inclination_n and_o appetite_n without_o any_o consideration_n of_o the_o future_a consequence_n of_o thing_n and_o without_o fear_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o of_o a_o present_a and_o sensible_a danger_n like_o brute_n creature_n who_o fear_v no_o evil_n but_o what_o be_v in_o view_n and_o just_o ready_a to_o fall_v upon_o they_o whereas_o to_o a_o prudent_a and_o considerate_a man_n a_o good_a or_o evil_n in_o reversion_n be_v capable_a of_o as_o true_a a_o estimation_n proportionable_o to_o the_o greatness_n and_o distance_n of_o it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v real_o present_a and_o what_o do_v we_o think_v have_v god_n give_v we_o our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n for_o but_o to_o foresee_v evil_n at_o a_o distance_n and_o to_o prevent_v they_o to_o provide_v for_o our_o future_a security_n and_o happiness_n to_o look_v up_o to_o god_n our_o maker_n who_o have_v teach_v we_o more_o than_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o make_v we_o wise_a than_o the_o fowl_n of_o heaven_n but_o 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forward_o to_o mark_v and_o censure_v the_o fault_n and_o folly_n of_o other_o man_n but_o how_o few_o descend_v into_o themselves_o and_o turn_v their_o eye_n inward_a and_o say_v what_o have_v i_o do_v it_o be_v a_o excellent_a say_n of_o antoninus_n the_o great_a emperor_n and_o philosopher_n no_o man_n be_v ever_o unhappy_a for_o not_o pry_v into_o the_o action_n and_o condition_n of_o other_o man_n but_o that_o man_n be_v necessary_o unhappy_a who_o do_v not_o observe_v himself_o and_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n this_o be_v our_o proper_a work_n and_o now_o be_v a_o proper_a season_n for_o it_o when_o we_o pretend_v to_o god_n and_o man_n to_o set_v apart_o a_o solemn_a time_n for_o the_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o and_o for_o a_o serious_a review_n of_o our_o life_n in_o order_n to_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n to_o the_o reform_v and_o amendment_n of_o what_o be_v amiss_o and_o though_o we_o will_v venture_v to_o dissemble_v with_o man_n yet_o let_v we_o not_o dissemble_v with_o god_n also_o for_o shall_v not_o he_o that_o ponder_v the_o heart_n consider_v it_o and_o he_o that_o keep_v thy_o soul_n shall_v not_o he_o know_v it_o and_o shall_v not_o he_o render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o way_n i_o know_v it_o be_v a_o very_a unpleasant_a work_n which_o i_o be_o now_o put_v you_o upon_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n that_o man_n be_v general_o so_o backward_o to_o it_o because_o it_o will_v of_o necessity_n give_v some_o present_a disturbance_n to_o their_o mind_n they_o who_o life_n have_v be_v very_o vicious_a be_v so_o odious_a a_o sight_n so_o horrid_a a_o spectacle_n to_o themselves_o that_o they_o can_v endure_v to_o reflect_v upon_o their_o own_o way_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n they_o hate_v consideration_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v to_o it_o as_o the_o evil_a spirit_n do_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o our_o saviour_n what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v with_o thou_o be_v thou_o come_v to_o torment_v i_o before_o the_o time_n but_o let_v not_o this_o affright_v we_o from_o it_o for_o whatever_o trouble_n it_o may_v cause_v at_o present_a it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o prevent_v the_o anguish_n and_o the_o torment_n of_o eternity_n the_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v offer_v to_o your_o consideration_n be_v of_o huge_a moment_n and_o importance_n they_o do_v not_o concern_v your_o body_n and_o estate_n but_o that_o which_o be_v more_o true_o yourselves_o your_o immortal_a soul_n the_o dear_a and_o most_o durable_a part_n of_o yourselves_o and_o they_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o for_o a_o little_a while_n but_o forever_o let_v i_o therefore_o bespeak_v your_o most_o serious_a regard_n to_o they_o in_o the_o word_n of_o moses_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n after_o he_o have_v set_v the_o law_n of_o god_n before_o they_o togeher_n with_o the_o blessing_n promise_v to_o obedience_n and_o the_o terrible_a curse_n threaten_v to_o the_o transgression_n of_o it_o deut._n 32.46_o set_v your_o heart_n to_o the_o word_n which_o i_o testify_v to_o you_o this_o day_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o vain_a thing_n because_o it_o be_v your_o life_n your_o life_n your_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o it_o and_o beside_o a_o tender_a regard_n to_o yourselves_o and_o your_o own_o interest_n which_o methinks_v every_o man_n out_o of_o a_o natural_a desire_n of_o be_v happy_a and_o dread_a of_o be_v miserable_a shall_v be_v forward_o enough_o to_o consider_v be_v please_v likewise_o to_o lay_v to_o heart_n the_o influence_n of_o your_o example_n upon_o other_o i_o speak_v now_o to_o a_o great_a many_o person_n the_o eminence_n of_o who_o rank_n and_o quality_n render_v their_o example_n so_o powerful_a as_o to_o be_v able_a almost_o to_o give_v authority_n either_o to_o
iniquity_n testify_v against_o thou_o to_o thy_o very_a face_n how_o can_v there_o be_v peace_n when_o thy_o lust_n and_o debauchery_n thy_o impiety_n to_o god_n and_o thy_o injury_n to_o man_n have_v be_v so_o many_o how_o can_v there_o be_v peace_n when_o thy_o whole_a life_n have_v be_v a_o continue_a contempt_n and_o provocation_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o a_o perpetual_a violence_n and_o affront_n to_o the_o light_n and_o reason_n of_o thy_o own_o mind_n therefore_o whatever_o temptation_n there_o may_v be_v in_o sin_n at_o a_o distance_n whatever_o pleasure_n in_o the_o act_n and_o commission_n of_o it_o yet_o remember_v that_o it_o always_o go_v off_o with_o trouble_n and_o will_v be_v bitterness_n in_o the_o end_n those_o word_n of_o solomon_n have_v a_o terrible_a sting_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o they_o rejoice_v o_o young_a man_n in_o thy_o youth_n and_o let_v thy_o heart_n cheer_v thou_o in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o thy_o eye_n but_o know_v that_o for_o all_o these_o thing_n god_n will_v bring_v thou_o into_o judgement_n this_o one_o think_v which_o will_v very_o often_o unavoidable_o break_v into_o our_o mind_n that_o god_n will_v bring_v we_o into_o judgement_n be_v enough_o to_o dash_v all_o our_o contentment_n and_o to_o spoil_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o sinful_a life_n never_o expect_v to_o be_v quiet_a in_o thy_o own_o mind_n and_o to_o have_v the_o true_a enjoyment_n of_o thyself_o till_o thou_o live_v a_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a life_n and_o if_o this_o discourse_n be_v true_a as_o i_o be_o confident_a i_o have_v every_o man_n conscience_n on_o my_o side_n i_o say_v if_o this_o be_v true_a let_v we_o venture_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o happy_a that_o be_v to_o be_v religious_a let_v we_o resolve_v to_o break_v off_o our_o sin_n by_o repentance_n to_o fear_n god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n as_o ever_o we_o desire_v to_o avoid_v the_o unspeakable_a torment_n of_o a_o guilty_a mind_n and_o will_v not_o be_v perpetual_o uneasy_a to_o ourselves_o grant_v we_o beseech_v thou_o almighty_a god_n that_o we_o may_v every_o one_o of_o we_o know_v and_o do_v in_o this_o our_o day_n the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n before_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n and_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n which_o bring_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n make_v we_o perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n to_o do_v his_o will_n work_v in_o we_o always_o that_o which_o be_v well-pleasing_a in_o his_o sight_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n febr._n 26_o the_o 1674_o 5._o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n febr._n 26_o the_o 1674_o 5._o psal._n cxix_o 59_o i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n the_o two_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o man_n be_v infidelity_n and_o want_n of_o consideration_n some_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n or_o at_o least_o have_v by_o argue_v against_o they_o render_v they_o so_o doubtful_a to_o themselves_o as_o to_o take_v away_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o they_o but_o these_o be_v but_o a_o ve-very_a small_a part_n of_o mankind_n in_o comparison_n of_o those_o who_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o consider_v these_o thing_n for_o most_o man_n take_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n for_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o a_o state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n and_o never_o entertain_v any_o considerable_a doubt_n in_o their_o mind_n to_o the_o contrary_a but_o for_o all_o this_o they_o never_o attend_v to_o the_o proper_a and_o natural_a consequence_n of_o these_o principle_n nor_o apply_v they_o to_o their_o own_o case_n they_o never_o serious_o consider_v the_o notorious_a inconsistency_n of_o their_o life_n with_o this_o belief_n and_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v who_o be_v very_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n for_o no_o man_n that_o be_v convince_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o consider_v the_o necessary_a and_o immediate_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o persuasion_n can_v think_v it_o safe_a to_o affront_v he_o by_o a_o wicked_a life_n no_o man_n that_o believe_v the_o infinite_a happiness_n and_o misery_n of_o another_o world_n and_o consider_v withal_o that_o one_o of_o these_o shall_v certain_o be_v his_o portion_n according_a as_o he_o demean_v himself_o in_o this_o present_a life_n can_v think_v it_o indifferent_a what_o course_n he_o take_v man_n may_v thrust_v away_o these_o thought_n and_o keep_v they_o out_o of_o their_o mind_n for_o a_o long_a time_n but_o no_o man_n that_o enter_v into_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o matter_n can_v possible_o think_v it_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a to_o he_o whether_o he_o be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o ever_o so_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o evil_n of_o man_n life_n will_v be_v cure_v if_o they_o will_v but_o once_o lay_v they_o to_o heart_n will_v they_o but_o serious_o consider_v the_o consequence_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n they_o will_v see_v so_o plain_a reason_n and_o so_o urgent_a a_o necessity_n for_o the_o reform_n of_o it_o that_o they_o will_v not_o venture_v to_o continue_v any_o long_o in_o it_o this_o course_n david_n take_v here_o in_o the_o text_n and_o he_o find_v the_o happy_a success_n of_o it_o i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n in_o which_o word_n there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n considerable_a i._o the_o course_n which_o david_n here_o take_v for_o the_o reform_n of_o his_o life_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n ii_o the_o success_n of_o this_o course_n it_o produce_v actual_a and_o speedy_a reformation_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n i_o make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o to_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n these_o be_v the_o two_o head_n of_o my_o follow_a discourse_n which_o when_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o persuade_v myself_o and_o you_o to_o take_v the_o same_o course_n which_o david_n here_o do_v and_o god_n grant_v that_o it_o may_v have_v the_o same_o effect_n i._o we_o will_v consider_v the_o course_n which_o david_n here_o take_v for_o the_o reform_n of_o his_o life_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n or_o as_o the_o word_n be_v render_v in_o our_o old_a translation_n i_o call_v i_o own_o way_n to_o remembrance_n and_o this_o may_v either_o signify_v a_o general_a survey_n and_o examination_n of_o his_o life_n respect_v indifferent_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a action_n of_o it_o or_o else_o which_o be_v more_o probable_a it_o may_v special_o refer_v to_o the_o sin_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o his_o life_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n that_o be_v i_o call_v my_o sin_n to_o remembrance_n neither_o of_o these_o sense_n can_v be_v much_o amiss_o in_o order_n to_o the_o effect_n mention_v in_o the_o text_n viz._n the_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o our_o life_n and_o therefore_o neither_o of_o they_o can_v reasonable_o be_v exclude_v though_o i_o shall_v principal_o insist_v upon_o the_o late_a 1._o this_o think_v of_o our_o way_n may_v signify_v a_o general_a survey_n and_o examination_n of_o our_o life_n respect_v indifferent_o our_o good_a and_o bad_a action_n for_o way_n be_v a_o metaphorical_a word_n denote_v the_o course_n of_o a_o man_n life_n and_o action_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n that_o be_v i_o examine_v my_o life_n and_o call_v myself_o to_o a_o strict_a account_n for_o the_o action_n of_o it_o i_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o my_o duty_n and_o consider_v how_o far_o i_o have_v obey_v that_o law_n or_o offend_v against_o it_o how_o much_o evil_a i_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o and_o how_o little_a good_a i_o have_v do_v in_o comparison_n of_o what_o i_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v that_o by_o this_o mean_v i_o may_v come_v to_o understand_v the_o true_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o my_o soul_n and_o discern_v how_o many_o and_o great_a my_o fault_n and_o defect_n be_v i_o may_v amend_v whatever_o be_v amiss_o and_o be_v more_o careful_a of_o my_o duty_n for_o the_o future_a and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o excellent_a use_n for_o man_n to_o set_v apart_o some_o particular_a time_n for_o the_o examination_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o may_v know_v how_o account_n stand_v between_o god_n and_o they_o pythagoras_n or_o
come_v upon_o they_o like_o a_o whirlwind_n heaven_n above_o threaten_v they_o and_o hell_n beneath_o move_v herself_o to_o meet_v they_o at_o their_o come_n can_v we_o possiby_o do_v less_o than_o to_o warn_v such_o person_n to_o flee_v from_o the_o wrath_n which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o out_o of_o a_o sad_a apprehension_n of_o the_o danger_n that_o hang_v over_o they_o to_o caution_n they_o against_o it_o and_o endeavour_v with_o all_o our_o might_n to_o rescue_v they_o from_o the_o misery_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o swallow_v they_o up_o indeed_o one_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v it_o a_o very_a vain_a thing_n to_o dissuade_v man_n from_o be_v miserable_a to_o use_v great_a vehemency_n of_o argument_n to_o hinder_v a_o man_n from_o leap_v into_o a_o pit_n or_o from_o run_v into_o the_o fire_n to_o take_v great_a pain_n to_o argue_v a_o sick_a man_n into_o a_o desire_n of_o health_n and_o to_o make_v a_o prisoner_n content_v to_o have_v his_o shackle_n knock_v off_o and_o to_o be_v set_v at_o liberty_n one_o will_v think_v all_o this_o be_v perfect_o needless_a but_o yet_o we_o see_v in_o experience_n sin_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o so_o stupify_a a_o nature_n as_o to_o make_v man_n insensible_a of_o their_o danger_n although_o it_o be_v so_o near_o and_o so_o terrible_a it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o man_n in_o other_o case_n when_o we_o labour_v of_o any_o bodily_a distemper_n it_o be_v much_o to_o find_v a_o man_n that_o be_v patient_a of_o his_o disease_n but_o when_o our_o soul_n be_v mortal_o sick_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v content_v with_o our_o condition_n and_o fond_a of_o our_o disease_n that_o we_o shall_v fight_v with_o our_o physician_n and_o spurn_v at_o our_o remedy_n this_o sure_o be_v the_o height_n of_o distraction_n for_o man_n to_o be_v thus_o absolute_o bend_v upon_o their_o own_o ruin_n and_o to_o resolve_v to_o make_v away_o themselves_o forever_o and_o we_o who_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o god_n to_o man_n must_v be_v bear_v of_o the_o rock_n and_o have_v heart_n hard_a than_o the_o nether_a millstone_n if_o we_o can_v patient_o look_v on_o and_o endure_v to_o see_v man_n perish_v without_o use_v our_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o save_v they_o therefore_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o iii_o three_o and_o last_o place_n apply_v myself_o to_o this_o work_n of_o exhortation_n the_o duty_n command_v here_o in_o the_o text._n and_o here_o i_o shall_v address_v myself_o to_o two_o sort_n of_o person_n 1._o to_o persuade_v those_o who_o be_v yet_o innocent_a of_o great_a crime_n to_o resist_v the_o beginning_n of_o sin_n lest_o it_o gain_v upon_o they_o by_o degree_n 2._o to_o press_v and_o urge_v those_o that_o be_v already_o enter_v upon_o a_o wicked_a course_n that_o they_o will_v make_v haste_n out_o of_o this_o dangerous_a state_n lest_o at_o last_o they_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n 1._o to_o persuade_v those_o who_o be_v yet_o in_o some_o measure_n innocent_a to_o resist_v the_o beginning_n of_o sin_n lest_o it_o gain_v upon_o they_o by_o degree_n vice_n may_v easy_o be_v discourage_v at_o first_o it_o be_v like_o a_o slight_a disease_n which_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v cure_v but_o dangerous_a to_o be_v neglect_v the_o first_o approach_n of_o sin_n and_o temptation_n be_v usual_o very_o modest_a but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o discountenance_v they_o will_v soon_o grow_v upon_o we_o and_o make_v bold_a attempt_n every_o inclination_n to_o sin_n every_o compliance_n with_o temptation_n be_v a_o go_v down_o the_o hill_n while_o we_o keep_v our_o stand_n we_o may_v command_v ourselves_o but_o if_o we_o once_o put_v our_o self_n into_o violent_a motion_n downward_o we_o can_v stop_v when_o we_o please_v omne_fw-la in_o praecipiti_fw-la vitium_fw-la stetit_fw-la all_o vice_n stand_v upon_o a_o precipice_n and_o to_o engage_v in_o any_o sinful_a course_n be_v to_o run_v down_o the_o hill_n and_o if_o we_o once_o let_v loose_v the_o propension_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o can_v gather_v in_o the_o reins_o and_o govern_v they_o as_o we_o please_v if_o we_o give_v way_n to_o presumptuous_a sin_n they_o will_v quick_o get_v dominion_n over_o we_o it_o be_v much_o easy_o not_o to_o begin_v a_o bad_a course_n than_o to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o ourselves_o after_o we_o have_v begin_v it_o stulta_fw-la res_fw-la est_fw-la nequitiae_fw-la modus_fw-la seneca_n it_o be_v a_o fond_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n to_o think_v to_o set_v bound_n to_o himself_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v bad_a to_o resolve_v to_o sin_n in_o number_n weight_n and_o measure_n with_o great_a temperance_n and_o discretion_n and_o government_n of_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v commit_v this_o sin_n and_o then_o give_v over_o entertain_v but_o this_o one_o temptation_n and_o after_o that_o he_o will_v shut_v the_o door_n and_o admit_v of_o no_o more_o our_o corrupt_a heart_n when_o they_o be_v once_o in_o motion_n they_o be_v like_o the_o rage_a sea_n to_o which_o we_o set_v no_o bound_n nor_o say_v to_o it_o hitherto_o thou_o shall_v go_v and_o no_o further_o sin_n be_v very_o cunning_a and_o deceitful_a and_o do_v strange_o gain_v upon_o man_n when_o they_o once_o give_v way_n to_o it_o it_o be_v of_o a_o very_a bewitch_a nature_n and_o have_v strange_a art_n of_o address_n and_o insinuation_n the_o give_a way_n to_o a_o small_a sin_n do_v marvellous_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v a_o man_n for_o a_o great_a by_o give_v way_n to_o one_o little_a vice_n after_o another_o the_o strong_a resolution_n may_v be_v break_v for_o though_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v snap_v in_o sunder_o at_o once_o yet_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o be_v untwist_v by_o degree_n and_o then_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o break_v it_o one_o thread_n after_o another_o it_o be_v scarce_o imaginable_a of_o what_o force_n one_o sinful_a action_n be_v to_o produce_v more_o for_o sin_n be_v very_o teem_a and_o fruitful_a and_o though_o there_o be_v no_o blessing_n annex_v to_o it_o yet_o it_o do_v strange_o increase_v and_o multiply_v as_o there_o be_v a_o connexion_n of_o one_o virtue_n with_o another_o so_o vice_n be_v link_v together_o and_o one_o sin_n draw_v many_o after_o it_o when_o the_o devil_n tempt_v a_o man_n to_o commit_v any_o wickedness_n he_o do_v as_o it_o be_v lay_v a_o long_a train_n of_o sin_n and_o if_o the_o first_o temptation_n take_v they_o give_v fire_n to_o one_o another_o let_v we_o then_o resist_v the_o beginning_n of_o sin_n because_o than_o we_o have_v most_o power_n and_o sin_n have_v least_o this_o be_v the_o first_o 2._o to_o persuade_v those_o who_o be_v already_o engage_v in_o a_o wicked_a course_n to_o make_v haste_n out_o of_o this_o dangerous_a state_n and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o get_v out_o of_o it_o but_o by_o repentance_n that_o be_v by_o a_o real_a change_n and_o reformation_n of_o our_o life_n for_o herein_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a repentance_n do_v consist_v and_o without_o this_o all_o the_o device_n which_o man_n use_v to_o get_v rid_v of_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o sin_n be_v vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v by_o a_o formal_a confession_n and_o absolution_n nor_o by_o a_o long_a pilgrimage_n nor_o by_o one_o of_o those_o little_a ticket_n from_o rome_n which_o they_o call_v indulgence_n a_o wise_a man_n will_v much_o soon_o persuade_v himself_o that_o god_n will_v not_o at_o all_o punish_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n than_o that_o he_o will_v forgive_v they_o so_o easy_o and_o receive_v great_a offender_n to_o favour_n upon_o such_o slight_a term_n let_v we_o not_o deceive_v ourselves_o there_o be_v one_o plain_a way_n to_o heaven_n viz._n sincere_a repentance_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o there_o be_v no_o get_v thither_o by_o trick_n and_o without_o this_o change_n of_o our_o life_n all_o our_o sorrow_n and_o fast_v and_o humiliation_n for_o sin_n which_o at_o this_o season_n we_o make_v profession_n of_o will_v signify_v nothing_o there_o be_v a_o excellent_a passage_n of_o the_o son_n of_o syrach_n to_o this_o purpose_n eccles_n 34.25_o 26_o he_o that_o wash_v himself_o after_o the_o touch_v of_o a_o dead_a body_n if_o he_o touch_v it_o again_o what_o avail_v his_o wash_n so_o be_v it_o with_o a_o man_n that_o fast_v for_o his_o sin_n and_o go_v again_o and_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n who_o will_v hear_v his_o prayer_n or_o what_o do_v his_o humble_v profit_v he_o there_o be_v this_o plain_a difference_n between_o trouble_n for_o sin_n and_o repentance_n sorrow_n only_o respect_v sin_n past_a but_o repentance_n be_v chief_o preventive_a of_o sin_n for_o the_o future_a and_o god_n therefore_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v trouble_v for_o our_o sin_n that_o we_o may_v resolve_v to_o leave_v they_o and_o to_o oblige_v
virtue_n or_o vice_n people_n take_v their_o fashion_n from_o you_o as_o to_o the_o habit_n of_o their_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o their_o body_n so_o that_o upon_o you_o chief_o depend_v the_o ruin_n or_o reformation_n of_o manner_n our_o hope_n or_o despair_n of_o a_o better_a world_n what_o way_n soever_o you_o go_v you_o be_v follow_v by_o troop_n if_o you_o run_v any_o sinful_a or_o dangerous_a course_n you_o can_v perish_v alone_o in_o your_o iniquity_n but_o thousand_o will_v fall_v by_o your_o side_n and_o ten_o thousand_o at_o your_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v very_o much_o in_o your_o power_n and_o i_o hope_v in_o your_o will_n and_o design_n to_o be_v the_o sovereign_a restorer_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n to_o a_o degenerate_a age._n it_o be_v our_o part_n indeed_o to_o exhort_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n but_o it_o be_v you_o that_o will_v be_v the_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a preacher_n of_o righteousness_n we_o may_v endeavour_v to_o make_v man_n proselyte_n to_o virtue_n but_o you_o will_v infallible_o draw_v disciple_n after_o you_o we_o may_v try_v to_o persuade_v but_o you_o can_v certain_o prevail_v either_o to_o make_v man_n good_a or_o to_o restrain_v they_o from_o be_v so_o bad_a therefore_o consider_v your_o way_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o other_o as_o well_o as_o yourselves_o consider_v what_o you_o have_v do_v and_o then_o consider_v what_o be_v fit_a for_o you_o to_o do_v and_o if_o you_o do_v it_o not_o what_o will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o help_v you_o forward_o in_o this_o work_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o i_o shall_v rip_v up_o the_o vice_n of_o the_o age_n and_o set_v man_n sin_n in_o order_n before_o they_o it_o be_v much_o better_o that_o you_o yourselves_o shall_v call_v your_o own_o way_n to_o remembrance_n we_o have_v every_o one_o a_o faithful_a monitor_n and_o witness_v in_o our_o own_o breast_n who_o if_o we_o will_v but_o hearken_v to_o he_o will_v deal_v 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that_o we_o be_v wise_a that_o we_o understand_v this_o that_o we_o will_v consider_v our_o latter_a end_n and_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n inspire_v into_o every_o one_o of_o our_o heart_n this_o holy_a and_o happy_a resolution_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o redeemer_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n apr._n 18_o the_o 1675._o psal_n cxix_o 60_o i_o make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o to_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n in_o the_o word_n immediate_o go_v before_o you_o have_v the_o course_n which_o david_n take_v for_o the_o reform_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o success_n of_o that_o course_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n a_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o the_o past_a error_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o his_o life_n produce_v the_o reformation_n of_o it_o and_o you_o have_v a_o considerable_a circumstance_n add_v in_o the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v now_o read_v to_o you_o viz._n that_o this_o reformation_n be_v speedy_a and_o without_o delay_n i_o make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o to_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n upon_o due_a consideration_n of_o his_o former_a life_n and_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o change_n he_o come_v to_o a_o resolution_n of_o a_o better_a life_n and_o immediate_o put_v this_o resolution_n in_o execution_n and_o to_o declare_v how_o present_o and_o quick_o he_o do_v it_o he_o express_v it_o both_o affirmative_o and_o negative_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o hebrew_n who_o when_o they_o will_v say_v a_o thing_n with_o great_a certainty_n and_o emphasis_n be_v wont_a to_o express_v it_o both_o way_n i_o make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o that_o be_v i_o do_v with_o all_o imaginable_a speed_n betake_v myself_o to_o a_o better_a course_n and_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o consideration_n and_o the_o true_a cause_n why_o man_n delay_v so_o necessary_a a_o work_n be_v because_o they_o stifle_v their_o reason_n and_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v hurry_v into_o the_o embrace_n of_o present_a object_n and_o do_v not_o consider_v their_o latter_a end_n and_o what_o will_v be_v the_o sad_a issue_n and_o event_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n for_o if_o man_n will_v take_v a_o impartial_a view_n of_o their_o life_n and_o but_o now_o and_o then_o reflect_v upon_o themselves_o and_o lay_v to_o heart_n the_o miserable_a and_o fatal_a consequence_n of_o a_o sinful_a course_n and_o think_v whither_o it_o will_v bring_v they_o at_o last_o and_o that_o the_o end_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v death_n and_o misery_n if_o the_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a person_n will_v but_o look_v about_o he_o and_o consider_v how_o many_o have_v be_v ruin_v in_o the_o way_n that_o he_o be_v in_o how_o many_o lie_v slay_v and_o wound_v in_o it_o that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o hell_n and_o lead_v down_o to_o the_o chamber_n of_o death_n this_o will_v certain_o give_v a_o check_n to_o he_o and_o stop_v he_o in_o his_o course_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v but_o that_o that_o man_n who_o have_v due_o consider_v what_o sin_n be_v the_o shortness_n of_o its_o pleasure_n and_o the_o eternity_n of_o its_o punishment_n shall_v resolve_v immediate_o to_o break_v off_o his_o sin_n and_o to_o live_v another_o kind_n of_o life_n will_v any_o man_n be_v intemperate_a and_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n will_v any_o man_n be_v unjust_a and_o defraud_v or_o oppress_v his_o neighbour_n be_v profane_a and_o live_v in_o the_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n or_o allow_v himself_o in_o any_o wicked_a course_n whatsoever_o that_o consider_v and_o believe_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o that_o because_o of_o these_o thing_n the_o terrible_a vengeance_n of_o god_n will_v one_o day_n fall_v upon_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o man_n who_o apply_v themselves_o serious_o to_o the_o meditation_n of_o these_o matter_n shall_v venture_v to_o continue_v in_o so_o imprudent_a and_o dangerous_a a_o course_n or_o can_v by_o any_o temptation_n whatsoever_o be_v train_v on_o one_o step_n far_o in_o a_o way_n that_o do_v so_o certain_o and_o visible_o lead_v to_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n so_o that_o my_o work_n at_o this_o time_n shall_v be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o monstrous_a folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o delay_v the_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n and_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o resolve_v upon_o it_o and_o have_v resolve_v to_o set_v about_o it_o immediate_o and_o without_o delay_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o good_a man_n here_o in_o the_o text_n i_o make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o to_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n and_o to_o this_o end_n i_o shall_v first_o consider_v the_o reason_n and_o excuse_n which_o man_n pretend_v for_o delay_v this_o necessary_a work_n and_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o second_o i_o shall_v add_v some_o far_a consideration_n to_o engage_v we_o effectual_o to_o set_v about_o this_o work_n speedy_o and_o without_o delay_n i._o we_o will_v consider_v a_o little_a the_o reason_n and_o excuse_n which_o man_n pretend_v for_o delay_v this_o necessary_a work_n and_o not_o only_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v each_o of_o they_o a_o strong_a reason_n and_o powerful_a argument_n to_o the_o contrary_n 1._o many_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v abundant_o convince_v of_o the_o great_a necessity_n of_o leave_v their_o sin_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o a_o better_a course_n and_o they_o full_o intend_v to_o do_v so_o only_o they_o can_v at_o present_v bring_v themselves_o
estate_n and_o condition_n by_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n three_o i_o shall_v inquire_v whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o notwithstanding_o this_o so_o many_o person_n be_v at_o so_o great_a uncertainty_n concern_v their_o condition_n i._o we_o will_v consider_v the_o character_n and_o mark_n of_o difference_n between_o a_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n which_o be_v here_o in_o the_o text_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n which_o imply_v likewise_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o whosoever_o do_v righteousness_n be_v of_o god_n now_o in_o the_o strict_a sense_n of_o this_o phrase_n he_o only_o who_o live_v in_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n blameless_a can_v be_v say_v to_o do_v righteousness_n but_o in_o this_o sense_n there_o be_v none_o that_o do_v righteousness_n no_o not_o one_o and_o consequent_o none_o can_v be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o the_o text_n suppose_v some_o to_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o by_o do_v righteousness_n the_o apostle_n must_v necessary_o be_v understand_v to_o mean_v something_o that_o be_v short_a of_o perfect_a and_o unsinning_a obedience_n so_o that_o the_o question_n be_v what_o do_v of_o righteousness_n be_v sufficient_a to_o denominate_v a_o man_n a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o to_o put_v he_o into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o he_o and_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v nice_o to_o state_n this_o matter_n it_o be_v not_o perhaps_o possible_a to_o be_v do_v nothing_o be_v more_o difficult_a than_o to_o determine_v the_o very_a utmost_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o tell_v exact_o and_o just_a to_o a_o point_n where_o the_o line_n of_o difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n between_o the_o state_n of_o a_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n be_v to_o be_v place_v and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v do_v it_o will_v be_v of_o no_o great_a use_n for_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v no_o part_n of_o my_o business_n to_o tell_v man_n how_o many_o fault_n they_o may_v have_v and_o how_o little_a goodness_n and_o yet_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o rather_o to_o acquaint_v they_o what_o degree_n of_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n be_v necessary_a to_o give_v man_n a_o clear_a and_o comfortable_a evidence_n of_o their_o good_a estate_n towards_o god_n and_o then_o to_o persuade_v they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o peace_n and_o assurance_n to_o endeavour_v after_o such_o degree_n wherefore_o to_o state_n the_o business_n so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o give_v man_n a_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o their_o condition_n i_o shall_v brief_o consider_v who_o they_o be_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v doer_n of_o righteousness_n or_o not_o doer_n of_o it_o and_o because_o the_o apostle_n lay_v down_o the_o rule_n negative_o i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n inquire_v who_o they_o be_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n may_v be_v say_v not_o to_o do_v righteousness_n 1._o they_o that_o live_v in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o great_a and_o know_v sin_n as_o injustice_n intemperance_n filthy_a and_o sensual_a lust_n profane_a neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n so_o that_o by_o the_o whole_a course_n and_o tenor_n of_o their_o action_n it_o be_v plain_a beyond_o all_o denial_n that_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o their_o eye_n concern_v these_o the_o case_n be_v so_o very_o evident_a that_o it_o seem_v too_o mild_a and_o gentle_a a_o expression_n to_o call_v they_o not_o doer_n of_o righteousness_n 2._o they_o who_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o any_o one_o know_v sin_n or_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o considerable_a part_n of_o their_o know_a duty_n for_o any_o vicious_a habit_n denominate_v a_o man_n and_o put_v he_o into_o a_o evil_a state_n 3._o they_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o single_a act_n of_o a_o very_a heinous_a and_o notorious_a crime_n as_o a_o deliberate_a act_n of_o blasphemy_n of_o murder_n perjury_n fraud_n or_o oppression_n or_o of_o any_o other_o crime_n of_o the_o like_a enormity_n for_o though_o ordinary_o one_o single_a act_n of_o sin_n do_v not_o denominate_v one_o a_o bad_a man_n when_o the_o general_a course_n of_o the_o man_n life_n be_v contrary_a yet_o the_o single_a act_n of_o some_o sort_n of_o sin_n be_v so_o cry_v and_o heinous_a and_o do_v so_o stare_v every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o face_n that_o they_o be_v just_o esteem_v to_o be_v of_o equal_a malignity_n with_o vicious_a habit_n of_o a_o inferior_a kind_n because_o they_o do_v almost_o necessary_o suppose_v a_o great_a depravation_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o monstrous_a alienation_n from_o god_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o person_n that_o deliberate_o commit_v they_o and_o they_o who_o be_v guilty_a in_o any_o of_o these_o three_o degree_n now_o mention_v be_v most_o certain_o not_o doer_n of_o righteousness_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o shall_v inquire_v who_o they_o be_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n may_v be_v say_v to_o do_v righteousness_n in_o short_a they_o who_o in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o their_o life_n do_v keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o the_o scripture_n general_o express_v this_o matter_n by_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o by_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o his_o commandment_n by_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n by_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n by_o abstain_v from_o all_o kind_n of_o evil_n by_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o by_o practise_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v add_v the_o description_n which_o st._n luke_n give_v we_o of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o zacharias_n and_o elizabeth_n luk._n 1.6_o they_o be_v both_o righteous_a before_o god_n walk_v in_o all_o the_o commandment_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n blameless_a all_o which_o expression_n do_v plain_o signify_v the_o actual_a conformity_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n in_o the_o general_a course_n and_o tenor_n of_o they_o to_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o god_n and_o this_o imply_v these_o two_o thing_n that_o the_o tenor_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o these_o action_n be_v do_v with_o a_o sincere_a and_o upright_a mind_n out_o of_o regard_n to_o god_n and_o another_o world_n and_o not_o for_o low_a and_o temporal_a end_n and_o i_o choose_v rather_o to_o describe_v a_o righteous_a man_n by_o the_o actual_a conformity_n of_o the_o general_a course_n of_o his_o action_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n than_o as_o some_o have_v do_v by_o a_o sincere_a desire_n or_o resolution_n of_o obedience_n for_o a_o desire_n may_v be_v sincere_a for_o the_o time_n it_o last_v and_o yet_o vanish_v before_o it_o come_v to_o any_o real_a effect_n and_o how_o innocent_o soever_o it_o be_v intend_v it_o be_v certain_o a_o great_a mistake_n in_o divinity_n and_o of_o very_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o affirm_v that_o a_o desire_n of_o grace_n be_v grace_n and_o consequent_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o a_o desire_n of_o obedience_n be_v obedience_n a_o sincere_a desire_n and_o resolution_n to_o be_v good_a be_v indeed_o a_o good_a beginning_n and_o aught_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v cherish_v and_o encourage_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o be_v the_o thing_n desire_v or_o from_o be_v accept_v for_o it_o in_o the_o esteem_n of_o god_n for_o god_n never_o accept_v the_o desire_n for_o the_o deed_n but_o where_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n no_o opportunity_n of_o do_v the_o thing_n desire_v but_o if_o there_o be_v and_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o do_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o desire_n in_o that_o case_n shall_v be_v accept_v as_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v for_o instance_n if_o a_o man_n give_v alm_n according_a to_o his_o ability_n and_o will_v give_v more_o if_o he_o be_v able_a in_o this_o case_n the_o desire_n be_v accept_v for_o the_o deed_n and_o of_o this_o case_n it_o be_v and_o no_o other_o that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 2_o cor._n 8.12_o if_o there_o be_v first_o a_o willing_a mind_n it_o be_v accept_v according_a to_o that_o a_o man_n have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v not_o that_o be_v god_n interpret_v and_o accept_v the_o charity_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o largeness_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o straitness_n of_o their_o fortune_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o draw_v a_o general_a
to_o go_v on_o and_o fortify_v their_o good_a resolution_n to_o be_v more_o vigilant_a and_o watchful_a over_o themselves_o to_o strive_v against_o sin_n and_o to_o resist_v it_o with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o according_a to_o the_o success_n of_o their_o endeavour_n in_o this_o conflict_n the_o evidence_n of_o their_o good_a condition_n will_v every_o day_n clear_v up_o and_o become_v more_o manifest_a the_o more_o we_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o the_o seldomer_n we_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o the_o more_o even_a and_o constant_a our_o obedience_n to_o god_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a and_o full_a satisfaction_n we_o shall_v have_v of_o our_o good_a estate_n towards_o god_n for_o the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a be_v as_o the_o shine_a light_n which_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n and_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v peace_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o i_o shall_v only_o make_v two_o or_o three_o inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o so_o conclude_v 1._o from_o hence_o we_o learn_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o sin_n of_o omission_n as_o well_o as_o commission_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n the_o mere_a neglect_n of_o any_o of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o religion_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o kindness_n and_o charity_n to_o man_n though_o we_o be_v free_a from_o the_o commission_n of_o great_a sin_n be_v enough_o to_o cast_v we_o out_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o shut_v we_o for_o ever_o out_o of_o his_o kingdom_n i_o be_v hungry_a and_o you_o give_v i_o no_o meat_n thirsty_a and_o you_o give_v i_o no_o drink_n sick_z and_o in_o prison_n and_o you_o visit_v i_o not_o therefore_o depart_v you_o curse_v 2._o it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v vain_a than_o for_o man_n to_o live_v in_o any_o course_n of_o sin_n and_o impiety_n and_o yet_o to_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o to_o hope_v for_o eternal_a life_n the_o child_n of_o god_n will_v do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o whoever_o hope_v to_o enjoy_v he_o hereafter_o will_v endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o he_o here_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a 3._o you_o see_v what_o be_v the_o great_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o a_o man_n good_a or_o bad_a condition_n whosoever_o do_v righteousness_n be_v of_o god_n and_o whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n here_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o sensible_a evidence_n by_o which_o every_o man_n that_o will_v deal_v honest_o with_o hâ—mself_n may_v certain_o know_v his_o own_o condition_n and_o then_o according_a as_o he_o find_v it_o to_o be_v may_v take_v comfort_n in_o it_o or_o make_v haste_n out_o of_o it_o and_o we_o need_v not_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n nor_o go_v down_o into_o the_o deep_a to_o search_v out_o the_o secret_a counsel_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n there_o need_v no_o anxious_a enquiry_n whether_o we_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o god_n elect_v if_o we_o daily_o mortify_v our_o lust_n and_o grow_v in_o goodness_n and_o take_v care_n to_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o patience_n and_o charity_n and_o all_o other_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n we_o certain_o take_v the_o best_a course_n in_o the_o world_n to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a and_o without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o we_o shall_v have_v any_o comfortable_a and_o well_o ground_a assurance_n of_o our_o good_a condition_n this_o one_o mark_n of_o do_v righteousness_n be_v that_o into_o which_o all_o other_o sign_n and_o character_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n give_v of_o a_o good_a man_n be_v final_o resolve_v and_o this_o answer_v all_o those_o various_a phrase_n which_o some_o man_n will_v make_v to_o be_v so_o many_o several_a and_o distinct_a mark_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n as_o whether_o we_o have_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a illumination_n for_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n whether_o we_o sincere_o love_v god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o whether_o god_n love_v we_o for_o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n and_o his_o countenance_n will_v behold_v the_o upright_a whether_o we_o be_v regenerate_v and_o bear_v of_o god_n for_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o whether_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n for_o as_o many_o as_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n whether_o we_o belong_v to_o christ_n and_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o he_o or_o not_o for_o they_o that_o be_v christ_n have_v crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n thereof_o in_o a_o word_n whether_o the_o promise_n of_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a life_n belong_v to_o we_o for_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n but_o if_o we_o have_v our_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n the_o end_n will_v be_v everlasting_a life_n so_o that_o you_o see_v at_o last_o the_o scripture_n bring_v all_o to_o this_o one_o mark_n viz._n holiness_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o a_o vicious_a and_o wicked_a life_n in_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n let_v we_o then_o deal_v impartial_o with_o ourselves_o and_o bring_v our_o life_n and_o action_n to_o this_o trial_n and_o never_o be_v at_o rest_n till_o the_o matter_n be_v bring_v to_o some_o issue_n and_o we_o have_v make_v a_o deliberate_a judgement_n of_o our_o condition_n whether_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o if_o upon_o a_o full_a and_o fair_a examination_n our_o conscience_n give_v we_o this_o testimony_n that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o have_v deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o have_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n we_o may_v take_v joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o it_o for_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n but_o if_o upon_o the_o search_n and_o trial_n of_o our_o way_n our_o case_n appear_v clear_o to_o be_v otherwise_o or_o if_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o let_v we_o not_o venture_v to_o continue_v one_o moment_n long_o in_o so_o uncertain_a and_o dangerous_a a_o condition_n and_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o way_n of_o peace_n the_o scripture_n have_v set_v it_o plain_o before_o we_o wash_v you_o make_v you_o clean_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n from_o before_o my_o eye_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o come_v now_o and_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o say_v the_o lord_n though_o your_o sin_n be_v as_o scarlet_a they_o shall_v be_v white_a as_o snow_n let_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n and_o let_v he_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o and_o to_o our_o god_n for_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v though_o our_o case_n be_v very_o bad_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o desperate_a this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o man_n to_o be_v embrace_v that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n and_o he_o be_v still_o willing_a to_o save_v we_o if_o we_o be_v but_o willing_a to_o leave_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n the_o remain_a part_n of_o our_o life_n we_o may_v yet_o 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 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