conscience_n and_o reform_v the_o life_n first_o the_o carnal_a man_n may_v be_v carry_v very_o far_o towards_o christianity_n from_o the_o mere_a strength_n and_o power_n of_o nature_n for_o the_o mere_a power_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o raise_v a_o man_n to_o any_o attainment_n that_o be_v short_a of_o true_a save_a grace_n a_o natural_a man_n may_v so_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v his_o heart_n as_o that_o the_o very_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o he_o shall_v be_v grace_n it_o may_v carry_v he_o out_o to_o the_o external_o of_o christianity_n and_o it_o may_v be_v with_o more_o pomp_n and_o grandeur_n than_o sometime_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n do_v carry_v out_o a_o child_n of_o god_n when_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n take_v on_o it_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n it_o will_v make_v bright_a and_o glitter_a professor_n now_o these_o external_o of_o christianity_n they_o lie_v in_o two_o thing_n the_o performance_n of_o duty_n and_o the_o avoid_n of_o sin_n as_o for_o duty_n they_o may_v so_o far_o outstrip_v and_o outshine_v a_o child_n of_o god_n in_o the_o pomp_n and_o gaudiness_n of_o they_o as_o to_o be_v their_o emulation_n and_o example_n and_o for_o sin_n there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o particular_a sin_n set_v aside_o those_o common_a and_o unavoidable_a infirmity_n which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n but_o a_o carnal_a man_n may_v keep_v himself_o from_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o by_o the_o mere_a power_n of_o nature_n and_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o sin_n that_o be_v brand_v remarkable_o in_o the_o world_n but_o some_o wicked_a man_n or_o other_o do_v abstain_v from_o it_o and_o that_o mere_o from_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n there_o be_v some_o that_o by_o this_o power_n abstain_v from_o this_o sin_n another_o from_o that_o and_o a_o three_o from_o another_o sin_n and_o each_o of_o these_o have_v power_n to_o abstain_v likewise_o from_o all_o these_o sin_n because_o what_o power_n the_o one_o have_v it_o may_v possible_o be_v find_v in_o the_o other_o since_o in_o nature_n there_o be_v nothing_o partial_a for_o a_o man_n natural_o be_v not_o so_o second_o again_o the_o devil_n when_o he_o tempt_v he_o do_v not_o force_n and_o constrain_v they_o he_o do_v not_o forcible_o move_v the_o black_a tongue_n of_o the_o swearer_n to_o curse_v and_o blaspheme_v nor_o do_v he_o screw_v open_a the_o drunkard_n mouth_n by_o force_n to_o pour_v down_o intemperate_a cup_n nor_o force_v the_o murderer_n hand_n to_o sheathe_v his_o sword_n in_o his_o brother_n bowel_n whether_o he_o will_v or_o no_o but_o he_o solicit_v the_o will_n and_o insinuate_v into_o the_o affection_n by_o his_o temptation_n and_o make_v these_o free_o move_v the_o engine_n to_o that_o which_o his_o design_n tend_v and_o therefore_o all_o his_o triumph_n be_v but_o for_o beggarly_a victory_n he_o can_v not_o prevail_v over_o we_o do_v not_o we_o prove_v traitor_n to_o our_o own_o 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a_o twofold_a sanctification_n 1_o of_o the_o flesh_n consist_v in_o the_o removal_n of_o all_o carnal_a and_o external_a filthiness_n call_v by_o the_o apostle_n a_o escape_n of_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n 2_o pet._n 2.20_o and_o that_o consist_v in_o a_o separation_n from_o all_o those_o gross_a and_o vile_a sin_n wherein_o the_o flagitious_a and_o debauch_a world_n do_v wallow_v 2_o there_o be_v likewise_o a_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n consist_v in_o a_o separation_n from_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n the_o one_o be_v external_a by_o reformation_n the_o other_o be_v internal_a by_o renovation_n the_o former_a sanctification_n a_o natural_a man_n may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o as_o to_o have_v his_o life_n and_o action_n stand_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o and_o a_o great_a opposition_n to_o carnal_a gross_a sin_n which_o the_o world_n be_v general_o desile_v with_o but_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o common_a and_o ordinary_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o may_v account_v the_o blood_n whereby_o they_o be_v sanctify_v a_o unholy_a thing_n there_o be_v a_o far_o different_a force_n and_o energy_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n put_v forth_o when_o it_o work_v conversion_n and_o when_o it_o work_v only_o outward_a sanctification_n in_o both_o it_o may_v work_v upon_o the_o heart_n but_o in_o conversion_n it_o work_v upon_o the_o heart_n so_o as_o to_o change_v it_o and_o renew_v it_o but_o in_o the_o reformation_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n he_o work_v upon_o the_o heart_n indeed_o but_o it_o be_v only_o to_o change_v and_o amend_v the_o life_n the_o spirit_n may_v persuade_v the_o one_o to_o change_v his_o heart_n but_o then_o he_o change_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o other_o he_o may_v persuade_v the_o will_n of_o the_o one_o to_o submit_v to_o christ_n but_o then_o he_o subdue_v the_o will_n of_o the_o other_o he_o persuade_v the_o one_o to_o become_v a_o christian_n but_o he_o make_v the_o other_o a_o christian_n now_o there_o be_v a_o very_a wide_a difference_n between_o these_o two_o way_n of_o work_v by_o the_o one_o he_o only_o excite_v man_n to_o use_v somewhat_o of_o the_o power_n they_o have_v but_o by_o the_o other_o he_o give_v they_o the_o power_n they_o want_v and_o thus_o you_o see_v what_o there_o be_v in_o man_n consider_v both_o in_o nature_n and_o with_o the_o help_n of_o the_o common_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o may_v carry_v he_o so_o far_o towards_o christianity_n second_o there_o be_v also_o something_o considerable_a in_o the_o object_n viz._n religion_n and_o christianity_n itself_o whence_o it_o be_v natural_a man_n may_v make_v so_o great_a a_o progress_n towards_o it_o and_o that_o be_v twofold_a 1_o the_o attractiveness_n of_o religion_n 2_o the_o subserviency_n of_o religion_n to_o itself_o 1_o the_o attractiveness_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o consist_v not_o only_o in_o the_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a beauty_n of_o holiness_n which_o these_o man_n have_v not_o eye_n to_o discern_v but_o also_o in_o that_o happiness_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o religion_n and_o christianity_n this_o be_v that_o which_o draw_v out_o natural_a man_n to_o all_o their_o attainment_n happiness_n be_v the_o great_a bait_n of_o man_n desire_n and_o that_o which_o sweeten_v the_o mean_n tend_v to_o it_o though_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o very_o difficult_a and_o burdensome_a yet_o lead_v to_o happiness_n they_o close_o with_o it_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o apprehension_n of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n work_v upon_o a_o natural_a man_n more_o or_o less_o forcible_o than_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o difficulty_n or_o tediousness_n of_o holy_a duty_n such_o be_v his_o progress_n more_o or_o less_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a towards_o christianity_n second_o another_o thing_n in_o christianity_n or_o religion_n that_o advance_v some_o to_o so_o great_a a_o progress_n be_v the_o subserviency_n of_o religion_n to_o itself_o religion_n do_v mighty_o promote_v and_o advance_v itself_o 1_o first_o in_o that_o the_o performance_n of_o one_o part_n and_o of_o one_o duty_n of_o religion_n it_o oblige_v and_o engage_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o another_o as_o one_o sin_n draw_v on_o another_o by_o consequence_n likewise_o do_v one_o duty_n draw_v on_o another_o there_o be_v a_o connexion_n and_o dependence_n between_o they_o hear_v engage_v to_o meditation_n and_o meditation_n to_o prayer_n and_o prayer_n for_o grace_n to_o endeavour_v after_o it_o a_o glorious_a profession_n it_o oblige_v to_o something_o at_o least_o that_o may_v be_v answerable_a to_o that_o profession_n thus_o one_o duty_n of_o religion_n it_o hand_n a_o man_n over_o to_o another_o and_o when_o he_o be_v pass_v through_o one_o another_o stand_v ready_a to_o receive_v he_o second_o a_o little_a
life_n for_o christ_n who_o yet_o through_o their_o own_o profaneness_n or_o hypocrisy_n be_v to_o receive_v no_o benefit_n from_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o to_o persuade_v man_n then_o to_o be_v christian_n in_o profession_n it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o persuade_v they_o to_o be_v christian_n in_o reality_n but_o now_o when_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o much_o court_v when_o the_o deny_v of_o christ_n will_v be_v repay_v with_o the_o same_o punishment_n that_o former_o the_o own_n of_o christ_n undergo_v you_o need_v not_o so_o much_o persuasion_n to_o take_v upon_o you_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o christianity_n for_o you_o be_v not_o only_o almost_o but_o altogether_o christian_n in_o the_o external_a garb_n but_o our_o persuasion_n to_o you_o must_v be_v that_o as_o you_o own_o christ_n in_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o he_o so_o that_o you_o will_v cleave_v to_o he_o by_o a_o true_a faith_n in_o he_o and_o obedience_n to_o he_o we_o be_v not_o then_o to_o speak_v to_o pagan_n to_o convert_v they_o to_o a_o new_a religion_n but_o if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v we_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o christian_a infidel_n to_o convert_v they_o to_o a_o new_a life_n and_o conversation_n nor_o yet_o among_o these_o do_v my_o subject_n lead_v i_o to_o the_o profane_a and_o loose_a sort_n who_o be_v call_v christian_n do_v not_o more_o honour_v they_o than_o they_o disgrace_n and_o reproach_n that_o holy_a name_n but_o to_o those_o who_o be_v more_o elevate_v and_o more_o refine_a who_o go_v far_o in_o christianity_n so_o as_o to_o be_v near_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o word_n such_o as_o be_v almost_o christian_n and_o yet_o be_v stranger_n to_o christ_n and_o remain_v in_o their_o sinful_a state_n and_o unregenerate_a condition_n now_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o these_o follow_a particular_n in_o this_o method_n 1._o what_o progress_n man_n may_v make_v towards_o christianity_n and_o yet_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o 2._o whence_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o proceed_v so_o far_o and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o carry_v they_o out_o to_o all_o their_o attainment_n 3._o what_o it_o be_v that_o hinder_v they_o from_o proceed_v further_o and_o when_o they_o be_v almost_o christian_n what_o keep_v they_o from_o be_v such_o altogether_o 4._o to_o show_v you_o the_o folly_n and_o misery_n of_o those_o who_o proceed_v thus_o far_o only_a as_o to_o be_v almost_o christian_n and_o no_o far_o first_o let_v we_o see_v what_o progress_n a_o natural_a man_n may_v make_v towards_o grace_n and_o christianity_n and_o yet_o remain_v in_o a_o sinful_a state_n before_o i_o can_v come_v in_o particular_a to_o determine_v this_o i_o must_v premise_v these_o two_o or_o three_o particular_n first_n that_o when_o we_o inquire_v what_o progress_n a_o unregenerate_a man_n may_v make_v towards_o grace_n this_o suppose_n that_o there_o be_v a_o tendency_n in_o what_o such_o a_o man_n do_v or_o may_v do_v towards_o the_o obtain_n of_o grace_n or_o how_o else_o can_v he_o make_v any_o progress_n towards_o it_o if_o that_o which_o he_o do_v have_v no_o tendency_n to_o it_o let_v we_o therefore_o inquire_v what_o kind_n of_o tendency_n this_o be_v there_o may_v be_v a_o twosold_a tendency_n suppose_v in_o the_o action_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n towards_o the_o acquisition_n of_o grace_n 1._o effective_a tendency_n 2._o subjective_n tendency_n i._o action_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o effective_a tendency_n when_o they_o do_v by_o their_o own_o efficiency_n and_o causalty_n produce_v that_o which_o they_o tend_v to_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o must_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o action_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n have_v any_o tendency_n towards_o grace_n be_v their_o progress_n what_o it_o will_v thereby_o he_o can_v efficient_o produce_v or_o cause_v grace_n in_o himself_o and_o therefore_o grace_n be_v call_v the_o new_a creature_n as_o be_v the_o effect_n only_o of_o create_v power_n which_o be_v the_o sole_a prerogative_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v as_o utter_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o create_v grace_n in_o the_o soul_n as_o to_o create_v the_o soul_n itself_o take_v but_o this_o one_o demonstration_n to_o evince_v it_o if_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n by_o his_o own_o power_n and_o efficiency_n can_v produce_v grace_n in_o himself_o than_o one_o of_o these_o two_o gross_a absurdity_n must_v needs_o follow_v either_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v still_o leave_v holy_a habit_n and_o principle_n in_o the_o will_n which_o be_v never_o lose_v by_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n or_o 2._o that_o a_o man_n may_v make_v himself_o true_o holy_a by_o a_o will_n that_o be_v total_o corrupt_a and_o sinful_a but_o either_o of_o these_o be_v very_o gross_a first_o there_o be_v no_o holy_a nor_o divine_a habit_n leave_v in_o the_o will_n of_o a_o carnal_a man_n whereby_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o regenerate_v and_o convert_v himself_o for_o what_o holy_a habit_n can_v there_o be_v in_o the_o will_n of_o one_o that_o be_v whole_o corrupt_v if_o any_o such_o be_v suppose_v it_o may_v also_o be_v suppose_v that_o it_o be_v true_a grace_n and_o to_o affirm_v that_o a_o man_n in_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n have_v true_a grace_n inherent_a in_o he_o whereby_o he_o be_v able_a to_o convert_v and_o regenerate_a himself_o be_v double_a nonsense_n and_o a_o flat_a contradiction_n for_o it_o be_v to_o affirm_v that_o he_o have_v grace_n before_o he_o have_v it_o second_o a_o will_v total_o corrupt_v can_v make_v a_o holy_a man_n can_v produce_v grace_n nor_o make_v a_o man_n holy_a grace_n be_v beyond_o and_o above_o its_o sphere_n all_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o will_n in_o its_o fall_a estate_n what_o through_o defect_n of_o a_o right_a principle_n from_o whence_o they_o flow_v and_o a_o right_a end_n to_o which_o they_o tend_v they_o be_v all_o evil_a and_o sinful_a and_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a to_o affirm_v that_o a_o gracious_a habit_n may_v be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o sinful_a action_n and_o beside_o the_o will_n of_o a_o man_n by_o the_o fall_n it_o be_v a_o fleshly_a will_n but_o in_o regeneration_n it_o be_v make_v spiritual_a now_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o production_n if_o fleshly_a can_v beget_v spiritual_a nor_o will_v it_o any_o long_o hold_v true_a what_o our_o saviour_n say_v in_o john_n 3.35_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n so_o that_o i_o think_v it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o all_o that_o a_o man_n can_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n can_v tend_v efficient_o to_o produce_v grace_n in_o he_o second_o there_o be_v a_o subjective_a tendency_n towards_o grace_n and_o this_o lie_v in_o those_o moral_a preparation_n and_o those_o disposition_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o fit_n it_o for_o the_o receive_n of_o grace_n though_o it_o be_v wrought_v there_o only_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o thus_o we_o affirm_v that_o while_n man_n be_v in_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n they_o may_v have_v and_o do_v somewhat_o that_o have_v a_o tendency_n in_o it_o to_o grace_n that_o be_v one_o unregenerate_a man_n may_v have_v more_o of_o these_o previous_a disposition_n and_o of_o these_o preparation_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o grace_n than_o another_o have_v for_o though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o itself_o single_o necessary_a that_o such_o previous_a disposition_n shall_v be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n before_o the_o implantation_n of_o divine_a grace_n since_o such_o a_o subject_a as_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o grace_n do_v not_o as_o the_o schoolman_n determine_v require_v its_o previous_a disposition_n for_o the_o production_n of_o its_o form_n yet_o this_o 〈◊〉_d the_o usual_a common_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v work_n 1._o to_o prepare_v the_o heart_n by_o some_o common_a work_n of_o conviction_n legal_a terror_n and_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n first_o to_o prepare_v the_o heart_n by_o these_o before_o it_o work_v any_o save_v and_o real_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o when_o any_o unregenerate_a man_n have_v much_o of_o these_o previous_a preparation_n we_o say_v that_o he_o go_v very_o far_o towards_o grace_n and_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v almost_o a_o christian_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o tendency_n that_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n have_v or_o can_v possible_o do_v towards_o it_o viz._n a_o preparatory_a and_o not_o a_o effective_a operative_a tendency_n unto_o save_a grace_n and_o regeneration_n 2._o another_o thing_n premise_v be_v this_o that_o what_o through_o wilful_a sloth_n and_o wretched_a negligence_n no_o unregenerate_a man_n do_v make_v so_o great_a a_o progress_n towards_o grace_n as_o he_o be_v able_a and_o can_v possible_o do_v none_o go_v so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v do_v in_o those_o
beg_v compassion_n and_o a_o little_a favour_n to_o be_v grant_v to_o it_o be_v it_o casie_a to_o combat_v with_o principality_n and_o power_n to_o bassle_v devil_n and_o despise_v the_o scorn_n and_o affront_v of_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v it_o easy_a to_o live_v like_o a_o angel_n nay_o to_o live_v like_o christ_n to_o live_v like_o god_n himself_o be_v this_o easy_a when_o we_o see_v so_o many_o totter_a professor_n aspire_v towards_o christianity_n some_o mount_a till_o they_o be_v giddy_a and_o brainsick_a with_o their_o most_o damnable_a error_n other_o tumble_v down_o from_o the_o precipice_n of_o great_a and_o dangerous_a sin_n we_o may_v well_o wonder_v that_o any_o be_v save_v when_o such_o as_o these_o miscarry_v well_o then_o to_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v wrought_v upon_o you_o even_o that_o the_o omnipotent_a god_n have_v wrought_v and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v wrought_v by_o you_o that_o that_o be_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n we_o may_v well_o conclude_v what_o a_o difficult_a matter_n it_o be_v to_o become_v a_o true_a and_o serious_a christian_a altogether_o use_v 3_o may_v natural_a man_n go_v thus_o far_o in_o christianity_n o_o be_v you_o then_o persuade_v to_o go_v much_o further_a do_v not_o rest_v in_o any_o attainment_n short_a of_o heaven_n and_o glory_n rest_v not_o in_o any_o present_a attainment_n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a use_n that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o this_o subject_a when_o you_o hear_v how_o great_a a_o progress_n wicked_a man_n may_v make_v i_o know_v that_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o best_a christian_n be_v ready_a to_o suggest_v to_o they_o and_o they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v against_o themselves_o all_o that_o be_v wrought_v upon_o they_o be_v but_o the_o common_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o their_o grace_n be_v but_o counterfeit_n and_o that_o themselves_o yet_o be_v short_a of_o christianity_n i_o know_v that_o this_o subject_n may_v cause_v such_o jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n to_o arise_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o some_o but_o the_o genuine_a use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o pore_v upon_o our_o present_a condition_n as_o to_o stir_v you_o up_o to_o make_v a_o future_a progress_n may_v a_o natural_a man_n make_v so_o great_a a_o progress_n as_o to_o be_v almost_o a_o christian_n then_o certain_o i_o must_v never_o rest_v any_o where_o short_a of_o heaven_n well_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n in_o heb._n 6.11_o 12._o after_o he_o have_v show_v they_o at_o large_a what_o a_o height_n a_o natural_a man_n may_v arrive_v to_o he_o press_v they_o to_o be_v earnest_a in_o their_o endeavour_n after_o perfection_n why_o this_o will_v be_v the_o best_a evidence_n to_o you_o that_o you_o be_v indeed_o christian_n that_o you_o have_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n though_o natural_a man_n may_v possible_o glister_v in_o a_o glorious_a profession_n and_o shine_v like_o the_o sun_n in_o its_o radiant_a splendour_n yet_o like_o it_o they_o have_v their_o zenith_n their_o high_a degree_n which_o when_o they_o have_v climb_v to_o they_o fall_v down_o again_o but_o a_o true_a christian_n course_n have_v not_o any_o declension_n he_o may_v proceed_v infinite_o from_o one_o degree_n of_o grace_n to_o another_o he_o may_v ascend_v and_o reach_v high_o and_o high_a till_o he_o have_v reach_v heaven_n where_o all_o his_o infirmity_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o and_o abolish_v in_o consummate_v glory_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n a_o natural_a man_n motion_n to_o heaven_n it_o be_v violent_a and_o unnatural_a it_o be_v force_v from_o he_o by_o some_o external_a impression_n upon_o the_o conscience_n illumination_n and_o common_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o as_o soon_o as_o this_o external_a force_n be_v spend_v he_o fall_v natural_o back_o again_o to_o his_o former_a course_n of_o sin_n as_o a_o stone_n may_v be_v carry_v a_o great_a height_n towards_o heaven_n by_o a_o outward_a violent_a impression_n upon_o it_o but_o when_o that_o force_n be_v wear_v off_o it_o fall_v natural_o back_o again_o to_o the_o earth_n now_o a_o christian_a mount_n natural_o to_o heaven_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o that_o dull_a mixture_n of_o earth_n that_o be_v in_o he_o his_o course_n tend_v to_o the_o earth_n again_o but_o the_o true_a christian_a still_o mount_v upward_o from_o the_o principle_n that_o carry_v he_o up_o which_o indeed_o never_o total_o spend_v itself_o therefore_o if_o thou_o will_v prove_v thyself_o to_o be_v not_o almost_o but_o altogether_o a_o christian_a continue_v thy_o progress_n still_o gain_v ground_n towards_o heaven_n rest_v not_o satisfy_v with_o any_o present_a attainment_n but_o be_v still_o rise_v and_o soar_v until_o thou_o have_v get_v the_o world_n and_o they_o too_o under_o thy_o foot_n five_o when_o you_o see_v any_o who_o have_v be_v forward_o in_o a_o profession_n and_o go_v far_o in_o christianity_n to_o forsake_v their_o station_n and_o fall_v back_o to_o their_o former_a course_n of_o profaneness_n take_v heed_n that_o you_o do_v not_o reproach_n that_o you_o do_v not_o scandalize_v religion_n with_o their_o apostasy_n this_o be_v that_o which_o open_v the_o mouth_n and_o harden_v the_o heart_n of_o wicked_a man_n when_o they_o see_v such_o glorious_a but_o yet_o temporary_a professor_n to_o return_v with_o the_o dog_n to_o the_o vomit_n they_o indeed_o first_o bless_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o way_n as_o be_v better_o than_o the_o way_n of_o god_n as_o be_v better_o than_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n otherwise_o why_o shall_v those_o that_o so_o long_o have_v forsake_v they_o and_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o pomp_n make_v such_o a_o glorious_a show_n and_o ostentation_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o conscientiousness_n why_o shall_v such_o return_v back_o again_o to_o their_o old_a way_n second_o it_o make_v they_o think_v that_o all_o professor_n be_v but_o hypocrite_n that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o solemn_a cheat_n put_v upon_o the_o world_n since_o such_o forward_a professor_n of_o it_o be_v find_v forsaker_n of_o it_o some_o man_n please_v themselves_o with_o a_o few_o idle_a conceit_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o new-birth_n communion_n with_o god_n and_o the_o like_a unintelligible_a notion_n when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o other_o but_o what_o only_o their_o fancy_n make_v o_o take_v heed_n therefore_o that_o you_o do_v not_o blaspheme_v the_o way_n of_o god_n when_o you_o see_v the_o apostasy_n of_o professor_n no_o these_o man_n be_v never_o in_o those_o way_n have_v they_o be_v christian_n in_o deed_n they_o will_v never_o have_v desert_v those_o holy_a way_n their_o nature_n be_v never_o change_v and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o be_v relapse_v and_o fall_v back_o again_o into_o their_o old_a custom_n to_o see_v the_o swine_n that_o be_v cleanse_v to_o return_v back_o again_o to_o the_o mire_n it_o be_v nothing_o strange_a have_v christ_n change_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o swine_n and_o make_v they_o his_o sheep_n then_o as_o they_o have_v first_o escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n so_o they_o will_v have_v keep_v themselves_o from_o ever_o be_v entangle_v by_o they_o but_o this_o make_v high_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o christianity_n and_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o excellent_a that_o it_o can_v be_v long_o counterfeit_v hypocrisy_n shall_v certain_o betray_v itself_o by_o its_o apostasy_n that_o it_o have_v never_o any_o thing_n of_o true_a and_o save_a grace_n although_o it_o carry_v far_o in_o a_o show_n and_o pretence_n of_o it_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n propound_v how_o far_o a_o man_n may_v attain_v towards_o christianity_n and_o yet_o be_v in_o a_o natural_a sinful_a state_n sermon_n iu._n the_o next_o thing_n be_v to_o show_v you_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o natural_a man_n be_v enable_v to_o make_v so_o great_a a_o progress_n towards_o christianity_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o a_o brief_a resolution_n to_o this_o question_n and_o that_o shall_v be_v draw_v first_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o that_o be_v a_o natural_a man_n himself_o second_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o object_n and_o that_o be_v holiness_n or_o christianity_n to_o which_o it_o tend_v first_o if_o you_o look_v into_o the_o subject_a the_o natural_a man_n himself_o and_o so_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o man_n and_o that_o which_o be_v wrought_v upon_o he_o which_o may_v carry_v he_o out_o possible_o to_o a_o very_a great_a progress_n in_o religion_n and_o that_o may_v be_v twofold_a 1_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n 2_o the_o elevation_n and_o recruit_v which_o that_o power_n may_v receive_v from_o a_o common_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n much_o help_a nature_n quicken_a
advantage_n that_o thing_n have_v to_o commend_v themselves_o to_o their_o judgement_n and_o to_o their_o heart_n first_o sometime_o the_o very_a novelty_n and_o the_o strangeness_n of_o they_o may_v affect_v they_o novelty_n usual_o breed_v delight_n which_o long_a custom_n and_o acquaintance_n do_v abate_v and_o this_o may_v be_v give_v as_o a_o reason_n why_o soon_o after_o conversion_n the_o new_a convert_v affection_n be_v draw_v forth_o more_o strong_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n more_o than_o afterward_o when_o they_o grow_v settle_v and_o stable_a christian_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o of_o the_o very_a novelty_n of_o that_o course_n and_o way_n they_o have_v now_o enter_v into_o which_o affect_v they_o with_o delight_n beside_o the_o real_a desirableness_n which_o be_v in_o those_o way_n themselves_o the_o very_a novelty_n do_v affect_v they_o and_o this_o too_o may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o though_o many_o be_v turn_v aside_o from_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o from_o the_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v we_o that_o have_v boast_v that_o they_o have_v find_v more_o comfort_n and_o more_o sweet_a affection_n than_o ever_o in_o those_o new_a way_n after_o which_o they_o have_v go_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o because_o those_o way_n have_v any_o thing_n in_o they_o that_o may_v yield_v they_o more_o comfort_n and_o delight_n but_o only_o because_o they_o be_v new_a way_n and_o all_o new_a thing_n will_v for_o the_o present_a stir_n up_o the_o affection_n but_o after_o some_o continuance_n in_o those_o way_n they_o find_v their_o joy_n and_o their_o delight_n to_o slag_n then_o they_o seek_v out_o other_o new_a way_n and_o commend_v they_o as_o much_o and_o no_o wonder_n for_o new_a way_n will_v stir_v up_o new_a affection_n that_o may_v be_v one_o reason_n why_o affection_n may_v be_v stir_v up_o even_o in_o the_o unregenerate_a and_o mere_a carnal_a man_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n even_o from_o the_o mere_a novelty_n of_o they_o second_o good_a affection_n may_v be_v stir_v up_o in_o man_n from_o the_o very_a affect_a nature_n of_o spiritual_a object_n themselves_o for_o spiritual_a object_n may_v affect_v we_o in_o this_o natural_a way_n who_o can_v read_v the_o history_n of_o christ_n passion_n without_o be_v affect_v with_o sorrow_n for_o all_o the_o sorrow_n he_o undergo_v he_o have_v a_o heart_n hard_a than_o rock_n that_o can_v hear_v of_o the_o agony_n and_o scourge_v and_o cruel_a indignity_n offer_v to_o so_o innocent_a and_o excellent_a a_o person_n as_o christ_n be_v that_o suffer_v even_o for_o sinner_n and_o not_o be_v move_v thereby_o to_o grief_n and_o compassion_n and_o yet_o possible_o these_o affection_n may_v be_v no_o other_o than_o such_o as_o will_v be_v excite_v from_o we_o at_o the_o read_n of_o some_o tragedy_n in_o a_o romance_n or_o feign_a story_n three_o affection_n may_v be_v move_v by_o the_o artificial_a rhetoric_n of_o other_o by_o the_o great_a ability_n of_o the_o minister_n who_o we_o hear_v god_n tell_v the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n cap._n 33.32_o thou_o be_v to_o they_o as_o a_o very_a lovely_a song_n they_o may_v sometime_o have_v their_o judgement_n please_v with_o the_o learning_n show_v in_o a_o sermon_n and_o their_o affection_n excite_v by_o the_o oratory_n and_o powerful_a utterance_n of_o it_o but_o these_o though_o they_o be_v very_o good_a help_n to_o excite_v our_o affection_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o true_a test_n of_o spiritual_a affection_n in_o we_o four_o pride_n and_o self-seeking_a may_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n excite_v our_o affection_n man_n may_v be_v much_o deceive_v in_o this_o particular_a for_o instance_n in_o prayer_n they_o may_v think_v they_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o thing_n they_o pray_v for_o when_o possible_o their_o affection_n may_v be_v move_v only_o with_o the_o word_n themselves_o speak_v with_o the_o copious_a free_a and_o admirable_a inventive_a way_n that_o they_o pray_v in_o whereas_o the_o contrite_a break_a spirit_n who_o be_v only_o move_v with_o true_o spiritual_a affection_n may_v not_o be_v so_o large_a and_o so_o copious_a in_o his_o expression_n of_o they_o a_o true_a christian_a may_v groan_v out_o a_o prayer_n that_o can_v compose_v and_o make_v a_o prayer_n that_o have_v a_o sententious_a coherence_n one_o part_n with_o another_o as_o the_o ground_n that_o be_v full_a of_o precious_a mine_n have_v least_o grass_n grow_v upon_o it_o so_o sometime_o in_o holy_a duty_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v most_o full_a of_o grace_n there_o may_v be_v least_o flourish_a of_o expression_n you_o can_v gather_v the_o truth_n of_o save_a grace_n from_o strong_a working_n of_o the_o affection_n which_o may_v sometime_o upon_o these_o account_n be_v deceitful_a and_o wicked_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n may_v have_v affection_n stir_v up_o in_o they_o upon_o these_o ground_n but_o then_o they_o be_v always_o vanish_v and_o fleet_v and_o be_v only_o permanent_a while_o the_o violence_n of_o some_o external_a cause_n do_v excite_v they_o and_o they_o be_v always_o unfruitful_a though_o their_o affection_n may_v stir_v within_o they_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o efficacious_a to_o put_v they_o upon_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o conversation_n sermon_n iii_o 4._o every_o change_n that_o be_v wrought_v upon_o the_o will_n be_v no_o certain_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n a_o man_n may_v fall_v short_a of_o true_a save_a grace_n when_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a change_n wrought_v upon_o the_o will_n it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v the_o through_o change_n of_o the_o will_n wherein_o grace_n do_v principal_o consist_v this_o be_v the_o first_o principal_a act_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n without_o which_o whatsoever_o other_o change_n be_v wrought_v upon_o we_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o set_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o watch_n to_o the_o right_a hour_n when_o the_o spring_n be_v break_v the_o philosopher_n call_v the_o will_n the_o command_a sway_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o control_v all_o the_o inferior_a faculty_n and_o make_v they_o obey_v its_o inclination_n so_o that_o such_o as_o the_o will_n be_v such_o be_v the_o whole_a man_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n in_o set_v forth_o the_o twofold_a state_n of_o man_n do_v it_o by_o show_v the_o temper_n of_o their_o will_n unregenerate_a man_n be_v describe_v by_o their_o wilfulness_n you_o will_v not_o come_v to_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n 2_o john_n 4._o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v describe_v by_o their_o willingness_n psal_n 116.3_o they_o shall_v be_v a_o willing_a people_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o power_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v two_o thing_n first_o to_o show_v you_o after_o what_o manner_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v work_v this_o renew_n change_n upon_o the_o will._n second_o what_o other_o change_n be_v wrought_v upon_o it_o which_o fall_v short_a of_o true_a grace_n though_o oftentimes_o it_o be_v take_v for_o it_o for_o the_o first_o we_o must_v know_v that_o there_o be_v two_o way_n whereby_o god_n do_v effectual_o change_v the_o heart_n and_o will_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o these_o be_v moral_a swasion_n and_o physical_a determination_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o god_n all_o powerful_a grace_n whereby_o he_o do_v immediate_o turn_v the_o bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o will_n towards_o himself_o and_o both_o these_o do_v always_o concur_v and_o accrue_v to_o this_o great_a change_n he_o do_v first_o convince_v a_o sinner_n and_o persuade_v he_o of_o the_o rationality_n of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n of_o the_o vileness_n and_o emptiness_n of_o those_o vain_a thing_n which_o his_o desire_n so_o eager_o pursue_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o clear_o represent_v the_o glory_n and_o excellency_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o way_n that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a good_a that_o we_o can_v enjoy_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o enjoy_v he_o but_o by_o love_v and_o serve_v of_o he_o to_o do_v this_o he_o make_v use_v of_o moral_a swasion_n and_o work_n upon_o our_o reason_n by_o cogent_n and_o prevail_a argument_n which_o at_o last_o diffuse_v such_o heavenly_a sweetness_n through_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o christian_a which_o make_v he_o disrelish_v those_o fulsome_a delight_n of_o sin_n that_o separate_a from_o that_o infinite_a good_a with_o which_o it_o hold_v comparison_n so_o that_o he_o find_v more_o true_a delight_n in_o god_n and_o his_o way_n and_o more_o allure_a and_o charm_a joy_n in_o they_o than_o ever_o he_o do_v before_o in_o sensual_a pleasure_n more_o be_v thereby_o carry_v forth_o unto_o they_o by_o a_o infallible_a yet_o altogether_o free_a voluntary_a and_o amorous_a motion_n and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o real_a efficiency_n likewise_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o will_n and_o
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between_o the_o branch_n and_o the_o stock_n that_o it_o be_v ingraft_v into_o the_o sap_n will_v never_o be_v communicate_v to_o it_o and_o so_o it_o will_v never_o grow_v up_o to_o be_v a_o plant._n three_o the_o will_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v usual_o irrational_a it_o will_v obtain_v the_o end_n and_o yet_o not_o use_v the_o mean_n grace_n possible_o they_o will_v have_v but_o they_o can_v bring_v their_o averse_a will_n to_o close_v with_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o unpleasing_a &_o irksome_a duty_n wherein_o god_n usual_o bestow_v grace_n and_o by_o which_o he_o convey_v grace_n to_o the_o soul_n can_v they_o be_v holy_a with_o a_o wish_n and_o a_o sudden_a fancy_n that_o inflame_v they_o than_o none_o shall_v be_v better_a christian_n than_o themselves_o can_v they_o enter_v into_o heaven_n by_o be_v willing_a there_o be_v none_o then_o shall_v shine_v above_o they_o in_o glory_n but_o when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o hard_a and_o unpleasing_a work_n first_o that_o they_o must_v be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o after_o they_o be_v true_a christian_n they_o must_v exercise_v every_o grace_n and_o perform_v every_o duty_n that_o may_v sit_v and_o prepare_v they_o for_o glory_n they_o look_v upon_o these_o thing_n as_o too_o difficult_a which_o make_v they_o sit_v down_o with_o idle_a wish_n short_a both_o of_o grace_n and_o glory_n their_o will_n be_v very_o irrational_a they_o will_v have_v heaven_n but_o they_o slight_a grace_n the_o way_n to_o it_o and_o possible_o they_o will_v have_v grace_n but_o they_o can_v bring_v themselves_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o irksome_a and_o unpleasing_a duty_n in_o and_o by_o which_o grace_n be_v usual_o bestow_v and_o convey_v four_o the_o will_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v usual_o general_a not_o a_o particular_a will._n if_o god_n shall_v ask_v they_o sinner_n what_o will_v you_o do_v to_o be_v save_v they_o will_v answer_v any_o thing_n every_o thing_n but_o let_v god_n bid_v they_o leave_v such_o and_o such_o a_o sin_n perform_v such_o and_o such_o a_o duty_n they_o answer_v with_o naaman_n any_o sin_n but_o that_o any_o duty_n but_o that_o so_o it_o be_v with_o these_o man_n oh_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o general_a but_o when_o god_n bring_v they_o down_o to_o particular_n to_o do_v this_o or_o that_o than_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v just_a nothing_o now_o i_o have_v show_v you_o how_o far_o the_o will_n itself_o may_v be_v change_v in_o unregenerate_a person_n they_o may_v wish_v after_o grace_n and_o resolve_v to_o be_v better_o and_o to_o do_v better_o and_o yet_o fall_v short_a of_o save_v grace_n and_o also_o what_o it_o be_v that_o hinder_v this_o change_n from_o be_v a_o through_o work_n of_o grace_n what_o it_o be_v that_o obstruct_v they_o when_o they_o be_v almost_o that_o they_o be_v not_o altogether_o christian_n five_o as_o for_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a change_n wrought_v in_o the_o live_v of_o 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his_o will_n indeed_o but_o it_o be_v with_o a_o unwilling_a willingness_n he_o be_v fright_v and_o terrify_v to_o it_o so_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v toss_v with_o the_o tempest_n of_o divine_a wrath_n and_o when_o ready_a to_o be_v split_v upon_o the_o rock_n of_o age_n and_o sink_v and_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o a_o sea_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n he_o be_v force_v to_o light_v himself_o and_o to_o cast_v this_o and_o that_o dear_a lust_n overboard_o this_o he_o do_v from_o his_o will_n but_o it_o be_v such_o a_o force_a will_n as_o that_o of_o mariner_n who_o throw_v their_o treasure_n overboard_o and_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o tempest_n be_v over_o the_o one_o gather_v up_o his_o float_a wreck_n and_o the_o other_o his_o sin_n these_o man_n leave_v their_o sin_n as_o lot_n wise_a leave_v sodom_n they_o dare_v no_o long_o continue_v in_o it_o lest_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n rain_n upon_o they_o and_o yet_o when_o they_o do_v leave_v they_o they_o give_v many_o a_o wishly_o look_v back_o again_o and_o have_v strong_a and_o vehement_a desire_n after_o they_o that_o reformation_n of_o life_n that_o only_o free_v we_o from_o debauchedness_n that_o fall_v far_o short_a of_o true_a christianity_n and_o of_o make_v we_o altogether_o christian_n this_o be_v that_o with_o which_o many_o sooth_n up_o themselves_o when_o they_o they_o reflect_v back_o upon_o the_o wild_a extravagance_n of_o their_o former_a time_n how_o outrageous_o wicked_a they_o have_v be_v riotous_a drunkard_n unclean_a blasphemer_n and_o now_o they_o find_v themselves_o deadn_v to_o these_o sin_n and_o grow_v man_n of_o staid_a and_o sober_a life_n they_o straightway_o conclude_v certain_o this_o great_a change_n can_v never_o be_v make_v on_o they_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o renew_n work_n of_o the_o holy_a
ghost_n and_o yet_o 〈◊〉_d this_o amendment_n there_o may_v be_v no_o work_n of_o regeneration_n for_o man_n may_v gather_v up_o their_o loose_a and_o dissolute_a life_n within_o some_o compass_n of_o civility_n and_o morality_n and_o yet_o be_v utter_o stranger_n to_o this_o work_n much_o of_o this_o may_v be_v ascribe_v partly_o to_o conviction_n of_o god_n spirit_n awaken_n natural_a conscience_n to_o see_v the_o horror_n and_o danger_n of_o such_o dare_a and_o outrageous_a sin_n and_o partly_o too_o from_o prudence_n get_v from_o frequent_a experience_n of_o manifold_a inconvenience_n that_o they_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o by_o such_o sin_n and_o both_o these_o conviction_n and_o moral_a prudence_n be_v principle_n that_o fall_v very_o far_o short_a of_o true_a christianity_n usual_o all_o the_o specious_a reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o these_o man_n life_n be_v in_o effect_n either_o a_o change_n of_o the_o sin_n or_o a_o tire_a out_o the_o sinner_n first_o the_o life_n 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be_v sin_n which_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o such_o a_o state_n and_o season_n of_o a_o man_n life_n upon_o the_o alteration_n of_o which_o they_o vanish_v and_o disappear_v sin_n of_o youth_n drop_v off_o from_o decline_a age_n as_o misbecome_v they_o now_o this_o deceive_v man_n when_o they_o look_v 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o vanity_n which_o they_o have_v forsake_v how_o deadned_a be_v they_o to_o those_o sinful_a way_n which_o before_o they_o much_o delight_v in_o they_o conclude_v certain_o this_o great_a change_n must_v needs_o proceed_v from_o true_a grace_n when_o they_o do_v not_o leave_v their_o sin_n so_o much_o as_o their_o sin_n leave_v they_o and_o drop_v off_o from_o they_o as_o rot_a fruit_n from_o a_o tree_n the_o faculty_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o member_n of_o their_o body_n which_o before_o be_v instrument_n of_o sin_n and_o unrighteousness_n be_v now_o become_v instrument_n of_o morality_n and_o seem_a virtue_n this_o set_v they_o not_o free_a from_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n but_o only_o restrain_v they_o from_o break_v out_o into_o notorious_a and_o scandalous_a vice_n three_o a_o civil_a and_o harmless_a demeanour_n do_v not_o render_v a_o man_n altogether_o a_o christian_a there_o be_v many_o ingenuous_a spirit_n who_o live_v blameless_o in_o the_o world_n their_o good_a nature_n near_o resemble_v grace_n and_o such_o be_v paul_n before_o his_o conversion_n for_o he_o tell_v we_o as_o touch_v the_o law_n he_o be_v blameless_a so_o the_o young_a man_n that_o come_v to_o christ_n to_o know_v what_o lesson_n he_o have_v further_a to_o take_v out_o this_o only_o argue_v a_o sweet_a disposition_n but_o not_o a_o gracious_a heart_n thus_o you_o see_v how_o dissolute_a man_n may_v mistake_v themselves_o in_o this_o work_n upon_o which_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n depend_v it_o be_v to_o be_v sear_v that_o many_o may_v rest_v upon_o these_o and_o think_v the_o great_a discriminate_a change_n to_o be_v wrought_v only_o because_o they_o be_v moral_o honest_a or_o gain_v over_o to_o a_o profession_n of_o truth_n or_o to_o such_o a_o party_n or_o sect_n of_o professor_n when_o indeed_o true_a christianity_n consist_v not_o in_o these_o thing_n this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o the_o first_o general_n propound_v what_o change_n may_v be_v wrought_v upon_o a_o man_n so_o as_o to_o bring_v he_o almost_o to_o christianity_n and_o yet_o leave_v he_o short_a of_o be_v a_o christian_n i_o shall_v close_v up_o this_o branch_n with_o some_o practical_a consideration_n use_v 1_o what_o then_o shall_v become_v of_o such_o as_o fall_v short_a of_o those_o that_o fall_v short_a of_o grace_n that_o arenot_v so_o much_o as_o almost_o christian_n what_o will_v become_v of_o carnal_a loose_a and_o profane_a sinner_n if_o those_o that_o have_v be_v gaze_v at_o and_o admire_v for_o burn_a and_o shine_a light_n yet_o have_v fall_v into_o the_o blackness_n of_o darkness_n even_o into_o the_o dungeon_n of_o eternal_a darkness_n be_v we_o but_o serious_a in_o this_o reflection_n it_o will_v make_v all_o our_o face_n gather_v blackness_n and_o fill_v all_o our_o heart_n with_o astonishment_n to_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v not_o go_v so_o far_o in_o christianity_n as_o those_o may_v go_v who_o yet_o fall_v short_a of_o heaven_n have_v we_o all_o be_v enlighten_v have_v we_o all_o taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v have_v we_o all_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v there_o not_o many_o among_o we_o possible_o who_o heart_n have_v never_o yet_o be_v touch_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n never_o affect_v with_o any_o of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n that_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o all_o wickedness_n with_o greediness_n who_o never_o have_v give_v so_o much_o as_o one_o serious_a wish_n towards_o holiness_n when_o those_o that_o seem_v to_o shine_v as_o star_n in_o heaven_n shall_v be_v at_o last_o find_v burn_v in_o hell_n oh_o in_o what_o a_o dismal_a case_n shall_v these_o firebrand_n be_v use_v 2._o hence_o likewise_o see_v what_o a_o difficult_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a may_v a_o natural_a man_n attain_v to_o all_o this_o that_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o before_o we_o may_v then_o take_v up_o that_o same_o question_n which_o the_o disciple_n ask_v christ_n when_o he_o have_v tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v as_o case_n for_o a_o camel_n to_o go_v through_o a_o needle_n eye_n as_o for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n lord_n who_o then_o shall_v be_v save_v what_o may_v those_o who_o profession_n have_v be_v eminent_a who_o have_v be_v saint_v in_o every_o man_n calendar_n may_v they_o at_o last_o miscarry_v and_o perish_v who_o then_o shall_v be_v save_v if_o such_o be_v not_o christian_n christianity_n seem_v to_o be_v rather_o some_o fancied_a notion_n than_o any_o thing_n real_a and_o attainable_a to_o this_o we_o may_v make_v the_o same_o answer_n that_o christ_n give_v to_o the_o disciple_n with_o man_n indeed_o these_o thing_n be_v impossible_a but_o with_o god_n all_o thing_n be_v possible_a it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n by_o their_o own_o strength_n and_o natural_a ability_n to_o become_v christian_n but_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o god_n to_o make_v they_o christian_n it_o be_v possible_a as_o miracle_n themselves_o be_v possible_a only_o possible_a to_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n there_o be_v not_o any_o soul_n can_v be_v persuade_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n but_o he_o have_v a_o miracle_n wrought_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o himself_o must_v do_v that_o which_o be_v little_o less_o than_o a_o miracle_n he_o must_v act_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o do_v more_o than_o a_o mere_a man_n can_v do_v therefore_o well_o may_v you_o suspect_v your_o christianity_n who_o find_v it_o so_o easy_a a_o matter_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n even_o natural_a man_n find_v it_o a_o difficult_a task_n to_o attain_v to_o 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