be_v in_o his_o own_o power_n to_o render_v himself_o true_o happy_a notwithstanding_o all_o the_o opposition_n of_o man_n or_o devil_n and_o amid_o all_o the_o disaster_n of_o fortune_n the_o injury_n of_o man_n and_o calamity_n of_o this_o life_n to_o press_v forward_o towards_o the_o mark_n of_o his_o high_a call_n and_o attain_v the_o reward_n of_o his_o labour_n but_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o these_o word_n be_v to_o warn_v his_o disciple_n to_o avoid_v that_o common_a error_n to_o which_o mankind_n be_v so_o prone_a of_o conclude_v from_o private_a misfortune_n or_o public_a â—…alamities_n that_o god_n have_v forsake_v they_o and_o withdraw_v his_o protection_n and_o deliver_v they_o up_o to_o the_o will_n of_o their_o enemy_n to_o despair_n and_o misery_n man_n be_v so_o much_o enure_v to_o pass_v judgement_n from_o the_o report_n of_o their_o sense_n that_o they_o be_v apt_a false_o to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o god_n have_v disow_v they_o and_o withdraw_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o favour_n as_o often_o as_o he_o interpose_v not_o his_o power_n in_o a_o visible_a manner_n to_o rescue_v they_o from_o injury_n and_o oppression_n from_o misery_n and_o misfortune_n thus_o the_o apostle_n receive_v the_o news_n of_o their_o lord_n intention_n to_o leave_v the_o earth_n and_o return_v to_o heaven_n can_v hardly_o be_v induce_v to_o believe_v that_o when_o he_o have_v remove_v his_o bodily_a preâ—…ence_n from_o they_o he_o will_v continuâ—…_n his_o care_n of_o they_o or_o favour_n to_o they_o they_o abandon_v themselves_o to_o grief_n and_o despair_n give_v up_o themselves_o for_o lose_v and_o begin_v to_o question_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o love_n and_o reality_n of_o his_o promise_n it_o be_v indeed_o so_o great_a a_o affliction_n to_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o bless_a presence_n of_o their_o belove_a master_n that_o no_o christian_a since_o those_o day_n can_v pretend_v to_o have_v endure_v such_o a_o loss_n but_o in_o a_o christian_a assure_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o another_o life_n know_v the_o nature_n of_o true_a happiness_n and_o the_o method_n direct_v by_o christ_n to_o attain_v it_o it_o be_v inexcusable_a to_o form_v a_o opinion_n of_o the_o disfavour_n of_o god_n from_o temporal_a affliction_n according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o the_o world_n it_o can_v but_o happen_v that_o misfortune_n will_v attend_v the_o best_a of_o man_n and_o whole_a society_n be_v involve_v in_o general_a calamity_n but_o then_o none_o will_v presume_v to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v convenient_a that_o the_o fix_a and_o constant_a course_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v violate_v to_o satisfy_v these_o particular_a case_n the_o preservation_n of_o the_o public_a order_n of_o the_o world_n and_o general_a law_n of_o providence_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a concern_v than_o the_o relief_n of_o particular_a irregularity_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o manifest_v both_o the_o justice_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o he_o have_v settle_v such_o law_n of_o government_n in_o the_o world_n that_o all_o man_n may_v if_o they_o please_v make_v themselves_o true_o happy_a none_o become_v true_o miserable_a but_o through_o their_o own_o default_n we_o believe_v indeed_o that_o god_n do_v often_o even_o in_o this_o world_n interpose_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n in_o behalf_n of_o his_o church_n or_o faithful_a servant_n but_o the_o motive_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o divine_a conduct_n herein_o may_v be_v so_o various_a and_o different_a that_o no_o certain_a argument_n of_o favour_n or_o disfavour_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o they_o he_o may_v bring_v misfortune_n upon_o pious_a man_n to_o correct_v they_o to_o restrain_v their_o passion_n or_o afford_v they_o opportunity_n of_o improve_n particular_a virtue_n and_o duty_n he_o may_v confer_v temporal_a felilicity_n on_o wicked_a man_n to_o oblige_v they_o by_o benefit_n to_o repentance_n or_o to_o serve_v and_o promote_v some_o wonderful_a end_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o church_n which_o they_o little_o think_v of_o and_o contribute_v to_o it_o without_o their_o knowledge_n he_o may_v punish_v the_o good_a in_o this_o life_n for_o their_o sin_n of_o omission_n passion_n or_o inadvertency_n that_o so_o he_o may_v reward_v they_o in_o the_o next_o for_o their_o more_o constant_a and_o regular_a course_n of_o piety_n he_o may_v reward_v bad_a man_n in_o this_o life_n for_o those_o few_o good_a action_n which_o they_o do_v that_o so_o he_o may_v leave_v they_o without_o excuse_n when_o he_o shall_v punish_v they_o in_o another_o world_n for_o their_o habitual_a wickedness_n and_o disobedience_n he_o may_v continue_v their_o present_a condition_n whether_o of_o riches_n or_o poverty_n to_o either_o because_o he_o who_o know_v the_o constitution_n and_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n foresee_v that_o the_o one_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o continue_v his_o innocenâ—…e_n and_o the_o other_o grow_v much_o worse_o in_o a_o different_a state_n of_o life_n he_o may_v punish_v with_o general_a calamity_n the_o sin_n and_o corruption_n of_o public_a society_n which_o can_v be_v punish_v as_o such_o in_o another_o life_n and_o than_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o any_o good_a man_n who_o share_n in_o the_o society_n shall_v require_v to_o be_v exempt_v by_o so_o many_o private_a miracle_n from_o the_o universal_a calamity_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v receive_v indeed_o many_o and_o greatpromise_n of_o particular_a favour_n and_o assistance_n but_o than_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o this_o divine_a favour_n shall_v exert_v itself_o in_o bestow_v of_o temporal_a prosperity_n affliction_n and_o persecution_n may_v be_v sometime_o far_o more_o convenient_a to_o the_o church_n to_o restore_v her_o decay_a diâ—…cipline_n to_o revive_v her_o languish_a zeal_n to_o awaken_v the_o negligent_a to_o separate_v the_o false_a to_o reform_v all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o the_o church_n have_v indeed_o experience_v in_o all_o age_n manifest_a interposition_n of_o divine_a providence_n in_o favour_n of_o she_o she_o have_v be_v often_o free_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n from_o the_o rage_n of_o her_o persecutor_n the_o design_n of_o apostate_n and_o infection_n of_o heretic_n king_n have_v be_v she_o nurse_v father_n and_o queen_n her_o nurse_n mother_n she_o have_v surmount_v the_o opposition_n of_o all_o her_o enemy_n and_o through_o a_o uninterrupted_a course_n of_o many_o age_n enjoy_v both_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n the_o apostle_n reduce_v at_o the_o crucifixion_n and_o departure_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o that_o miserable_a condition_n which_o we_o before_o represent_v be_v comfort_v and_o reanimated_n by_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o the_o approach_a feast_n of_o pentecost_n heaven_n then_o declare_v for_o they_o by_o confer_v extraordinary_a gift_n of_o knowledge_n on_o they_o and_o afterward_o by_o confirm_v their_o preach_a with_o no_o less_o wonderful_a miracle_n which_o remove_v their_o anxiety_n convince_v they_o that_o the_o love_n of_o their_o master_n now_o in_o heaven_n be_v both_o continue_a and_o increase_v to_o they_o and_o enable_v they_o to_o subdue_v the_o victorious_a roman_a empire_n to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n and_o lest_o we_o shall_v imagine_v the_o arm_n of_o god_n to_o be_v shorten_v to_o we_o we_o of_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n have_v be_v more_o than_o once_o even_o in_o this_o age_n deliver_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n from_o danger_n of_o popery_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o fanaticism_n on_o the_o other_o but_o from_o hence_o we_o be_v not_o to_o raise_v confident_a assurance_n that_o god_n will_v always_o continue_v the_o same_o prosperity_n to_o his_o church_n he_o have_v promise_v indeed_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o that_o the_o faith_n shall_v never_o be_v whole_o destroy_v nor_o a_o succession_n of_o pastor_n want_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n but_o have_v no_o where_o engage_v that_o she_o shall_v always_o enjoy_v the_o protection_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o the_o blessing_n of_o outward_a peace_n external_n grandeur_n and_o happiness_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o wilderness_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o land_n of_o rest_n in_o a_o upper_a chamber_n as_o well_o as_o in_o a_o stately_a temple_n after_o all_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v ourselves_o not_o to_o be_v mere_o passive_a in_o receive_v the_o influence_n of_o the_o divine_a care_n and_o providence_n our_o lord_n bid_v we_o not_o be_v trouble_v nor_o torment_v ourselves_o with_o overmuch_o anxiety_n in_o confidence_n of_o his_o protection_n and_o assurance_n of_o his_o design_a reward_n but_o then_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o require_v as_o a_o
and_o withal_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o method_n whereby_o to_o obtain_v the_o one_o or_o escape_v the_o other_o but_o a_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o yet_o with_o this_o belief_n and_o confession_n shall_v continue_v in_o a_o state_n of_o unrepentance_n or_o if_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v possible_a that_o two_o such_o contrary_a thing_n shall_v consist_v together_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o by_o his_o action_n he_o proclaim_v his_o unbelief_n to_o the_o world_n who_o neglect_v this_o necessary_a duty_n of_o repentance_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o deferr_v to_o perform_v it_o this_o be_v the_o second_o head_n propose_v namely_o the_o time_n prefix_v by_o god_n to_o our_o repentance_n to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n or_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o hebr._n iii_o 13._o while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n which_o may_v either_o import_n the_o term_n of_o our_o natural_a life_n for_o that_o repentance_n will_v take_v no_o place_n after_o death_n agreeable_o to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n john_n ix_o 4._o the_o night_n come_v wherein_o no_o man_n can_v work_v so_o that_o repentance_n be_v necessary_o to_o be_v perform_v in_o this_o life_n and_o no_o more_o of_o this_o life_n be_v certain_a to_o we_o than_o that_o moment_n which_o we_o now_o enjoy_v it_o ought_v to_o commence_v from_o this_o very_a moment_n or_o else_o which_o seem_v most_o natural_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o psalmist_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o iii_o of_o the_o hebrew_n repent_v to_o day_n that_o be_v immediate_o while_o god_n continue_v his_o offer_n of_o mercy_n before_o it_o be_v too_o late_a for_o that_o he_o will_v not_o await_v our_o repentance_n till_o we_o please_v nor_o suffer_v his_o goodness_n to_o be_v wilful_o slight_v this_o term_n of_o repentance_n fix_v by_o god_n to_o every_o man_n may_v be_v easy_o discover_v as_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o first_o moment_n of_o his_o conviction_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n when_o that_o conviction_n be_v once_o thorough_o form_v when_o man_n be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v their_o indispensable_a duty_n to_o conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n when_o they_o know_v withal_o that_o this_o conformity_n consist_v in_o practise_v all_o the_o divine_a precept_n of_o holiness_n justice_n and_o sobriety_n and_o that_o all_o habitual_a sin_n be_v a_o open_a opposition_n to_o it_o when_o they_o be_v asâ—…ured_v that_o god_n have_v proclaim_v his_o pardon_n to_o penitent_a and_o denounce_v his_o wrath_n to_o impenitent_a sinner_n then_o be_v life_n and_o death_n true_o set_v before_o they_o then_o be_v it_o commit_v to_o their_o choice_n which_o they_o will_v prefer_v a_o easy_a choice_a one_o will_v imagine_v have_v not_o the_o deplorable_a experience_n of_o so_o many_o obstinate_a sinner_n teach_v we_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o mankind_n in_o choose_v the_o worse_o even_o under_o conviction_n of_o their_o interest_n and_o obligation_n to_o the_o contrary_n if_o we_o inquire_v after_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o miserable_a perverseness_n we_o find_v indeed_o the_o temptation_n to_o which_o mankind_n be_v expose_v to_o be_v very_o violent_a the_o lust_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n to_o be_v very_o powerful_a and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n of_o a_o bewitch_a nature_n yet_o all_o this_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o master_n the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o natural_a desire_n of_o true_a happiness_n which_o be_v find_v in_o all_o do_v not_o a_o unhappy_a mistake_n misguide_v the_o practice_n of_o man_n and_o render_v all_o the_o present_a conviction_n of_o conscience_n ineffectual_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o raise_v false_a notion_n from_o the_o divine_a attribute_n of_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o vain_a hope_n that_o the_o term_v prefix_v by_o god_n to_o their_o repentance_n be_v not_o yet_o expire_v that_o it_o will_v never_o be_v too_o late_o to_o begin_v their_o repentance_n and_o in_o virtue_n of_o it_o take_v out_o their_o pardon_n this_o be_v that_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n warn_v we_o in_o the_o aforementioned_a place_n lest_o any_o of_o we_o be_v harden_v through_o it_o after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o jew_n of_o who_o some_o when_o they_o have_v hear_v do_v provoke_v verse_n 16._o that_o be_v after_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o power_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n refuse_v to_o obey_v his_o command_n or_o rely_v on_o his_o pomise_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o their_o refusal_n to_o go_v up_o and_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o land_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o they_o relate_v in_o the_o fourteen_o of_o number_n to_o which_o this_o psalm_n particular_o relate_v they_o immediate_o indeed_o repent_v of_o their_o folly_n and_o resolve_v forthwith_o to_o take_v up_o arm_n and_o enter_v upon_o the_o design_n but_o than_o it_o be_v too_o late_o they_o have_v slip_v their_o time_n and_o god_n refuse_v to_o be_v among_o they_o or_o to_o give_v they_o success_n it_o be_v frivolous_a therefore_o to_o plead_v the_o hope_n of_o continual_a offer_n of_o pardon_n for_o defer_v of_o repentance_n and_o to_o pretend_v that_o if_o they_o exact_o know_v the_o time_n beyond_o which_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n will_v not_o await_v they_o will_v immediate_o begin_v to_o form_v a_o sincere_a repentance_n such_o resolution_n may_v possible_o be_v true_a and_o indeed_o unless_o a_o monstrous_a stupidity_n intervene_v it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o but_o then_o the_o term_n be_v manifest_a and_o can_v be_v unknown_a to_o any_o be_v the_o moment_n from_o which_o we_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o obey_v god_n and_o know_v what_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o obedience_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o god_n can_v do_v nothing_o irrational_a now_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o pardon_n to_o sinful_a man_n be_v found_v either_o in_o the_o invincible_a ignorance_n of_o his_o duty_n or_o in_o the_o infirmity_n of_o his_o nature_n prone_a to_o yield_v to_o powerful_a temptation_n the_o latter_a suppose_v a_o endeavour_n of_o obedience_n and_o piety_n and_o can_v consist_v with_o a_o fix_a and_o resolve_v unrepentance_n for_o then_o every_o sin_n will_v be_v the_o effect_n not_o of_o humane_a infirmity_n but_o of_o resolution_n the_o former_a cause_n vanish_v when_o the_o ignorance_n of_o man_n be_v remove_v by_o a_o clear_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o athenian_n that_o god_n wink_v indeed_o at_o the_o time_n of_o ignorance_n but_o now_o after_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v as_o for_o we_o christian_n we_o can_v pretend_v a_o ignorance_n of_o our_o duty_n much_o less_o those_o who_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o church_n so_o excellent_o constitute_v we_o have_v the_o scripture_n open_v to_o we_o be_v admonish_v and_o incite_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n by_o weekly_a exhortation_n and_o disow_v all_o little_a art_n so_o usual_a in_o other_o church_n of_o procure_v salvation_n without_o a_o strict_a and_o real_a obedience_n there_o remain_v then_o to_o we_o only_o the_o plea_n of_o infirmity_n whereby_o to_o excuse_v our_o sin_n and_o not_o whole_o to_o despair_v of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n this_o suppose_v our_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o perform_v our_o duty_n and_o a_o settle_a course_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n in_o which_o course_n we_o may_v be_v overtake_v with_o temptation_n and_o be_v unaware_o insuare_v by_o they_o may_v be_v betray_v into_o sin_n while_o the_o soul_n be_v cloud_v with_o a_o passion_n and_o by_o violent_a impression_n from_o the_o body_n or_o outward_a object_n have_v scarce_o the_o liberty_n of_o direct_v her_o thought_n aright_o but_o if_o when_o this_o tempest_n be_v allay_v this_o cloud_n remove_v when_o the_o mind_n regain_v its_o perfect_a freedom_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o serious_a thought_n of_o its_o condition_n it_o entertain_v any_o complacency_n with_o the_o sin_n perform_v or_o be_v willing_a to_o permit_v a_o continuance_n of_o it_o this_o be_v no_o long_o a_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n but_o of_o deliberate_a and_o resolve_a choice_n much_o more_o when_o any_o man_n resolve_v whole_o to_o stand_v out_o against_o the_o divine_a command_n and_o conviction_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o proceed_v in_o his_o unrepentance_n although_o but_o for_o a_o certain_a time_n this_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o so_o heinous_a a_o nature_n that_o no_o pardon_n be_v promise_v to_o it_o under_o the_o gospel_n nor_o indeed_o can_v it_o consist_v with_o the_o justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n to_o give_v it_o and_o then_o even_o for_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n it_o be_v
ancient_a prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o if_o so_o than_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o christ_n shall_v careful_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n before_o his_o ascension_n in_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v he_o or_o elaborate_o explain_v to_o they_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o incarnation_n passion_n and_o ascension_n since_o this_o conduce_v not_o direct_o to_o the_o end_n before_o mention_v and_o may_v more_o convenient_o be_v effect_v when_o it_o shall_v become_v necessary_a after_o his_o ascension_n by_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o according_o we_o find_v not_o our_o saviour_n in_o all_o his_o private_a discourse_n and_o instruction_n to_o his_o apostle_n profess_o explain_v the_o scripture_n to_o they_o before_o his_o resurrection_n he_o frequent_o admonish_v they_o of_o the_o danger_n and_o affliction_n they_o shall_v undergo_v in_o execute_v their_o mission_n of_o the_o courage_n patience_n and_o other_o virtue_n wherewith_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v endue_v and_o the_o perpetual_a assistance_n which_o they_o may_v expect_v from_o he_o but_o seldom_o inculcate_v the_o consideration_n of_o those_o prophecy_n which_o may_v bring_v they_o to_o a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n or_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o mention_v and_o explain_v such_o prophecy_n to_o they_o it_o be_v only_o by_o way_n of_o proposal_n without_o any_o such_o extraordinary_a illumination_n of_o mind_n and_o infuse_v capacity_n of_o understand_v they_o as_o be_v afterward_o bestow_v on_o they_o by_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o never_o deny_v to_o they_o indeed_o that_o ordinary_a grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o give_v to_o all_o well_o dispose_v person_n who_o right_o ask_v it_o but_o the_o efficacy_n of_o that_o ordinary_a assistance_n be_v overthrow_v and_o stifle_v by_o the_o more_o potent_a resistance_n of_o inveterate_a prejudices_fw-la and_o false_a preconceive_a opinion_n concern_v the_o messiah_n but_o if_o the_o apostle_n receive_v no_o extraordinary_a instruction_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o their_o master_n before_o his_o resurrection_n we_o can_v hope_v that_o they_o shall_v obtain_v any_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o it_o by_o their_o natuâ—…al_a strength_n or_o acquire_v learning_n mâ—…ny_o reason_n have_v induce_v our_o saviour_n to_o choose_v to_o he_o disciple_n rather_o out_o of_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o people_n than_o from_o the_o learned_a doctor_n and_o expositor_n of_o the_o law_n and_o at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n by_o a_o iâ—…tollerable_a corruption_n of_o discipline_n the_o common_a people_n be_v by_o their_o doctor_n and_o teacher_n studious_o deprive_v of_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o exact_a and_o accurate_a knowledge_n of_o scripture_n they_o be_v deter_v from_o a_o diligent_a search_n of_o scripture_n by_o many_o artifices_fw-la and_o pretence_n by_o amplify_a the_o difficulty_n of_o their_o undertake_n the_o obscurity_n of_o those_o oracle_n and_o rashness_n of_o inquire_v into_o those_o sacred_a mystery_n with_o unwashen_n hand_n that_o be_v as_o themselves_o explain_v it_o without_o a_o tedious_a preparation_n of_o learning_n and_o education_n by_o these_o argument_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n have_v engross_v the_o study_n of_o scripture_n to_o themselves_o and_o take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n have_v suffer_v none_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o disquisition_n and_o examination_n of_o those_o sacred_a prophecy_n upon_o account_n of_o this_o ignorance_n in_o the_o common_a people_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n in_o the_o vi_o st._n john_n ver_fw-la 39_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v no_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o true_a messiah_n who_o can_v be_v know_v no_o otherwise_o than_o from_o scripture_n but_o this_o people_n who_o know_v not_o the_o law_n be_v curse_v we_o can_v imagine_v the_o apostle_n to_o have_v be_v exempt_a from_o this_o common_a calamity_n but_o rather_o more_o deep_o engage_v in_o it_o than_o other_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o meanness_n of_o their_o condition_n the_o nature_n of_o their_o employment_n their_o gross_a and_o perpetual_a mistake_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n and_o till_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n their_o insuperable_a slowness_n of_o understanding_n if_o then_o a_o right_a knowledge_n of_o scripture_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o a_o perfect_a understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o office_n of_o the_o messiah_n if_o the_o apostle_n be_v natural_o devoid_a of_o this_o knowledge_n and_o not_o extraordinary_o endue_v with_o it_o by_o christ_n before_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n all_o which_o we_o have_v already_o prove_v it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o the_o apostle_n before_o the_o reception_n of_o that_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o mystery_n and_o design_n of_o their_o master_n mission_n and_o according_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v find_v their_o ignorance_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v assign_v as_o the_o chief_a cause_n of_o their_o mistake_n in_o all_o other_o point_n so_o that_o what_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o the_o jew_n you_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n be_v perfect_o true_a of_o they_o thus_o john_n xi_o 22._o our_o saviour_n promise_v to_o raise_v up_o the_o temple_n of_o his_o body_n in_o three_o day_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v dissolve_v his_o apostle_n understand_v not_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o his_o word_n but_o when_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a than_o they_o at_o last_o remember_v that_o he_o have_v say_v this_o unto_o they_o and_o they_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o word_n which_o jesus_n have_v say_v they_o before_o even_o from_o their_o infancy_n believe_v the_o scripture_n in_o general_n that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o divine_o inspire_v but_o now_o they_o understand_v and_o believe_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n the_o ignorance_n of_o which_o have_v before_o cause_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o error_n again_o s._n john_n xii_o 16._o these_o thing_n understand_v not_o his_o disciple_n at_o the_o first_o but_o when_o jesus_n be_v glorify_v that_o be_v after_o his_o ascension_n then_o remember_v they_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v of_o he_o and_o that_o they_o have_v do_v these_o thing_n unto_o he_o here_o the_o promise_n make_v in_o the_o text_n be_v full_o accomplish_v by_o a_o twofold_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o one_o recall_v into_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o action_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n of_o which_o they_o have_v be_v witness_n in_o his_o life_n time_n the_o other_o clear_o propose_v to_o they_o the_o entire_a conformity_n between_o those_o action_n and_o the_o precedent_a prophecy_n which_o be_v write_v of_o he_o in_o like_a manner_n our_o saviour_n reprove_v the_o disciple_n of_o emmaus_n for_o their_o amazement_n and_o despair_n of_o their_o master_n resurrection_n upbraid_v to_o they_o their_o ignorance_n of_o scripture_n o_o fool_n and_o slow_a of_o heart_n to_o believe_v all_o that_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v ought_v not_o christ_n to_o have_v suffer_v these_o thing_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o his_o glory_n luc._n xxiv_o 25_o 26._o they_o doubt_v not_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o prophecy_n but_o affix_v false_a interpretation_n to_o they_o have_v pervert_v their_o sense_n and_o thereby_o in_o believe_v they_o assent_v not_o to_o the_o true_a prophefy_v but_o to_o the_o fiction_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o thereby_o be_v hinder_v from_o understand_v the_o necessity_n of_o christ_n suffer_v these_o thing_n and_o enter_v into_o his_o glory_n i_o have_v now_o dispatch_v the_o first_o and_o chief_a reason_n of_o the_o a_o postle_n ignorance_n i_o proceed_v to_o assign_v some_o other_o cause_n of_o it_o and_o among_o these_o the_o false_a notion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la which_o they_o have_v receive_v by_o their_o education_n deserve_v more_o especial_o to_o be_v consider_v the_o jew_n have_v ever_o even_o from_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n live_v in_o expectation_n of_o a_o glorious_a messiah_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o most_o illustrious_a benefit_n to_o their_o nation_n rescue_v they_o from_o their_o affliction_n and_o settle_v they_o in_o a_o exte_v nal_a state_n of_o happiness_n this_o be_v typify_v by_o all_o their_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n foretell_v by_o their_o prophet_n and_o celebrate_v in_o their_o public_a office_n in_o the_o firm_a expectation_n of_o this_o their_o forefather_n die_v and_o themselves_o continue_v their_o hope_n under_o their_o great_a affliction_n but_o then_o by_o false_a interpretation_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n the_o doctor_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n have_v long_o before_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n entertain_v and_o propagate_v mean_a and_o unworthy_a thought_n
god_n in_o the_o day_n when_o i_o choose_v israel_n and_o lift_v up_o my_o hand_n unto_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o house_n of_o jacob_n and_o make_v myself_o know_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n when_o i_o lift_v up_o my_o hand_n unto_o they_o say_v i_o be_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n in_o the_o day_n that_o i_o lift_v up_o my_o hand_n unto_o they_o to_o bring_v they_o forth_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n into_o a_o land_n that_o i_o have_v espy_v for_o they_o flow_v with_o milk_n and_o honey_n which_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o land_n then_o i_o say_v unto_o they_o cast_v you_o away_o every_o man_n the_o abomination_n of_o his_o eye_n and_o defile_v not_o yourselves_o with_o the_o idol_n of_o egypt_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n to_o say_v no_o more_o this_o appear_v evident_o from_o the_o name_n of_o jehovah_n under_o which_o god_n be_v constant_o worship_v from_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n till_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n for_o this_o name_n import_v no_o more_o than_o the_o immutability_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o constancy_n in_o effect_v his_o promise_n the_o completion_n of_o which_o shall_v necessary_o as_o often_o return_v into_o their_o mind_n as_o that_o most_o holy_a name_n be_v take_v into_o their_o mouth_n and_o therefore_o at_o that_o moment_n in_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v complete_v god_n make_v himself_o know_v unto_o the_o jew_n by_o this_o name_n jehovah_n say_v unto_o moses_n exod._n vi_o 3._o and_o i_o appear_v unto_o abraham_n unto_o isaac_n and_o unto_o jacob_n by_o the_o name_n of_o el_n shaddai_n or_o god_n almighty_a but_o by_o my_o name_n jehovah_n be_v not_o i_o know_v unto_o they_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o be_v know_v indeed_o unto_o your_o forefather_n by_o my_o attribute_n of_o greatness_n and_o omnipotence_n whereby_o they_o be_v entire_o satisfy_v that_o i_o be_v able_a in_o due_a time_n to_o confer_v upon_o they_o all_o those_o benefit_n which_o i_o have_v promise_v to_o they_o but_o 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of_o the_o history_n of_o those_o benefit_n be_v enjoin_v and_o parent_n command_v to_o teach_v they_o to_o their_o child_n on_o the_o severe_a penalty_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o book_n of_o deuteronomy_n which_o be_v in_o more_o frequent_a use_n among_o the_o jew_n than_o any_o other_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v employ_v in_o repeat_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o urge_v the_o duty_n of_o gratitude_n arise_v from_o they_o and_o as_o if_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o that_o people_n consist_v in_o retain_v the_o memory_n of_o those_o favour_n moses_n in_o one_o place_n seem_v to_o require_v nothing_o else_o of_o they_o who_o after_o he_o have_v describe_v the_o excellency_n of_o that_o law_n and_o religion_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o they_o subjoin_v only_o take_v heed_n to_o thyself_o and_o keep_v thy_o soul_n diligent_o lest_o thou_o forget_v the_o thing_n that_o thy_o eye_n have_v see_v and_o lest_o they_o depart_v from_o thy_o heart_n all_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o life_n but_o teach_v they_o thy_o son_n and_o thy_o son_n son_n deut._n iu._n 9_o he_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o if_o this_o grateful_a remembrance_n be_v preserve_v among_o they_o it_o will_v draw_v along_o with_o it_o a_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o whole_a law_n and_o therefore_o as_o our_o savioâ—…r_n sum_v up_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o the_o love_n o_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n so_o he_o comprise_v all_o in_o a_o thankful_a remembrance_n of_o the_o divine_a benefit_n afterward_o when_o the_o deplorable_a idolatry_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o which_o god_n cause_v they_o to_o be_v lead_v into_o captivity_n have_v almost_o effaced_a the_o memory_n of_o their_o miraculous_a deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o by_o a_o new_a prodigy_n of_o mercy_n god_n have_v bring_v they_o out_o of_o captivity_n and_o replace_v they_o in_o their_o ancient_a possession_n he_o tell_v they_o he_o will_v not_o any_o long_o be_v worship_v by_o they_o as_o the_o author_n of_o that_o almost_o forget_a benefit_n of_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n the_o memory_n of_o which_o be_v grow_v faint_a among_o they_o but_o as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o late_a restitution_n the_o remembrance_n of_o which_o be_v yet_o fresh_a in_o their_o mind_n and_o may_v therefore_o be_v suppose_v to_o produce_v a_o great_a sense_n of_o gratitude_n in_o they_o for_o thus_o he_o bespeak_v they_o jerem._n xvi_o 14_o 15._o therefore_o behold_v the_o day_n come_v say_v the_o lord_n that_o it_o shall_v no_o more_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n live_v that_o bring_v up_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n but_o the_o lord_n live_v that_o bring_v up_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n from_o the_o land_n of_o the_o north_n and_o from_o all_o the_o land_n whither_o he_o have_v drive_v they_o and_o i_o will_v bring_v they_o again_o into_o their_o land_n that_o i_o give_v unto_o their_o father_n the_o same_o word_n he_o repeat_v in_o the_o xxiii_o seven_o and_o 8_o verse_n so_o studious_o do_v god_n endeavour_v to_o oblige_v the_o jew_n to_o pursue_v their_o own_o happiness_n in_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o he_o by_o heap_v new_a benefit_n upon_o they_o and_o inculcate_v the_o memory_n of_o they_o in_o all_o solemn_a act_n of_o worship_n under_o the_o gospel_n also_o god_n continue_v to_o be_v worship_v as_o the_o author_n of_o some_o signal_n benefit_n as_o the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o we_o obtain_v redemption_n from_o our_o sin_n and_o deliverance_n out_o of_o the_o spiritual_a egypt_n the_o bondage_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o devil_n in_o every_o act_n of_o our_o christian_a worship_n the_o memory_n of_o this_o benefit_n be_v present_v to_o we_o while_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o direct_v our_o prayer_n to_o he_o and_o to_o worship_v he_o in_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o father_n which_o can_v be_v without_o recall_v to_o mind_v his_o infinite_a mercy_n manifest_v in_o our_o redemption_n which_o be_v design_v by_o he_o and_o effect_v by_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n all_o the_o sacrament_n and_o external_a worship_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n tend_v no_o less_o to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o this_o benefit_n than_o do_v the_o rite_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n to_o commemorate_v their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n particular_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n which_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o constant_a and_o most_o solemn_a act_n of_o the_o christian_a worship_n be_v institute_v to_o this_o very_a purpose_n to_o preserve_v a_o lively_a memory_n of_o that_o great_a and_o final_a act_n of_o our_o redemption_n to_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o continue_v the_o memory_n of_o those_o stripesby_n which_o we_o be_v heal_v and_o of_o that_o blood_n by_o which_o we_o be_v cleanse_v if_o by_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o latter_a age_n it_o have_v in_o great_a measure_n fail_v to_o produce_v that_o effect_n for_o which_o it_o be_v at_o first_o intend_v that_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o that_o deplorable_a disuse_n of_o the_o celebration_n of_o it_o which_o creep_v into_o latter_a age_n and_o be_v continue_v in_o our_o time_n that_o universal_a decay_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n which_o we_o all_o acknowledge_v and_o lament_v can_v with_o so_o much_o reason_n be_v attribute_v to_o any_o other_o cause_n as_o to_o this_o the_o memory_n of_o our_o saviour_n passion_n and_o with_o that_o of_o our_o redemption_n sensible_o decay_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o that_o venerable_a mystery_n begin_v to_o be_v discontinue_v which_o be_v institute_v on_o purpose_n to_o continue_v for_o ever_o a_o lively_a representation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n man_n perhaps_o may_v retain_v a_o historical_a remembrance_n of_o
execution_n of_o judgement_n till_o after_o death_n and_o not_o dispense_n the_o final_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n it_o be_v appoint_v unto_o man_n once_o to_o die_v but_o after_o that_o and_o not_o before_o the_o judgement_n the_o continual_a infirmity_n and_o temptation_n incident_a to_o mankind_n the_o daily_a sin_n commit_v by_o we_o and_o the_o fatal_a example_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n adam_n not_o able_a to_o retain_v his_o primitive_a innocence_n under_o so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a advantage_n evident_o cause_v we_o to_o perceive_v that_o few_o or_o rather_o none_o will_v ever_o attain_v to_o happiness_n if_o that_o be_v bestow_v in_o reward_n to_o unsinning_a obedience_n only_o that_o therefore_o to_o make_v any_o considerable_a part_n of_o mankind_n partaker_n of_o this_o reward_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v proclaim_v a_o universal_a pardon_n to_o penitent_a sinner_n and_o forego_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o former_a sin_n if_o a_o earnest_a abhorrencâ—…_n of_o they_o and_o true_a reformation_n of_o life_n do_v succeed_v if_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o high_a demonstration_n of_o repeat_v mercy_n and_o frequent_a pardon_n of_o sin_n our_o saviour_n still_o assure_v we_o that_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v which_o find_v it_o how_o unaccessible_a will_v it_o be_v if_o every_o single_a act_n of_o disobedience_n defeat_v the_o hope_n of_o it_o and_o lay_v we_o open_a to_o the_o utmost_a execution_n of_o the_o divine_a wrath_n if_o therefore_o we_o desire_v that_o this_o merciful_a deal_n shall_v be_v continue_v to_o we_o if_o a_o covenant_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v establish_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o final_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v dispense_v in_o this_o life_n for_o if_o a_o proportionate_a punishment_n shall_v immediate_o follow_v the_o commission_n of_o every_o sin_n in_o this_o life_n how_o can_v god_n be_v say_v to_o pardon_v our_o offence_n and_o await_v our_o amendment_n or_o if_o it_o shall_v not_o attend_v it_o how_o can_v exemplary_a justice_n be_v execute_v here_o since_o we_o suppose_v it_o not_o to_o be_v execute_v hereafter_o or_o if_o god_n shall_v present_o crown_v every_o good_a action_n with_o as_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o happiness_n as_o the_o present_a state_n of_o human_a nature_n will_v receive_v what_o shall_v be_v do_v when_o such_o a_o person_n shall_v exchange_v his_o piety_n for_o vice_n or_o wickedness_n or_o if_o the_o reward_n of_o temporal_a happiness_n shall_v not_o be_v inseparable_o annex_v to_o a_o virtuous_a course_n of_o life_n how_o can_v god_n be_v say_v to_o reward_v virtue_n in_o this_o life_n must_v god_n as_o often_o change_v the_o scene_n of_o human_a life_n as_o man_n change_v the_o inclination_n of_o his_o will_n assure_o such_o a_o inconstant_a proceed_n will_v derogate_v as_o much_o from_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n as_o the_o quiet_a of_o the_o world_n or_o must_v god_n await_v the_o last_o scene_n of_o every_o man_n life_n wherein_o to_o display_v either_o his_o favour_n or_o anger_n to_o he_o when_o the_o shortness_n of_o the_o remain_a time_n defeat_v the_o possession_n of_o any_o great_a reward_n and_o rescues_z the_o delinquent_n from_o the_o misery_n of_o his_o punishment_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o dispense_v the_o reward_n and_o inflict_v the_o punishment_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n but_o where_o reward_n and_o happiness_n be_v annex_v to_o unsinning_a obedience_n only_o again_o such_o a_o manner_n of_o proceed_v be_v not_o only_o unpracticable_a but_o unuseful_a even_o for_o those_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v common_o propose_v namely_o to_o manifest_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o vindicate_v the_o innocence_n of_o man_n to_o deter_v they_o from_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o to_o allure_v they_o to_o piety_n and_o holiness_n for_o such_o be_v the_o dissimulation_n of_o man_n so_o secret_a be_v many_o of_o the_o most_o enormous_a sin_n so_o usual_a be_v it_o to_o palliate_v the_o most_o horrid_a crime_n and_o not_o only_o to_o conceal_v they_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o world_n but_o to_o create_v a_o contrary_a opinion_n of_o holiness_n and_o integrity_n that_o no_o discrimination_n can_v be_v make_v by_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o this_o life_n which_o may_v conduce_v to_o any_o of_o the_o end_n before_o mention_v hypocrite_n be_v no_o less_o odious_a to_o god_n than_o the_o most_o profane_a and_o debauch_a sinner_n and_o be_v perhaps_o in_o no_o less_o number_n now_o as_o it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a to_o bestow_v any_o reward_n upon_o these_o lest_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v call_v in_o question_n for_o suffer_v appearant_a virtue_n to_o pass_v unrewarded_a so_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o hinder_v man_n from_o censure_v the_o divine_a dispensation_n in_o relation_n to_o they_o while_o they_o retain_v a_o false_a opinion_n of_o their_o suppose_a merit_n how_o many_o innocent_a and_o worthy_a person_n be_v oppress_v calumniate_v and_o general_o esteem_v the_o worst_a of_o man_n who_o if_o god_n shall_v therefore_o refuse_v to_o reward_v his_o justice_n will_v be_v destroy_v if_o he_o reward_v they_o while_o labour_v under_o these_o false_a suspicion_n the_o opinion_n of_o his_o justice_n will_v perish_v if_o then_o piety_n and_o wickedness_n may_v be_v hide_v from_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n if_o contrary_a judgement_n may_v be_v so_o easy_o and_o so_o often_o frame_v of_o their_o merit_n and_o demerit_n the_o justice_n of_o god_n can_v in_o no_o wise_n appear_v in_o dispense_n reward_n or_o punishment_n to_o they_o no_o argument_n can_v be_v thence_o frame_v in_o favour_n of_o virtue_n or_o diminution_n of_o vice_n until_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n be_v disclose_v and_o lay_v open_a which_o the_o present_a circumstance_n of_o this_o life_n will_v not_o permit_v not_o only_o be_v the_o execution_n of_o judgement_n in_o this_o life_n incongruous_a to_o the_o mercy_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n but_o also_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o be_v bestow_v or_o inflict_v and_o first_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o punishment_n shall_v be_v impose_v upon_o the_o wicked_a in_o this_o life_n proportionate_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o demerit_n every_o single_a sin_n commit_v against_o the_o infinite_a majesty_n of_o god_n by_o a_o creature_n and_o dependant_a of_o his_o own_o be_v of_o a_o infinite_a gild_n and_o therefore_o in_o justice_n require_v a_o not_o inferior_a degree_n of_o punishment_n whereas_o a_o infinite_a punishment_n can_v be_v suffer_v in_o this_o life_n and_o then_o how_o shall_v a_o sinner_n answer_v for_o ten_o thousâ—…nd_a sin_n of_o equal_a guilt_n if_o we_o place_v the_o execution_n of_o punishment_n in_o destroy_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o sinner_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v terrible_a that_o many_o have_v place_v the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o happiness_n in_o indolence_n or_o a_o insensible_a state_n which_o be_v a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o destruction_n and_o then_o since_o good_a man_n be_v not_o reprieve_v from_o a_o immature_n death_n be_v no_o less_o subject_n to_o sickness_n danger_n and_o violence_n what_o a_o horrible_a confusion_n of_o justice_n will_v it_o be_v that_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a shall_v undergo_v the_o same_o punishment_n and_o not_o be_v diâ—…tinguished_v in_o their_o end_n or_o if_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v place_v in_o insupportable_a torment_n continual_a cross_n and_o dreadful_a pain_n what_o a_o slight_a matter_n will_v this_o be_v to_o a_o infinite_a gild_n which_o deserve_o call_v for_o eternal_a torment_n the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o the_o pain_n in_o hell_n will_v be_v that_o the_o wicked_a will_v be_v assure_v they_o shall_v have_v no_o end_n and_o will_v be_v thereby_o cast_v into_o the_o most_o extreme_a despair_n whereas_o in_o this_o case_n the_o sinner_n will_v comfort_v themselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o approach_a death_n which_o may_v end_v their_o torment_n and_o their_o life_n together_o nay_o they_o will_v be_v able_a to_o rescue_v themselves_o from_o punishment_n and_o escape_v the_o divine_a anger_n by_o lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o themselves_o which_o they_o will_v not_o fear_v to_o do_v when_o not_o awe_v with_o the_o terror_n of_o any_o ensue_a punishment_n after_o death_n and_o after_o all_o punishment_n in_o this_o life_n can_v only_o respect_v precedent_a sin_n how_o then_o shall_v a_o sinner_n satisfy_v for_o those_o more_o dreadful_a sin_n which_o will_v escape_v he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o pain_n such_o as_o blasphemy_n malice_n and_o unrepentance_n shall_v god_n suffer_v these_o to_o go_v unpunished_a or_o not_o rather_o reserve_v they_o to_o judgement_n in_o another_o world_n but_o if_o judgement_n can_v
at_o this_o day_n for_o this_o teach_v we_o what_o manner_n of_o worship_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n rational_a and_o spiritual_a the_o product_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n instruct_v we_o in_o the_o purity_n and_o spirituality_n of_o his_o nature_n that_o he_o dwell_v not_o in_o temple_n make_v with_o hand_n but_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o the_o worship_n we_o offer_v to_o he_o aught_o to_o consist_v not_o in_o external_n show_v and_o observation_n but_o in_o the_o affection_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o mind_n last_o remind_v we_o of_o the_o affinity_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o his_o nature_n by_o partake_v in_o the_o spirituality_n of_o it_o and_o thereby_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o soul_n as_o far_o exceed_v the_o body_n in_o its_o excellency_n and_o real_a interest_n as_o god_n do_v all_o finite_a creature_n the_o last_o attribute_n of_o god_n mention_v in_o my_o text_n be_v his_o wisdom_n the_o only_a wise_a god_n which_o may_v respect_v either_o the_o extent_n or_o the_o supreme_a excellency_n of_o his_o knowledge_n either_o that_o he_o know_v all_o thing_n the_o most_o secret_a transaction_n and_o thought_n of_o man_n or_o that_o he_o best_a of_o all_o know_v the_o cause_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o tendency_n of_o mean_n to_o their_o proper_a end_n what_o be_v most_o fit_a in_o itself_o what_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o we_o in_o either_o sense_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v most_o worthy_a of_o our_o adoration_n if_o god_n indeed_o see_v all_o our_o action_n and_o the_o most_o inward_a recess_n of_o our_o soul_n if_o the_o most_o private_a motion_n of_o our_o heart_n can_v escape_v his_o knowledge_n this_o not_o only_o describe_v he_o to_o be_v of_o infinite_a capacity_n and_o thereby_o worthy_a of_o the_o high_a veneration_n but_o also_o encourage_v to_o adore_v and_o worship_n he_o since_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o our_o piety_n although_o never_o so_o secret_o perform_v can_v pass_v unregarded_a by_o he_o that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v throw_v away_o and_o become_v ineffectual_a whereas_o if_o we_o neglect_v to_o pay_v this_o tribute_n of_o honour_n and_o glory_n we_o can_v flatter_v ourselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o secrecy_n and_o conceal_v it_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n this_o of_o all_o other_o attribute_n ought_v to_o create_v in_o we_o the_o most_o lively_o concern_v and_o diligence_n to_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v always_o present_a as_o a_o witness_n with_o we_o to_o observe_v our_o demeanour_n and_o note_v every_o action_n of_o our_o life_n and_o if_o so_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o no_o action_n of_o praise_n or_o thanksgiving_n will_v miscarry_v or_o fall_v short_a of_o its_o intend_a end_n to_o procure_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o the_o next_o place_n god_n not_o only_o view_v all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o be_v conscious_a of_o every_o motion_n whether_o of_o the_o soul_n or_o body_n but_o direct_v all_o thing_n to_o their_o best_a and_o most_o proper_a end_n forseeth_a all_o effect_n know_v the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o all_o cause_n and_o order_v all_o his_o design_n in_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o perfect_a method_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o esteem_v ourselves_o unconcerned_a in_o all_o this_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o employ_v his_o wisdom_n most_o illustrious_o in_o favour_n of_o mankind_n thus_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o the_o world_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n tend_v to_o the_o service_n and_o happiness_n of_o man_n who_o he_o constitute_v lord_n of_o all_o the_o visible_a world_n and_o most_o wise_o contrive_v it_o for_o his_o convenience_n as_o well_o as_o pleasure_n this_o our_o sense_n teach_v we_o this_o we_o can_v doubt_v if_o we_o view_v the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o consider_v in_o what_o a_o beautiful_a and_o harmonious_a frame_n they_o be_v unite_v and_o conspire_v to_o the_o use_n of_o man._n the_o method_n of_o divine_a providence_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n be_v more_o unsearchable_a yet_o such_o as_o manifest_v a_o most_o complete_a wisdom_n and_o tender_a regard_n of_o our_o happiness_n but_o above_o all_o his_o wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o love_n to_o mankind_n appear_v most_o eminent_o in_o contrive_v the_o redemption_n of_o lose_a and_o sinful_a man_n in_o a_o method_n wherein_o pardon_n be_v offer_v to_o sinner_n without_o do_v injury_n to_o the_o divine_a justice_n wherein_o relief_n be_v afford_v and_o mercy_n grant_v to_o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n yet_o diligence_n and_o vigilance_n require_v as_o necessary_a wherein_o none_o be_v exclude_v none_o can_v just_o either_o presume_v or_o despair_v the_o consideration_n of_o these_o illustrious_a instance_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n can_v but_o create_v in_o we_o a_o submission_n to_o his_o law_n and_o acquiescence_n in_o his_o decree_n convince_v we_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o his_o proceed_n and_o induce_v we_o to_o resign_v up_o our_o will_n and_o passion_n whole_o to_o his_o conduct_n and_o direction_n which_o be_v the_o most_o noble_a testimony_n of_o give_v honour_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o most_o please_a to_o god_n and_o agreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n for_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n we_o shall_v easy_o discover_v how_o just_o the_o apostle_n infer_v from_o they_o all_o that_o to_o god_n the_o possessor_n of_o they_o aught_o to_o be_v ascribe_v honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o we_o find_v that_o from_o all_o these_o perfection_n god_n have_v a_o right_a to_o our_o praise_n and_o adoration_n this_o be_v the_o natural_a result_n of_o true_a conception_n of_o they_o and_o can_v in_o justice_n be_v deny_v ought_v not_o in_o duty_n to_o be_v neglect_v to_o return_v honour_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n be_v the_o high_a effort_n of_o gratitude_n which_o we_o can_v aim_v at_o and_o indeed_o the_o utmost_a which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o it_o have_v be_v but_o a_o mean_a and_o unworthy_a acknowledgement_n of_o those_o infinite_a perfection_n to_o represent_v they_o upon_o earth_n by_o costly_a image_n and_o magnificent_a pageant_n to_o erect_v stately_a temple_n in_o remembrance_n of_o they_o or_o acknowledge_v the_o deference_n due_a to_o they_o by_o elaborate_a and_o pompous_a ceremony_n action_n indeed_o wherein_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v always_o express_v their_o religious_a sentiment_n yet_o expression_n far_o beneath_o the_o dignity_n of_o that_o infinite_a object_n to_o which_o they_o be_v direct_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n be_v spiritual_a and_o as_o such_o require_v a_o spiritual_a acknowledgement_n a_o inward_a worship_n that_o we_o ever_o preserve_v noble_a thought_n of_o god_n in_o our_o soul_n that_o we_o maintain_v a_o awful_a remembrance_n of_o our_o obligation_n that_o we_o own_v he_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o death_n our_o king_n and_o governor_n from_o who_o we_o receive_v our_o be_v and_o in_o who_o sight_n we_o be_v dust_n and_o ash_n that_o we_o cautious_o fear_v to_o offend_v he_o studious_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v those_o end_n for_o which_o we_o be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n and_o in_o all_o our_o action_n manifest_a that_o we_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o subjection_n to_o he_o thus_o may_v we_o render_v honour_n and_o glory_n to_o he_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o be_v continual_o and_o without_o intermission_n for_o a_o steady_a course_n of_o life_n fix_v upon_o principle_n and_o resolution_n of_o obedience_n and_o agreeable_a to_o they_o be_v a_o continue_a act_n of_o honour_v god_n although_o we_o can_v always_o employ_v our_o thought_n in_o admire_v his_o perfection_n or_o our_o tongue_n in_o confess_v they_o the_o angel_n indeed_o be_v by_o the_o spirituality_n of_o their_o nature_n fit_v to_o celebrate_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n without_o intermission_n as_o be_v not_o distract_v with_o the_o care_n and_o necessity_n of_o a_o body_n and_o have_v a_o more_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n but_o of_o man_n who_o knowledge_n in_o this_o life_n be_v imperfect_a who_o temptation_n be_v numerous_a and_o distraction_n continual_a no_o more_o be_v require_v than_o a_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o direct_v his_o life_n in_o general_n by_o principle_n and_o rule_n which_o arise_v from_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n and_o will_v of_o god_n and_o ultimate_o tend_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o name_n and_o sure_o we_o can_v imagine_v this_o condition_n of_o happiness_n to_o be_v any_o difficult_a much_o less_o any_o grievous_a matter_n which_o be_v the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o angel_n now_o in_o the_o supreme_a fruition_n of_o their_o happiness_n this_o constitute_v their_o
suffer_v our_o reason_n to_o take_v place_n if_o we_o wilful_o shut_v not_o our_o eye_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o embolden_v our_o mind_n against_o the_o influence_n of_o it_o when_o discover_v we_o can_v but_o repent_v to_o harden_v the_o heart_n be_v to_o act_n against_o the_o conviction_n of_o a_o man_n be_v own_o conscience_n and_o against_o the_o dictate_v of_o truth_n clear_o and_o full_o manifest_v thus_o pharaoh_n be_v often_o in_o scripture_n say_v to_o have_v harden_v his_o heart_n when_o he_o refuse_v to_o let_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n go_v he_o be_v abundant_o convince_v that_o the_o dismission_n of_o they_o be_v command_v by_o god_n he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o moses_n be_v a_o true_a prophet_n he_o experience_v the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o the_o dreadful_a plague_n inflict_v upon_o his_o kingdom_n and_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a god_n by_o recur_v to_o he_o and_o implore_v his_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n as_o often_o as_o he_o desire_v the_o plague_n to_o be_v remove_v yet_o for_o all_o this_o he_o perverse_o refuse_v to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o be_v therefore_o make_v a_o example_n of_o the_o terrible_a justice_n of_o god_n even_o in_o this_o world_n we_o have_v yet_o a_o near_a instance_n of_o this_o kind_n in_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o the_o psalmist_n in_o these_o word_n particular_o reflect_v on_o harden_n not_o your_o heart_n as_o in_o the_o provocation_n in_o the_o day_n of_o temptation_n in_o the_o wilderness_n when_o your_o father_n tempt_v i_o prove_v i_o and_o see_v my_o work_n they_o be_v a_o people_n peculiar_o choose_v by_o god_n and_o oblige_v by_o the_o most_o amaze_a temporal_a benefit_n that_o ever_o be_v confer_v on_o any_o feed_v with_o a_o constant_a miracle_n lead_v by_o a_o prophet_n and_o confirm_v by_o continual_a miracle_n wrought_v in_o favour_n of_o they_o here_o be_v sufficient_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o that_o god_n they_o worship_v of_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o obligation_n lay_v upon_o they_o and_o the_o reason_n they_o have_v to_o yield_v a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n yet_o we_o find_v frequent_a defection_n in_o they_o contempt_n of_o his_o precept_n vilify_a of_o his_o benefit_n and_o disbelief_n of_o his_o promife_n which_o enforce_v god_n in_o indignation_n to_o say_v of_o they_o how_o long_o will_v this_o people_n provoke_v i_o and_o how_o long_o will_v it_o be_v ever_o they_o believe_v on_o i_o for_o all_o the_o sign_n which_o i_o have_v show_v among_o they_o i_o will_v smite_v they_o with_o the_o pestilence_n and_o disinherit_v they_o etc._n etc._n numb_a fourteen_o 11_o 12._o so_o then_o to_o harden_v the_o heart_n be_v to_o act_n against_o the_o conviction_n and_o impulse_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n a_o sin_n of_o the_o high_a enormity_n against_o which_o god_n express_v the_o great_a indignation_n and_o on_o which_o he_o inflict_v the_o most_o severe_a punishment_n this_o we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v this_o we_o willing_o confess_v we_o wonder_v at_o the_o impudence_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o pharaoh_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o conceive_v indignation_n and_o pronounce_v sentence_n against_o he_o when_o we_o read_v or_o hear_v his_o history_n we_o abhor_v the_o ingratitude_n and_o baseness_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o be_v astonish_v to_o think_v that_o they_o shall_v after_o so_o many_o signal_n miracle_n wrought_v in_o favour_n of_o they_o rebel_n against_o god_n slight_a his_o favour_n and_o endeavour_v to_o stone_n his_o prophet_n and_o their_o own_o deliverer_n we_o condemn_v the_o folly_n and_o unreasonable_a conduct_n of_o both_o and_o be_v prone_a to_o conclude_v with_o ourselves_o have_v we_o then_o be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o pharaoh_n or_o in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o jew_n far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v imitate_v his_o obstinacy_n or_o their_o perverseness_n but_o let_v we_o not_o deceive_v ourselves_o or_o flatter_v ourselves_o with_o a_o vain_a opinion_n of_o behave_v ourselves_o better_a in_o such_o circumstance_n let_v we_o reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o behaviour_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o omission_n of_o it_o to_o be_v in_o no_o less_o a_o degree_n a_o harden_v of_o the_o heart_n than_o be_v the_o crime_n either_o of_o pharaoh_n or_o of_o the_o jew_n for_o our_o conviction_n be_v no_o less_o than_o be_v that_o of_o pharaoh_n our_o obligation_n great_a than_o be_v that_o of_o the_o jew_n we_o be_v without_o doubt_n full_o satisfy_v that_o our_o god_n be_v the_o true_a god_n that_o he_o have_v a_o just_a right_o to_o lay_v his_o command_n upon_o we_o and_o to_o require_v our_o obedience_n we_o know_v very_o well_o that_o he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o holiness_n temperance_n and_o justice_n and_o that_o although_o he_o have_v reserve_v mercy_n and_o pardon_n for_o sinner_n yet_o that_o this_o be_v dispense_v upon_o no_o othercondition_n than_o that_o of_o repentance_n without_o the_o practice_n therefore_o of_o this_o no_o obedience_n to_o god_n can_v consist_v or_o be_v preserve_v and_o then_o may_v not_o he_o just_o be_v say_v to_o have_v harden_v his_o heart_n and_o defy_v the_o divine_a majesty_n who_o acknowledge_v all_o this_o and_o yet_o can_v be_v prevail_v on_o to_o manifest_v his_o obedience_n by_o forsake_v bewail_a and_o amend_v his_o former_a disobedience_n who_o confess_v himself_o to_o be_v his_o creature_n and_o to_o owe_v to_o his_o liberality_n both_o his_o life_n and_o all_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o continue_v to_o profess_v enmity_n to_o he_o by_o retain_v his_o sinful_a habit_n who_o believe_v all_o his_o attribute_n of_o almighty_a power_n wisdom_n and_o omnipresence_n and_o yet_o neither_o dread_v his_o anger_n nor_o reveres_fw-la his_o all-seeing_a eye_n so_o that_o if_o man_n consider_v but_o the_o natural_a obligation_n which_o they_o have_v to_o god_n they_o can_v not_o disobey_v he_o or_o continue_v in_o disobedience_n by_o unrepentance_n without_o either_o the_o constant_a accusation_n of_o their_o conscience_n or_o a_o studious_a stifle_a of_o they_o by_o a_o profligate_n hardness_n of_o heart_n but_o then_o who_o can_v reflect_v upon_o the_o wonderful_a benefit_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n without_o conclude_v impenitent_a christian_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o unparalleled_a obstinacy_n when_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o natural_a light_n of_o mankind_n by_o a_o universal_a decay_n of_o piety_n want_v their_o effect_n and_o fail_v in_o promote_a among_o man_n obedience_n to_o their_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o maker_n god_n contrive_v such_o a_o method_n to_o reduce_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n as_o if_o a_o inexcusable_a ingratitude_n do_v not_o oppose_v can_v not_o miscarry_v he_o invite_v they_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n proclaim_v pardon_n to_o all_o penitent_a sinner_n propose_v infinite_a reward_n to_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o settle_v a_o succession_n of_o pastor_n in_o the_o church_n who_o may_v renew_v these_o promise_n and_o promote_v repentance_n by_o constant_a exhortation_n after_o all_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o corroborate_v or_o add_v to_o the_o obligation_n of_o what_o be_v require_v of_o we_o and_o if_o we_o inquire_v what_o that_o be_v we_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v brief_o comprehend_v in_o repentance_n this_o be_v the_o message_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n send_v to_o prepare_v the_o way_n to_o our_o saviour_n this_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o theapostle_n sermon_n repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v so_o necessary_a be_v it_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n that_o it_o be_v pre-required_n to_o it_o the_o main_a design_n of_o that_o most_o holy_a religion_n be_v to_o promote_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n by_o procure_v a_o just_a esteem_n and_o adoration_n of_o himself_o a_o universal_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o devotion_n to_o his_o will._n none_o of_o which_o can_v take_v place_n until_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n be_v first_o renounce_v and_o change_v into_o a_o steady_a resolution_n of_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a precept_n if_o then_o neither_o the_o offer_v of_o pardon_n can_v persuade_v we_o nor_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v we_o if_o the_o frequent_a exhortation_n of_o faithful_a monitor_n can_v move_v we_o nor_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o engage_v we_o if_o these_o argument_n contrive_v by_o the_o most_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n become_v fruitless_a and_o ineffectual_a it_o must_v be_v impute_v to_o a_o obduration_n great_a than_o any_o other_o because_o oppose_v reason_n strong_a than_o any_o other_o if_o to_o slight_a and_o overlook_a all_o these_o obligation_n be_v so_o enormous_a a_o obduration_n much_o more_o criminal_a will_v it_o be_v to_o despise_v the_o glorious_a
promise_n of_o reward_n annex_v to_o repentance_n because_o these_o ought_v so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o affect_v we_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o they_o concern_v we_o the_o reward_n propose_v to_o the_o jew_n be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o temporary_a possession_n of_o a_o fruitful_a country_n to_o which_o perhaps_o some_o man_n will_v not_o value_v their_o title_n that_o they_o may_v gratify_v their_o lusts._n yet_o it_o be_v record_v as_o a_o heinous_a aggravation_n of_o the_o impiety_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o think_v scorn_n of_o that_o pleasant_a land_n and_o give_v no_o credence_n unto_o his_o word_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n more_o noble_a reward_n be_v propose_v reward_n with_o which_o nothing_o in_o this_o world_n can_v stand_v in_o competition_n and_o yet_o all_o bestow_v upon_o this_o single_a condition_n of_o repentance_n which_o if_o it_o be_v neglect_v may_v we_o not_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o reward_n itself_o be_v despise_v how_o then_o shall_v god_n oblige_v man_n to_o his_o service_n if_o this_o be_v ineffectual_a he_o propofe_v eternal_a felicity_n they_o prefer_v temporal_a satisfaction_n a_o satisfaction_n so_o far_o beneath_o true_a happiness_n that_o it_o carry_v no_o contentment_n along_o with_o it_o and_o in_o a_o short_a time_n become_v nauseous_a he_o grant_v this_o upon_o easy_a condition_n and_o yet_o man_n think_v it_o not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o bestow_v that_o easy_a labour_n he_o bestow_v it_o upon_o sinful_a man_n who_o be_v thereby_o his_o profess_a enemy_n and_o yet_o they_o think_v not_o themselves_o oblige_v by_o the_o gift_n of_o it_o they_o harden_v their_o heart_n against_o these_o powerful_a impression_n and_o suffer_v not_o themselves_o to_o be_v mollify_v by_o the_o most_o endear_n kindness_n man_n may_v perhaps_o imagine_v that_o it_o will_v never_o be_v too_o late_o to_o undertake_v the_o acquisition_n of_o this_o reward_n that_o it_o may_v be_v secure_o neglect_v till_o the_o last_o scene_n of_o life_n but_o sure_o it_o can_v but_o be_v high_o unreasonable_a even_o to_o endanger_v the_o hope_n of_o so_o great_a a_o purchase_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o worldly_a pleasure_n which_o so_o infinite_o transcend_v all_o the_o satisfaction_n which_o this_o life_n can_v afford_v not_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o preserve_v any_o true_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o life_n without_o a_o probable_a assurance_n of_o the_o fruition_n of_o the_o next_o man_n may_v for_o a_o while_n stifle_v the_o natural_a desire_n and_o notion_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o cloud_v the_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n yet_o the_o soul_n can_v but_o sometime_o free_a itself_o from_o this_o affect_a stupidity_n and_o be_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n assure_v of_o its_o own_o immortal_a nature_n look_v forward_o into_o the_o age_n to_o come_v and_o be_v folicitous_a of_o its_o future_a state_n it_o will_v then_o perceive_v that_o that_o future_a state_n be_v a_o abyss_n of_o time_n in_o comparison_n to_o this_o present_a life_n and_o remember_v the_o distinction_n of_o bliss_n and_o misery_n appoint_v by_o god_n to_o the_o depart_a soul_n of_o good_a or_o wicked_a men._n what_o a_o dismal_a prospect_n will_v it_o then_o be_v to_o a_o soul_n employ_v in_o these_o meditation_n to_o consider_v that_o the_o distinction_n of_o these_o state_n be_v most_o certain_a but_o the_o application_n of_o either_o of_o they_o to_o themselves_o most_o uncertain_a unless_o the_o hope_n of_o happiness_n be_v secure_v by_o a_o timely_a repentance_n not_o to_o say_v that_o that_o soul_n can_v appear_v before_o god_n without_o extreme_a astonishment_n which_o god_n by_o all_o his_o glorious_a promise_n can_v not_o induce_v to_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n when_o the_o devil_n can_v tempt_v it_o by_o petty_a lust_n and_o foolish_a pleasure_n to_o its_o own_o destruction_n if_o then_o the_o proposition_n make_v by_o god_n to_o penitent_a christian_n be_v infinite_o more_o persuasive_a than_o all_o the_o temptation_n to_o sin_n and_o disobedience_n sure_o to_o stand_v out_o against_o they_o and_o refuse_v to_o embrace_v they_o till_o we_o can_v sin_n no_o more_o be_v a_o most_o foolish_a and_o deplorable_a obduration_n further_o the_o impenitent_a sinner_n manifest_v the_o hardness_n of_o his_o heart_n by_o contemn_v the_o dreadful_a punishment_n denounce_v by_o god_n against_o he_o and_o in_o this_o beyond_o other_o argument_n consist_v that_o execrable_a obduration_n which_o be_v charge_v upon_o impenitence_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n pharaoh_n be_v chief_o say_v to_o have_v harden_v his_o heart_n that_o when_o he_o have_v feel_v the_o most_o terrible_a punishment_n inflict_v upon_o himself_o and_o his_o nation_n and_o see_v other_o yet_o more_o grievous_a ready_a to_o be_v execute_v upon_o he_o after_o so_o many_o plague_n and_o threat_n employ_v for_o his_o correction_n he_o continue_v yet_o obstinate_a and_o as_o it_o be_v defy_v god_n or_o that_o i_o may_v come_v near_o to_o my_o text_n the_o most_o wicked_a aggravation_n of_o the_o obduration_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o wilderness_n be_v their_o contempt_n of_o the_o divine_a punishment_n to_o they_o the_o high_a punishment_n be_v a_o temporal_a death_n and_o although_o by_o natural_a reason_n they_o may_v conclude_v that_o a_o judgement_n and_o more_o impartial_a execution_n attend_v sinner_n in_o another_o life_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o reveal_v to_o they_o to_o who_o as_o no_o more_o than_o temporal_a reward_n be_v promise_v so_o no_o other_o than_o temporal_a punishment_n be_v threaten_v god_n have_v give_v frequent_a and_o terrible_a instance_n of_o his_o justice_n in_o this_o kind_n by_o destroy_v the_o most_o notorious_a delinquent_n among_o they_o by_o sword_n pestilence_n earthquake_n fire_n from_o heaven_n and_o many_o other_o way_n yet_o far_o from_o be_v terrify_v by_o these_o and_o discourage_v from_o displease_v god_n when_o their_o foolish_a desire_n be_v not_o gratify_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n they_o fear_v not_o open_o to_o declare_v their_o contempt_n of_o his_o punishment_n and_o themselves_o rather_o willing_a to_o undergo_v they_o than_o submit_v to_o his_o command_n as_o when_o they_o cry_v out_o numb_a fourteen_o 2._o will_v god_n that_o we_o have_v die_v in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n or_o will_v god_n we_o have_v die_v in_o this_o wilderness_n and_o more_o remarkable_o numb_a xx._n 3._o will_v god_n that_o we_o have_v die_v when_o our_o brethren_n that_o be_v core_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n die_v before_o the_o lord_n a_o sober_a man_n may_v perhaps_o imagine_v it_o impossible_a to_o parallel_v so_o enormous_a a_o obstinacy_n do_v not_o the_o daily_a experience_n of_o christian_n confute_v his_o supposition_n who_o dare_v withstand_v the_o threat_n of_o eternal_a fire_n and_o harden_v their_o heart_n against_o any_o impression_n from_o they_o it_o may_v perhaps_o not_o be_v unaccountable_a that_o resolute_a and_o desperate_a person_n shall_v despise_v a_o temporal_a death_n when_o not_o affright_v with_o any_o succeed_a judgement_n but_o to_o slight_v a_o punishment_n extreme_a in_o its_o sharpness_n and_o perpetual_a in_o its_o duration_n be_v such_o a_o hardness_n of_o heart_n as_o although_o acccompany_v with_o no_o other_o crime_n may_v just_o deserve_v to_o undergo_v the_o utmost_a extremity_n of_o the_o punishment_n for_o the_o most_o wise_a contrivance_n of_o god_n provide_v the_o torment_n of_o hell_n not_o only_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a after_o death_n but_o also_o for_o the_o correction_n of_o all_o in_o this_o life_n that_o by_o the_o fear_n of_o they_o they_o may_v be_v affright_v from_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n and_o even_o enforce_v to_o repentance_n if_o a_o most_o stupid_a obduration_n of_o mind_n do_v not_o intervene_v to_o all_o these_o aggravation_n of_o impenitence_n i_o shall_v be_v unwilling_a to_o add_v that_o none_o of_o the_o least_o or_o less_o usual_a cause_n of_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a unbelief_n of_o the_o revelation_n promise_n or_o threat_v of_o god_n all_o professor_n of_o christianity_n be_v unwilling_a that_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o belief_n shall_v be_v call_v in_o question_n do_v not_o the_o apostle_n ascribe_v it_o to_o this_o cause_n who_o cite_v the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n hebr._n iii_o and_o exaggerate_v the_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o jew_n ascribe_v it_o chief_o to_o their_o unbelief_n in_o the_o last_o verse_n have_v before_o warn_v all_o christian_n lest_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o they_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n and_o sure_o not_o without_o reason_n for_o it_o can_v well_o be_v conceive_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o thing_n shall_v consist_v with_o a_o wilful_a continuance_n in_o impenitence_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v real_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v reward_n and_o punishment_n prepare_v for_o man_n in_o another_o life_n both_o infinite_a and_o inexpressible_a
by_o reflect_v on_o it_o will_v persuade_v himself_o that_o his_o interest_n be_v indeed_o engage_v in_o it_o for_o it_o affect_v those_o very_a passion_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o betray_v the_o will_n of_o man_n to_o sin_n desire_v and_o fear_n and_o will_v man_n consider_v can_v not_o but_o be_v more_o prevalent_a than_o all_o other_o object_n which_o move_v those_o passion_n since_o the_o reward_n propose_v be_v more_o desirable_a the_o punishment_n denounce_v more_o to_o be_v fear_v than_o any_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o this_o be_v the_o argument_n which_o our_o lord_n his_o forerunner_n john_n baptiâ—…t_n and_o his_o apostle_n employ_v to_o convert_v the_o world_n repent_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v at_o hand_n the_o time_n now_o come_v when_o he_o will_v no_o long_o wink_v at_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n when_o he_o will_v evident_o declare_v his_o resolution_n to_o punish_v impenitent_a sinner_n and_o even_o exemplify_v it_o in_o the_o terrible_a destruction_n of_o the_o impenitent_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o he_o do_v short_o after_o the_o axe_n be_v now_o lay_v to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o every_o tree_n which_o bring_v not_o foâ—…th_o good_a fruit_n shall_v be_v hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n these_o and_o such_o like_a denunciation_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n to_o unrepent_v sinner_n draw_v multitude_n of_o man_n to_o a_o sense_n of_o and_o sorrow_n for_o their_o sin_n not_o only_o the_o more_o devout_a jew_n but_o also_o soldier_n and_o publican_n who_o confess_v their_o sin_n be_v then_o baptise_a manifest_v by_o that_o ancient_o receive_v emblem_n of_o purity_n and_o innocence_n their_o resolution_n of_o sin_v no_o more_o even_o after_o a_o full_a conviction_n form_v of_o their_o duty_n our_o lord_n think_v fit_a to_o propose_v this_o very_a argument_n to_o his_o disciple_n who_o have_v be_v long_o train_v up_o in_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o be_v now_o enter_v upon_o the_o most_o difficult_a point_n of_o christianity_n the_o patient_a endure_v of_o persecution_n affliction_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o all_o which_o he_o foretell_v shall_v befall_v they_o in_o that_o mission_n which_o he_o then_o enjoin_v they_o yet_o to_o these_o fear_n he_o oppose_v as_o the_o great_a remedy_n this_o consideration_n only_o fear_v not_o they_o which_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n and_o after_o that_o can_v do_v no_o more_o but_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o who_o you_o shall_v fear_v fear_v he_o who_o can_v destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n all_o other_o motive_n of_o interest_n all_o other_o object_n of_o fear_n or_o hope_n concern_v the_o body_n only_o and_o terminate_v there_o but_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o reward_n to_o be_v desire_v the_o punishment_n to_o be_v fear_v equal_o concern_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n the_o common_a happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o both_o which_o depend_v upon_o it_o the_o reward_v you_o may_v slight_v perhaps_o as_o not_o desire_v any_o great_a satisfaction_n than_o what_o you_o now_o enjoy_v but_o the_o fear_v you_o can_v surmount_v that_o will_v still_o affect_v you_o for_o if_o you_o so_o much_o value_v the_o present_a ease_n of_o the_o body_n the_o one_o part_n of_o you_o you_o can_v but_o be_v affright_v at_o the_o certain_a expectation_n of_o the_o eternal_a misery_n of_o both_o soul_n and_o body_n if_o this_o consideration_n have_v not_o that_o effect_n upon_o we_o which_o it_o have_v upon_o the_o hearer_n of_o christ_n john_n baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v because_o the_o expectation_n of_o this_o denounce_v destruction_n far_o from_o be_v certain_a in_o we_o be_v elude_v by_o vain_a persuasion_n that_o destruction_n may_v be_v avoid_v without_o repentance_n we_o all_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o divine_a revelation_n prescribe_v rule_n of_o piety_n justice_n and_o temperance_n command_v repentance_n upon_o neglect_n or_o violation_n of_o these_o rule_n give_v sentence_n of_o dreadful_a punishment_n upon_o impenitence_n we_o all_o confess_v that_o we_o have_v violate_v those_o rule_n we_o apply_v not_o the_o remedy_n of_o repentance_n and_o yet_o we_o hope_v to_o avoid_v the_o punishment_n for_o do_v not_o man_n real_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o those_o hope_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o future_a punishment_n and_o conscious_a of_o its_o own_o demerit_n shall_v not_o immediate_o apply_v itself_o to_o prevent_v the_o execution_n of_o that_o dreadful_a sentence_n by_o a_o timely_a repentance_n these_o false_a hope_n and_o persuasion_n may_v be_v refer_v to_o a_o double_a head_n either_o that_o of_o presumption_n or_o that_o of_o inadvertency_n that_o man_n through_o a_o fond_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o worth_n fancy_n god_n will_v exempt_v they_o from_o the_o general_a sentence_n and_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n or_o at_o least_o allow_v this_o and_o another_o and_o a_o three_o sin_n to_o they_o or_o that_o they_o proceed_v in_o sin_n secure_o and_o with_o a_o sort_n of_o stupidity_n never_o willing_o consider_v the_o consequence_n of_o punishment_n upon_o sin_n and_o when_o they_o be_v suggest_v to_o they_o still_o put_v they_o off_o and_o continue_v to_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v however_o save_v they_o though_o theyk_fw-mi now_o not_o why_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o prejudices_fw-la be_v too_o common_a among_o all_o christian_n and_o to_o both_o i_o shall_v oppose_v some_o general_a consideration_n show_v it_o impossible_a that_o goâ—…_n shall_v not_o execute_v the_o sentence_n of_o destruction_n pronounce_v universal_o against_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n that_o it_o can_v be_v that_o man_n shall_v not_o repent_v and_o yet_o shall_v not_o perish_v the_o necessity_n of_o destruction_n consequent_a upon_o unrepentance_n be_v draw_v chief_o from_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n which_o have_v so_o appoint_v it_o and_o the_o resolution_n of_o god_n herein_o be_v so_o frequent_o and_o full_o express_v in_o scripture_n that_o no_o doubt_n can_v be_v admit_v of_o it_o nay_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v take_v particular_a care_n lest_o man_n shall_v be_v deceive_v herein_o by_o affix_v vehement_a asseveration_n to_o his_o threat_n of_o punishment_n as_o in_o ezech._n xvii_o 19_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n as_o i_o live_v sure_o my_o oath_n that_o he_o have_v despise_v and_o my_o covenant_n that_o he_o have_v break_v even_o it_o will_v i_o recompense_v upon_o his_o own_o head_n and_o in_o the_o xxii_o chapter_n have_v denounce_v to_o sinner_n the_o extremity_n of_o his_o anger_n he_o subjoin_v verse_n 14._o can_v thy_o heart_n endure_v or_o can_v thy_o hand_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o day_n that_o i_o shall_v deal_v with_o thou_o i_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o and_o i_o will_v do_v it_o so_o that_o those_o who_o promise_v salvation_n to_o themselves_o without_o repentance_n of_o past_a sin_n or_o reformation_n of_o life_n must_v either_o pretend_v to_o new_a light_n and_o new_a revelalation_n new_a term_n of_o covenant_n or_o disbelieve_v those_o contain_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o only_a true_a one_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o say_v disbelieve_v they_o for_o far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o judge_v that_o of_o many_o christian_n who_o do_v firm_o indeed_o believe_v all_o the_o revelation_n of_o that_o sacred_a write_n and_o yet_o continue_v their_o hope_n of_o salvation_n without_o employ_v the_o mean_n of_o it_o only_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o believe_v they_o we_o do_v not_o regard_v they_o and_o when_o we_o do_v serious_o reflect_v upon_o it_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o such_o vain_a hope_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o those_o reveal_v truth_n for_o i_o hope_v none_o of_o this_o assembly_n have_v be_v deceive_v with_o the_o idle_a pretence_n of_o inward_a light_n or_o unaccountable_a revelation_n of_o arbitrary_a election_n for_o secret_a reason_n and_o absolute_a reprobation_n for_o unknown_a cause_n which_o delusion_n when_o once_o entertain_v will_v render_v all_o repentance_n useless_a we_o hold_v fast_o to_o the_o old_a form_n of_o tradition_n deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n pretend_v to_o no_o revelation_n unknown_a to_o former_a age_n to_o know_v more_o of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n than_o what_o our_o lord_n or_o the_o apostle_n have_v plain_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n we_o be_v content_a to_o go_v to_o heaven_n the_o same_o way_n that_o all_o saint_n have_v go_v before_o we_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o good_a work_n nor_o if_o there_o be_v any_o truth_n in_o those_o sacred_a write_n be_v there_o any_o other_o way_n yet_o we_o hear_v those_o holy_a scripture_n daily_o read_v to_o we_o wherein_o we_o be_v command_v by_o precept_n we_o be_v allure_v by_o promise_n we_o be_v terrify_v by_o threat_n