_v be_v full_a of_o poison_n though_o he_o have_v a_o precious_a stone_n in_o his_o head_n the_o apostle_n he_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o one_o of_o those_o attainment_n that_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n may_v have_v and_o yet_o be_v a_o apostate_n heb._n 6.4_o he_o may_v not_o only_o have_v a_o deep_a knowledge_n of_o gospel-mystery_n so_o as_o to_o see_v the_o whole_a compage_n and_o concatenation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o unfold_v they_o to_o other_o but_o may_v have_v also_o particular_a discovery_n of_o the_o glory_n and_o beauty_n that_o there_o be_v in_o these_o thing_n we_o may_v see_v it_o clear_o by_o balaam_n ecstasy_n numb_a 24._o such_o discovery_n carnal_a heart_n may_v have_v make_v to_o they_o and_o see_v their_o lustre_n and_o beauty_n nay_o further_o a_o carnal_a man_n may_v be_v convince_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n of_o recovery_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o suitableness_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o soul_n of_o the_o freeness_n of_o god_n love_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n of_o the_o readiness_n of_o his_o heart_n to_o receive_v they_o of_o the_o desirableness_n of_o 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not_o thereby_o leave_v its_o image_n upon_o it_o so_o true_o illumination_n that_o be_v save_v do_v not_o only_o irradiate_a but_o transform_v if_o you_o look_v upon_o the_o sun_n when_o shine_v in_o its_o strength_n the_o light_n thereof_o will_v imprint_v the_o very_a shape_n and_o image_n of_o the_o sun_n upon_o your_o eye_n and_o look_v where_o you_o will_v still_o you_o retain_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o sun_n before_o you_o so_o every_o sight_n that_o a_o true_a christian_a have_v of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n will_v make_v as_o it_o be_v another_o sun_n in_o his_o soul_n but_o now_o the_o illumination_n of_o wicked_a man_n do_v only_o enlighten_v not_o change_v they_o their_o understanding_n may_v be_v irradiate_v with_o glorious_a discovery_n of_o god_n christ_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o heaven_n but_o this_o do_v not_o transform_v they_o into_o the_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o those_o thing_n the_o illumination_n of_o godly_a man_n and_o true_a christian_n be_v like_o the_o light_n which_o break_v through_o the_o air_n and_o turn_v every_o vast_a body_n throughout_o the_o world_n all_o into_o light_n it_o be_v with_o wicked_a unregenerate_a man_n as_o with_o those_o that_o lie_v long_o in_o the_o sunshine_n which_o though_o it_o inlighten_v they_o yet_o do_v but_o afterward_o make_v they_o more_o black_a and_o swart_a so_o thou_o may_v have_v as_o much_o notional_a knowledge_n of_o god_n christ_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o any_o child_n of_o god_n have_v and_o possible_o much_o more_o yet_o this_o be_v no_o true_a sign_n of_o grace_n for_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o therefore_o save_v because_o it_o be_v clear_a and_o comprehensive_a but_o because_o it_o be_v influential_a and_o transform_a and_o usual_o we_o perceive_v that_o where_o
the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n shine_v into_o a_o wicked_a heart_n it_o do_v but_o tann_n and_o make_v the_o person_n more_o black_a and_o swart_a more_o sinful_a than_o before_o thus_o as_o to_o the_o direct_a understanding_n of_o the_o judgement_n a_o natural_a man_n may_v have_v a_o bright_a clear_a and_o glitter_a light_n concern_v heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a object_n second_o as_o for_o the_o reflex_n understanding_n of_o the_o conscience_n neither_o yet_o the_o peace_n nor_o the_o trouble_v of_o conscience_n be_v such_o a_o attainment_n to_o which_o a_o natural_a mar_n can_v reach_v first_o a_o natural_a man_n may_v have_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a conscience_n indeed_o when_o this_o peace_n be_v true_a it_o be_v always_o a_o effect_n of_o grace_n and_o therefore_o we_o thus_o find_v the●_n couple_v together_o rom._n 1.7_o 1_o cor._n 1.3_o yet_o there_o be_v that_o which_o look_v very_o like_a peace_n of_o conscience_n though_o it_o be_v not_o such_o and_o that_o be_v a_o supine_n presumption_n and_o a_o carnal_a stupidity_n and_o oscitancy_n their_o conscience_n be_v never_o trouble_v at_o the_o sight_n of_o sin_n or_o sense_n of_o wrath_n but_o be_v like_o those_o presumptuous_a sinner_n speak_v of_o deut._n 29.19_o and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v when_o he_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o curse_n that_o he_o bless_v himself_o in_o his_o heart_n say_v i_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o i_o walk_v in_o the_o imagination_n of_o my_o heart_n etc._n etc._n now_o this_o peace_n be_v found_v only_o upon_o bold_a and_o confident_a persuasion_n of_o god_n infinite_a mercy_n and_o gracious_a disposition_n and_o because_o god_n will_v exalt_v his_o mercy_n above_o all_o his_o name_n therefore_o they_o conclude_v that_o as_o god_n have_v exalt_v his_o power_n in_o create_v and_o sustain_v they_o so_o he_o will_v much_o more_o exalt_v his_o mercy_n in_o save_v they_o thus_o as_o madman_n often_o fancy_n themselves_o king_n or_o some_o great_a personage_n when_o indeed_o they_o be_v but_o wretched_a and_o miserable_a spectacle_n so_o do_v these_o spiritual_a madman_n and_o as_o the_o devil_n appropriate_v to_o himself_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o these_o look_n upon_o heaven_n and_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o and_o bold_o call_v it_o all_o their_o own_o yea_o and_o through_o their_o wretched_a security_n be_v bold_a to_o cry_v out_o with_o thomas_n my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n to_o such_o i_o may_v say_v with_o our_o saviour_n in_o another_o case_n god_n be_v not_o the_o god_n of_o the_o dead_a but_o the_o god_n of_o the_o live_n god_n be_v not_o the_o god_n of_o such_o as_o love_v and_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o lust_n and_o that_o call_v he_o father_n who_o yet_o they_o dishonour_v by_o a_o lewd_a and_o dissolute_a life_n this_o be_v but_o be_v father_n one_o of_o the_o devil_n offspring_n upon_o the_o holy_a god_n indeed_o man_n by_o enormous_a and_o flagitious_a crime_n have_v so_o wound_v and_o waste_v their_o conscience_n that_o now_o they_o retain_v not_o strength_n enough_o to_o accuse_v molest_v and_o trouble_v they_o and_o this_o they_o call_v peace_n of_o conscience_n such_o a_o peace_n as_o gallious_n in_o tacitus_n exprobrate_v the_o roman_n with_o when_o they_o have_v lay_v all_o waste_n this_o they_o call_v peace_n but_o this_o peace_n be_v rather_o deadness_n of_o conscience_n and_o be_v far_o from_o that_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o that_o that_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o conviction_n which_o destroy_v this_o ill-grounded_a peace_n and_o it_o work_v in_o the_o soul_n horror_n and_o terror_n and_o affright_v the_o secure_a soul_n when_o it_o show_v it_o how_o it_o sleep_v upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mast_n and_o lay_v on_o the_o very_a brink_n of_o the_o infernal_a pit_n as_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o discourage_v a_o break_a spirit_n but_o embolden_v it_o to_o appropriate_a christ_n and_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o itself_o in_o particular_a so_o we_o must_v let_v wicked_a man_n know_v that_o when_o they_o presume_v to_o call_v god_n their_o god_n and_o their_o father_n and_o yet_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n they_o will_v find_v that_o instead_o of_o be_v their_o father_n he_o will_v only_o be_v their_o judge_n now_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o this_o peace_n of_o a_o carnal_a man_n be_v only_o from_o deep_a security_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o slumber_n that_o have_v seize_v upon_o they_o because_o when_o we_o come_v to_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o they_o plead_v only_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o familiar_a and_o frequent_a than_o this_o they_o boast_v of_o and_o though_o they_o live_v in_o a_o constant_a neglect_n of_o holy_a duty_n and_o wallow_v in_o the_o filth_n of_o customary_a sin_n yet_o still_o they_o boast_v of_o this_o that_o they_o have_v very_o good_a heart_n upright_a intention_n this_o be_v a_o mere_a delusion_n for_o it_o be_v as_o utter_o impossible_a that_o the_o heart_n shall_v be_v good_a when_o the_o life_n be_v wicked_a and_o profane_a as_o for_o a_o good_a root_n to_o bring_v forth_o evil_a and_o corrupt_a fruit._n second_o as_o peace_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v attain_v by_o natural_a man_n so_o many_o time_n such_o may_v lie_v under_o the_o regret_v and_o trouble_v of_o conscience_n it_o be_v not_o trouble_v of_o conscience_n that_o be_v the_o attainment_n wherein_o true_a grace_n do_v consist_v a_o dull_a and_o a_o lethargic_a conscience_n that_o have_v long_o lie_v under_o the_o customary_a commission_n of_o gross_a sin_n may_v at_o length_n by_o strong_a conviction_n be_v startle_v and_o awaken_v to_o a_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v afraid_a at_o the_o sight_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o may_v retain_v a_o impure_a and_o defile_a conscience_n god_n may_v even_o in_o this_o life_n kindle_v in_o their_o breast_n some_o spark_n of_o the_o unquenchable_a fire_n and_o may_v give_v they_o some_o fore-tasts_a of_o that_o cup_n of_o tremble_v that_o they_o must_v for_o ever_o drink_v of_o as_o he_o have_v make_v himself_o a_o devil_n incarnate_a by_o his_o sin_n so_o god_n may_v make_v his_o conscience_n a_o hell_n incarnate_a by_o his_o conscience_n you_o hear_v cain_n that_o primitive_a reprobate_n cry_v out_o my_o punishment_n be_v great_a than_o i_o can_v bear_v nor_o can_v judas_n find_v any_o other_o way_n to_o check_v his_o conscience_n but_o with_o a_o halter_n these_o regret_v of_o conscience_n may_v proceed_v from_o a_o preparatory_a work_n of_o conviction_n which_o because_o of_o man_n wilful_a desert_v they_o often_o vanish_v away_o without_o any_o save_a effect_n and_o fall_v as_o far_o short_a of_o true_a grace_n as_o the_o region_n of_o the_o air_n where_o storm_n and_o tempest_n thundering_n and_o lightning_n be_v engender_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o heaven_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o that_o eternal_a calmness_n and_o serenity_n and_o as_o worm_n usual_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o corruption_n and_o putrefaction_n so_o this_o never_o die_a worm_n that_o must_v ever_o sting_v they_o oftentimes_o in_o this_o life_n be_v breed_v out_o of_o a_o rot_a and_o corrupt_a conscience_n the_o conscience_n therefore_o may_v be_v defile_v when_o it_o be_v not_o sear_v it_o may_v be_v awaken_v when_o it_o be_v not_o sanctify_v a_o filthy_a puddle_n may_v be_v stir_v as_o well_o as_o a_o clear_a run_a stream_n the_o conscience_n may_v work_v terror_n and_o horror_n where_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n never_o wrought_v true_a save_a grace_n three_o as_o to_o the_o affection_n there_o may_v be_v affection_n and_o sweet_a motion_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v oftentimes_o rely_v on_o we_o certain_a evidence_n of_o true_a grace_n yet_o also_o may_v be_v in_o a_o carnal_a and_o natural_a man_n mat._n 13.20_o some_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n etc._n etc._n so_o john_n 5._o christ_n tell_v the_o jew_n they_o do_v for_o a_o season_n rejoice_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o preach_v of_o john_n the_o baptist_n thus_o herod_n be_v say_v to_o hear_v john_n glad_o so_o that_o you_o see_v the_o affection_n in_o holy_a duty_n and_o ordinance_n may_v be_v with_o joy_n even_o in_o those_o that_o have_v no_o true_a grace_n at_o all_o in_o they_o as_o there_o may_v be_v those_o affection_n of_o joy_n and_o delight_n so_o likewise_o of_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n so_o we_o have_v it_o 27._o matth._n 3._o it_o be_v say_v of_o judas_n he_o repent_v himself_o and_o ahab_n humiliation_n be_v so_o great_a that_o god_n take_v special_a notice_n of_o he_o 1_o king_n 21._o behold_v how_o ahab_n humble_v himself_o etc._n etc._n how_o all_o these_o affection_n be_v but_o temporary_a and_o vanish_v which_o may_v be_v excite_v even_o in_o carnal_a man_n from_o several_a
life_n for_o christ_n who_o yet_o through_o their_o own_o profaneness_n or_o hypocrisy_n be_v to_o receive_v no_o benefit_n from_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o to_o persuade_v man_n then_o to_o be_v christian_n in_o profession_n it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o persuade_v they_o to_o be_v christian_n in_o reality_n but_o now_o when_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o much_o court_v when_o the_o deny_v of_o christ_n will_v be_v repay_v with_o the_o same_o punishment_n that_o former_o the_o own_n of_o christ_n undergo_v you_o need_v not_o so_o much_o persuasion_n to_o take_v upon_o you_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o christianity_n for_o you_o be_v not_o only_o almost_o but_o altogether_o christian_n in_o the_o external_a garb_n but_o our_o persuasion_n to_o you_o must_v be_v that_o as_o you_o own_o christ_n in_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o he_o so_o that_o you_o will_v cleave_v to_o he_o by_o a_o true_a faith_n in_o he_o and_o obedience_n to_o he_o we_o be_v not_o then_o to_o speak_v to_o pagan_n to_o convert_v they_o to_o a_o new_a religion_n but_o if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v we_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o christian_a infidel_n to_o convert_v they_o to_o a_o new_a life_n and_o conversation_n nor_o yet_o among_o these_o do_v my_o subject_n lead_v i_o to_o the_o profane_a and_o loose_a sort_n who_o be_v call_v christian_n do_v not_o more_o honour_v they_o than_o they_o disgrace_n and_o reproach_n that_o holy_a name_n but_o to_o those_o who_o be_v more_o elevate_v and_o more_o refine_a who_o go_v far_o in_o christianity_n so_o as_o to_o be_v near_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o word_n such_o as_o be_v almost_o christian_n and_o yet_o be_v stranger_n to_o christ_n and_o remain_v in_o their_o sinful_a state_n and_o unregenerate_a condition_n now_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o these_o follow_a particular_n in_o this_o method_n 1._o what_o progress_n man_n may_v make_v towards_o christianity_n and_o yet_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o 2._o whence_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o proceed_v so_o far_o and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o carry_v they_o out_o to_o all_o their_o attainment_n 3._o what_o it_o be_v that_o hinder_v they_o from_o proceed_v further_o and_o when_o they_o be_v almost_o christian_n what_o keep_v they_o from_o be_v such_o altogether_o 4._o to_o show_v you_o the_o folly_n and_o misery_n of_o those_o who_o proceed_v thus_o far_o only_a as_o to_o be_v almost_o christian_n and_o no_o far_o first_o let_v we_o see_v what_o progress_n a_o natural_a man_n may_v make_v towards_o grace_n and_o christianity_n and_o yet_o remain_v in_o a_o sinful_a state_n before_o i_o can_v come_v in_o particular_a to_o determine_v this_o i_o must_v premise_v these_o two_o or_o three_o particular_n first_n that_o when_o we_o inquire_v what_o progress_n a_o unregenerate_a man_n may_v make_v towards_o grace_n this_o suppose_n that_o there_o be_v a_o tendency_n in_o what_o such_o a_o man_n do_v or_o may_v do_v towards_o the_o obtain_n of_o grace_n or_o how_o else_o can_v he_o make_v any_o progress_n towards_o it_o if_o that_o which_o he_o do_v have_v no_o tendency_n to_o it_o let_v we_o therefore_o inquire_v what_o kind_n of_o tendency_n this_o be_v there_o may_v be_v a_o twosold_a tendency_n suppose_v in_o the_o action_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n towards_o the_o acquisition_n of_o grace_n 1._o effective_a tendency_n 2._o subjective_n tendency_n i._o action_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o effective_a tendency_n when_o they_o do_v by_o their_o own_o efficiency_n and_o causalty_n produce_v that_o which_o they_o tend_v to_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o must_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o action_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n have_v any_o tendency_n towards_o grace_n be_v their_o progress_n what_o it_o will_v thereby_o he_o can_v efficient_o produce_v or_o cause_v grace_n in_o himself_o and_o therefore_o grace_n be_v call_v the_o new_a creature_n as_o be_v the_o effect_n only_o of_o create_v power_n which_o be_v the_o sole_a prerogative_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v as_o utter_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o create_v grace_n in_o the_o soul_n as_o to_o create_v the_o soul_n itself_o take_v but_o this_o one_o demonstration_n to_o evince_v it_o if_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n by_o his_o own_o power_n and_o efficiency_n can_v produce_v grace_n in_o himself_o than_o one_o of_o these_o two_o gross_a absurdity_n must_v needs_o follow_v either_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v still_o leave_v holy_a habit_n and_o principle_n in_o the_o will_n which_o be_v never_o lose_v by_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n or_o 2._o that_o a_o man_n may_v make_v himself_o true_o holy_a by_o a_o will_n that_o be_v total_o corrupt_a and_o sinful_a but_o either_o of_o these_o be_v very_o gross_a first_o there_o be_v no_o holy_a nor_o divine_a habit_n leave_v in_o the_o will_n of_o a_o carnal_a man_n whereby_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o regenerate_v and_o convert_v himself_o for_o what_o holy_a habit_n can_v there_o be_v in_o the_o will_n of_o one_o that_o be_v whole_o corrupt_v if_o any_o such_o be_v suppose_v it_o may_v also_o be_v suppose_v that_o it_o be_v true_a grace_n and_o to_o affirm_v that_o a_o man_n in_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n have_v true_a grace_n inherent_a in_o he_o whereby_o he_o be_v able_a to_o convert_v and_o regenerate_a himself_o be_v double_a nonsense_n and_o a_o flat_a contradiction_n for_o it_o be_v to_o affirm_v that_o he_o have_v grace_n before_o he_o have_v it_o second_o a_o will_v total_o corrupt_v can_v make_v a_o holy_a man_n can_v produce_v grace_n nor_o make_v a_o man_n holy_a grace_n be_v beyond_o and_o above_o its_o sphere_n all_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o will_n in_o its_o fall_a estate_n what_o through_o defect_n of_o a_o right_a principle_n from_o whence_o they_o flow_v and_o a_o right_a end_n to_o which_o they_o tend_v they_o be_v all_o evil_a and_o sinful_a and_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a to_o affirm_v that_o a_o gracious_a habit_n may_v be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o sinful_a action_n and_o beside_o the_o will_n of_o a_o man_n by_o the_o fall_n it_o be_v a_o fleshly_a will_n but_o in_o regeneration_n it_o be_v make_v spiritual_a now_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o production_n if_o fleshly_a can_v beget_v spiritual_a nor_o will_v it_o any_o long_o hold_v true_a what_o our_o saviour_n say_v in_o john_n 3.35_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n so_o that_o i_o think_v it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o all_o that_o a_o man_n can_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n can_v tend_v efficient_o to_o produce_v grace_n in_o he_o second_o there_o be_v a_o subjective_a tendency_n towards_o grace_n and_o this_o lie_v in_o those_o moral_a preparation_n and_o those_o disposition_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o fit_n it_o for_o the_o receive_n of_o grace_n though_o it_o be_v wrought_v there_o only_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o thus_o we_o affirm_v that_o while_n man_n be_v in_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n they_o may_v have_v and_o do_v somewhat_o that_o have_v a_o tendency_n in_o it_o to_o grace_n that_o be_v one_o unregenerate_a man_n may_v have_v more_o of_o these_o previous_a disposition_n and_o of_o these_o preparation_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o grace_n than_o another_o have_v for_o though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o itself_o single_o necessary_a that_o such_o previous_a disposition_n shall_v be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n before_o the_o implantation_n of_o divine_a grace_n since_o such_o a_o subject_a as_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o grace_n do_v not_o as_o the_o schoolman_n determine_v require_v its_o previous_a disposition_n for_o the_o production_n of_o its_o form_n yet_o this_o 〈◊〉_d the_o usual_a common_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v work_n 1._o to_o prepare_v the_o heart_n by_o some_o common_a work_n of_o conviction_n legal_a terror_n and_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n first_o to_o prepare_v the_o heart_n by_o these_o before_o it_o work_v any_o save_v and_o 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man_n fall_v short_a of_o a_o save_a change_n and_o that_o usual_o in_o these_o particular_n first_o in_o that_o it_o be_v a_o fickle_a and_o unconstant_a will_n their_o desire_n may_v be_v sometime_o violent_a and_o passionate_a as_o if_o they_o will_v take_v heaven_n by_o force_n and_o wrest_v mercy_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n their_o prayer_n may_v be_v importunate_a and_o earnest_a as_o if_o they_o will_v take_v no_o denial_n but_o this_o violent_a spirit_n be_v soon_o spend_v and_o this_o full_a bend_v of_o their_o soul_n soon_o flag_n and_o return_v again_o as_o formerly_z ever_o and_o anon_o into_o the_o commission_n of_o some_o foul_a and_o gross_a sin_n such_o a_o will_n as_o this_o be_v though_o at_o first_o it_o hurry_v they_o apace_o yet_o it_o be_v soon_o tire_v and_o leave_v they_o short_a of_o grace_n and_o heaven_n the_o christian_a race_n be_v not_o to_o be_v run_v by_o so_o many_o fit_n but_o by_o a_o constant_a course_n and_o progress_n still_o get_v ground_n upon_o our_o lust_n still_o approach_v near_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o it_o be_v with_o such_o man_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o sea_n when_o a_o springtide_n cover_v all_o the_o shore_n when_o it_o ebb_v it_o discover_v nothing_o but_o sand_n which_o before_o be_v nothing_o but_o deep_a water_n so_o these_o affect_a and_o flow_a christian_n they_o discover_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o barren_a sand_n at_o the_o bottom_n that_o they_o be_v as_o unstable_a as_o water_n a_o christian_a be_v not_o make_v in_o a_o fit_a neither_o be_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o a_o passion_n but_o it_o be_v a_o settle_a solemn_a and_o constant_a frame_n of_o heart_n that_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o christ_n and_o salvation_n second_o the_o will_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v never_o universal_o change_v still_o they_o reserve_v to_o themselves_o some_o lust_n or_o other_o that_o they_o will_v not_o part_v withal_o and_o their_o resolution_n concern_v their_o sin_n be_v such_o as_o the_o resolution_n of_o naaman_n the_o assyrian_a 2_o king_n 5.18_o in_o this_o thing_n the_o lord_n pardon_v thy_o servant_n that_o when_o my_o master_n go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o rimmon_n to_o worship_v there_o and_o he_o lean_v on_o my_o hand_n and_o i_o how_o myself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o rimmon_n etc._n etc._n the_o lord_n pardon_v thy_o servant_n in_o this_o thing_n so_o man_n may_v be_v peremptory_a in_o their_o resolution_n to_o forsake_v their_o sin_n yet_o still_o there_o may_v be_v some_o one_o dear_a lust_n or_o other_o that_o make_v they_o cry_v with_o naaman_n lord_n pardon_v thy_o servant_n in_o this_o thing_n now_o they_o will_v be_v willing_a to_o receive_v christ_n if_o they_o may_v be_v allow_v in_o one_o darling-sin_n now_o the_o partition_n that_o any_o one_o sin_n make_v between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n must_v needs_o hinder_v the_o soul_n from_o close_v with_o christ_n as_o if_o you_o throw_v but_o any_o little_a thing_n between_o the_o branch_n and_o the_o stock_n that_o it_o be_v ingraft_v into_o the_o sap_n will_v never_o be_v communicate_v to_o it_o and_o so_o it_o will_v never_o grow_v up_o to_o be_v a_o plant._n three_o the_o will_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v usual_o irrational_a it_o will_v obtain_v the_o end_n and_o yet_o not_o use_v the_o mean_n grace_n possible_o they_o will_v have_v but_o they_o can_v bring_v their_o averse_a will_n to_o close_v with_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o unpleasing_a &_o irksome_a duty_n wherein_o god_n usual_o bestow_v grace_n and_o by_o which_o he_o convey_v grace_n to_o the_o soul_n can_v they_o be_v holy_a with_o a_o wish_n and_o a_o sudden_a fancy_n that_o inflame_v they_o than_o none_o shall_v be_v better_a christian_n than_o themselves_o can_v they_o enter_v into_o heaven_n by_o be_v willing_a there_o be_v none_o then_o shall_v shine_v above_o they_o in_o glory_n but_o when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o hard_a and_o unpleasing_a work_n first_o that_o they_o must_v be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o after_o they_o be_v true_a christian_n they_o must_v exercise_v every_o grace_n and_o perform_v every_o duty_n that_o may_v sit_v and_o prepare_v they_o for_o glory_n they_o look_v upon_o these_o thing_n as_o too_o difficult_a which_o make_v they_o sit_v down_o with_o idle_a wish_n short_a both_o of_o grace_n and_o glory_n their_o will_n be_v very_o irrational_a they_o will_v have_v heaven_n but_o they_o slight_a grace_n the_o way_n to_o it_o and_o possible_o they_o will_v have_v grace_n but_o they_o can_v bring_v themselves_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o irksome_a and_o unpleasing_a duty_n in_o and_o by_o which_o grace_n be_v usual_o bestow_v and_o convey_v four_o the_o will_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v usual_o general_a not_o a_o particular_a will._n if_o god_n shall_v ask_v they_o sinner_n what_o will_v you_o do_v to_o be_v save_v they_o will_v answer_v any_o thing_n every_o thing_n but_o let_v god_n bid_v they_o leave_v such_o and_o such_o a_o sin_n perform_v such_o and_o such_o a_o duty_n they_o answer_v with_o naaman_n any_o sin_n but_o that_o any_o duty_n but_o that_o so_o it_o be_v with_o these_o man_n oh_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o general_a but_o when_o god_n bring_v they_o down_o to_o particular_n to_o do_v this_o or_o that_o than_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v just_a nothing_o now_o i_o have_v show_v you_o how_o far_o the_o will_n itself_o may_v be_v change_v in_o unregenerate_a person_n they_o may_v wish_v after_o grace_n and_o resolve_v to_o be_v better_o and_o to_o do_v better_o and_o yet_o fall_v short_a of_o save_v grace_n and_o also_o what_o it_o be_v that_o hinder_v this_o change_n from_o be_v a_o through_o work_n of_o grace_n what_o it_o be_v that_o obstruct_v they_o when_o they_o be_v almost_o that_o they_o be_v not_o altogether_o christian_n five_o as_o for_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a change_n wrought_v in_o the_o live_v of_o 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beg_v compassion_n and_o a_o little_a favour_n to_o be_v grant_v to_o it_o be_v it_o casie_a to_o combat_v with_o principality_n and_o power_n to_o bassle_v devil_n and_o despise_v the_o scorn_n and_o affront_v of_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v it_o easy_a to_o live_v like_o a_o angel_n nay_o to_o live_v like_o christ_n to_o live_v like_o god_n himself_o be_v this_o easy_a when_o we_o see_v so_o many_o totter_a professor_n aspire_v towards_o christianity_n some_o mount_a till_o they_o be_v giddy_a and_o brainsick_a with_o their_o most_o damnable_a error_n other_o tumble_v down_o from_o the_o precipice_n of_o great_a and_o dangerous_a sin_n we_o may_v well_o wonder_v that_o any_o be_v save_v when_o such_o as_o these_o miscarry_v well_o then_o to_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v wrought_v upon_o you_o even_o that_o the_o omnipotent_a god_n have_v wrought_v and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v wrought_v by_o you_o that_o that_o be_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n we_o may_v 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