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 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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
hard_a pull_n or_o difficult_a pang_n that_o will_v soon_o be_v over_o there_o be_v some_o encouragement_n for_o they_o but_o when_o they_o have_v already_o struggle_v and_o wrestle_v and_o wait_v against_o the_o stream_n thus_o far_o and_o yet_o see_v no_o end_n duty_n to_o be_v perform_v upon_o duty_n and_o temptation_n upon_o temptation_n to_o be_v resist_v still_o to_o be_v combat_v with_o devil_n still_o to_o be_v cross_v and_o vex_v of_o ourselves_o no_o respite_n no_o breathing-time_n allow_v they_o this_o take_v off_o their_o wheel_n and_o though_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v this_o yet_o they_o will_v rather_o sit_v down_o quite_o short_a of_o grace_n than_o run_v through_o such_o hardship_n to_o attain_v it_o and_o so_o they_o come_v up_o in_o the_o midway_n neither_o holy_a nor_o profane_a but_o please_v themselves_o with_o a_o mediocrity_n and_o middle_a rank_n of_o religion_n and_o dare_v not_o go_v further_o for_o fear_n of_o difficulty_n nor_o yet_o they_o dare_v not_o 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that_o which_o they_o have_v already_o attain_v to_o be_v that_o they_o move_v to_o and_o fro_o like_o a_o door_n upon_o the_o hinge_n still_o the_o same_o motion_n over_o and_o over_o again_o no_o new_a progress_n no_o new_a attainment_n and_o that_o mere_o because_o they_o be_v sluggish_a and_o lazy_a and_o fancy_n difficulty_n to_o themselves_o and_o strange_a apparition_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n that_o make_v they_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n where_o they_o be_v and_o dare_v not_o make_v one_o step_v forward_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o israelite_n who_o come_v to_o the_o very_a border_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n numb_a 13.32_o 33._o when_o the_o searcher_n have_v bring_v report_n to_o they_o that_o the_o land_n indeed_o be_v good_a and_o fruitful_a but_o the_o wall_n of_o the_o city_n be_v build_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o that_o there_o be_v many_o giant_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v beat_v and_o eat_v they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o allure_v with_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o land_n as_o they_o be_v deter_v by_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o difficulty_n and_o though_o god_n himself_o bid_v they_o arise_v and_o enter_v and_o take_v possession_n they_o will_v not_o venture_v upon_o so_o hazardous_a a_o exercise_n and_o so_o difficult_a a_o enterprise_n so_o there_o be_v many_o forward_a professor_n who_o be_v come_v to_o the_o very_a border_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n to_o the_o very_a entrance_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n who_o when_o they_o see_v what_o strong_a hold_v of_o iniquity_n they_o must_v cast_v down_o what_o principality_n and_o power_n they_o must_v fight_v with_o and_o what_o gigantic_a lust_n as_o the_o son_n of_o anak_n they_o must_v subdue_v and_o destroy_v this_o fright_v they_o from_o attempt_v any_o further_o second_o to_o be_v almost_o a_o christian_n carry_v in_o it_o those_o advantage_n and_o those_o accommodation_n which_o be_v they_o altogether_o such_o they_o must_v lose_v and_o therefore_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o stick_n in_o the_o new-birth_n such_o a_o one_o be_v no_o saint_n and_o therefore_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n embrace_v he_o such_o a_o one_o be_v no_o profane_a and_o scandalous_a person_n and_o therefore_o the_o child_n of_o god_n embrace_v he_o and_o think_v well_o of_o he_o too_o and_o thus_o he_o do_v hold_v a_o correspondency_n with_o both_o of_o they_o which_o be_v he_o altogether_o either_o one_o or_o the_o other_o he_o must_v break_v off_o and_o therefore_o find_v the_o conveniency_n of_o this_o neutral_a estate_n he_o stop_v where_o he_o be_v short_a of_o true_a grace_n be_v he_o a_o profane_a wretch_n than_o those_o that_o be_v true_o godly_a will_v avoid_v his_o company_n or_o be_v he_o true_o godly_a than_o the_o world_n will_v reject_v and_o scorn_v he_o the_o â—odly_a esteem_n and_o love_v he_o and_o from_o their_o ready_a charity_n they_o look_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v true_o gracious_a those_o that_o be_v true_a christian_n think_v the_o almost_o christian_n look_v upon_o i_o as_o such_o as_o themselves_o and_o what_o need_v i_o begin_v by_o a_o forward_a zeal_n to_o disoblige_v the_o world_n and_o the_o wicked_a and_o profane_a respect_v i_o too_o because_o i_o go_v a_o little_a before_o they_o though_o not_o quite_o cross_a and_o contrary_a to_o they_o and_o so_o i_o enjoy_v the_o good_a opinion_n of_o both_o sort_n which_o be_v i_o full_o one_o or_o the_o other_o i_o shall_v hardly_o attain_v this_o man_n can_v as_o it_o be_v hold_v heaven_n with_o one_o hand_n and_o yet_o hold_v the_o world_n with_o the_o other_o not_o lose_v his_o interest_n in_o the_o one_o and_o yet_o retain_v his_o interest_n in_o the_o other_o he_o can_v enjoy_v the_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o one_o and_o then_o hope_v for_o the_o reward_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o be_v we_o lodge_v in_o a_o star_n than_o the_o earth_n will_v appear_v very_o small_a and_o almost_o nothing_o as_o the_o star_n do_v now_o to_o we_o so_o be_v we_o more_o above_o the_o earth_n will_v appear_v either_o as_o very_o small_a or_o as_o nothing_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o a_o child_n of_o god_n he_o soar_v up_o by_o the_o wing_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n to_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o earth_n appear_v very_o inconsiderable_a to_o he_o but_o now_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n when_o he_o mount_v high_a yet_o still_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o keep_v earth_n in_o his_o eye_n he_o will_v not_o lose_v the_o sight_n of_o that_o and_o therefore_o when_o he_o have_v get_v to_o such_o a_o pitch_n that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v something_o of_o heaven_n and_o yet_o not_o lose_v the_o sight_n of_o earth_n there_o he_o hang_v in_o aquilibrio_n and_o will_v be_v draw_v no_o further_o he_o keep_v something_o of_o the_o earth_n in_o his_o eye_n and_o will_v not_o lose_v nor_o diminish_v his_o sight_n or_o share_v of_o it_o for_o the_o hope_n and_o joy_n of_o heaven_n three_o false_a opinion_n and_o conceit_n that_o they_o be_v already_o christian_n hinder_v these_o forward_a professor_n from_o be_v true_a christian_n it_o may_v be_v they_o will_v be_v christian_n indeed_o do_v they_o not_o think_v they_o be_v already_o such_o when_o man_n be_v go_v far_o than_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v they_o be_v get_v home_o and_o so_o they_o have_v take_v up_o their_o rest_n and_o will_v be_v drive_v on_o no_o further_o they_o think_v that_o what_o they_o have_v already_o get_v be_v enough_o to_o bear_v their_o charge_n to_o heaven_n and_o so_o they_o grow_v careless_a of_o get_v more_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o be_v christian_n and_o that_o keep_v they_o from_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v such_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o forbid_v eminent_a professor_n to_o think_v they_o be_v indeed_o christian_n but_o let_v they_o look_v how_o this_o persuasion_n work_v with_o they_o do_v it_o tend_v to_o make_v they_o more_o careless_a negligent_a and_o remiss_a when_o they_o have_v be_v under_o trouble_n of_o conscience_n for_o their_o sin_n than_o they_o see_v themselves_o in_o a_o lose_a and_o undo_v condition_n and_o have_v hot_a and_o scald_a apprehension_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n then_o they_o be_v laborious_a to_o frequent_v duty_n conscientious_a in_o their_o walk_n and_o fearful_a lest_o they_o shall_v sin_v but_o since_o their_o trouble_n have_v be_v wear_v off_o they_o have_v entertain_v better_a hope_n and_o better_a opinion_n of_o their_o state_n be_v they_o not_o grow_v more_o loose_a and_o more_o regardless_o they_o do_v not_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n with_o their_o heart_n nor_o be_v they_o so_o strict_a and_o holy_a and_o severe_a in_o their_o life_n i_o must_v tell_v such_o what_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o galatian_n ch_n
the_o almost_o christian_n discover_v in_o some_o sermon_n on_o act_n 26.28_o with_o a_o blow_n at_o profaneness_n by_o the_o r._n r._n ezekiel_n hopkins_n late_a lord_n bishop_n of_o london-derry_n to_o which_o be_v add_v the_o upright_a christian_a discover_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o judicious_a treatise_n of_o william_n bates_n d._n d._n london_n print_v for_o dorman_n newman_n at_o the_o king_n arm_n in_o the_o poultry_n jonathan_n robinson_n at_o the_o golden_a lion_n in_o st._n paul_n church_n yard_n and_o tho._n cockeril_n at_o the_o three_o leg_n in_o the_o poultry_n 1693._o to_o the_o reader_n the_o excellent_a preacher_n of_o these_o sermon_n be_v one_o that_o seek_v out_o acceptable_a word_n not_o to_o tickle_v the_o fancy_n but_o to_o affect_v the_o conscience_n in_o order_n to_o better_v the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o his_o auditor_n he_o be_v a_o person_n true_o great_a and_o good_a well_o know_v not_o only_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o ireland_n where_o he_o shine_v in_o a_o high_a orb_n but_o in_o this_o of_o england_n also_o especial_o in_o the_o two_o renown_a city_n not_o only_o for_o trade_n but_o religion_n of_o london_n and_o exeter_n where_o multitude_n sit_v under_o his_o ministry_n with_o great_a delight_n and_o profit_n i_o need_v not_o trouble_v myself_o or_o the_o reader_n to_o make_v solemn_a protestation_n or_o to_o insert_v certificate_n under_o the_o hand_n of_o several_a person_n concern_v the_o authenticness_n of_o these_o sermon_n all_o those_o that_o have_v hear_v he_o or_o have_v read_v his_o other_o excellent_a and_o useful_a treatise_n a_o large_a account_n of_o which_o be_v here_o annex_v will_v easy_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o spirituality_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o style_n that_o these_o be_v the_o genuine_a offspring_n of_o bishop_n hopkins_n that_o these_o discourse_n may_v be_v so_o bless_v to_o all_o that_o shall_v read_v they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v not_o only_o almost_o but_o altogether_o christian_n be_v the_o hearty_a prayer_n of_o the_o publisher_n a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o work_n of_o bishop_n hopkins_n already_o publish_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n in_o several_a sermon_n from_o eccles_n 1.2_o vanity_n of_o vanity_n say_v the_o preacher_n vanity_n of_o vanity_n all_o be_v vanity_n to_o which_o be_v add_v two_o other_o sermon_n one_o at_o the_o funeral_n of_o the_o honourable_a algernoon_n grevil_n esq_n from_o eccles_n 9.5_o for_o the_o live_n know_v that_o they_o shall_v die_v the_o other_o on_o the_o 30_o of_o january_n from_o st._n peter_n 1_o pet._n 2.13.14_o submit_v yourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a or_o unto_o governor_n as_o unto_o they_o who_o be_v send_v by_o he_o for_o the_o punishment_n oâ—_n evil_a doer_n and_o the_o praise_n of_o they_o that_o do_v welâ—_n in_o octavo_n discourse_n or_o sermon_n on_o several_a scripture_n vol._n i._o contain_v these_o follow_a subject_n the_o folly_n of_o sinner_n in_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o sin_n from_o prov._n 14.19_o fool_n make_v a_o mock_n at_o sin_n the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n demonstrate_v from_o act_n 2.24_o who_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o have_v loose_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o it_o true_a happiness_n from_o rev._n 22.14_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n that_o they_o may_v have_v right_a to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o may_v enter_v in_o through_o the_o gate_n into_o the_o city_n brotherly_o admonition_n from_o leu._n 19.17_o thou_o shall_v not_o hate_v thy_o brother_n in_o thy_o heart_n thou_o shall_v in_o any_o wise_a rebuke_n thy_o neighbour_n and_o not_o suffer_v sin_n upon_o he_o the_o dreadfulness_n of_o god_n wrath_n against_o sinner_n demonstrate_v from_o heb._n 10.30_o 31._o for_o we_o know_v he_o that_o have_v say_v vengeance_n belong_v unto_o i_o i_o will_v recompense_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o again_o the_o lord_n shall_v judge_v his_o people_n it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n in_o octavo_n a_o exposition_n on_o the_o ten_o commandment_n to_o which_o be_v add_v two_o sermon_n one_o on_o st._n john_n 7.19_o do_v not_o moses_n give_v you_o the_o law_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o you_o keep_v the_o law_n the_o other_o on_o gal._n 3.3_o 10._o for_o as_o many_o as_o be_v of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n be_v under_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n for_o it_o be_v write_v curse_a be_v every_o one_o that_o continue_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o do_v they_o in_o quarto_n a_o exposition_n on_o the_o lord_n prayer_n with_o a_o catechistical_a explication_n thereof_o by_o way_n of_o question_n and_o answer_v for_o the_o instruct_n of_o youth_n to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o discourse_n upon_o providence_n from_o st._n mat._n 10.29_o 30._o be_v not_o two_o sparrow_n sell_v for_o a_o farthing_n and_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v not_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n without_o your_o father_n but_o the_o very_a hair_n of_o your_o head_n be_v all_o number_v as_o also_o a_o discourse_n demonstrate_v the_o excellent_a advantage_n of_o read_v and_o study_v the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o col._n 3.16_o leâ—_n the_o word_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o you_o rich_o in_o all_o wisdom_n in_o quarto_n a_o second_o volume_n of_o discourse_n or_o sermon_n on_o several_a scripture_n contain_v these_o follow_a subject_n viz._n a_o discourse_n on_o man_n mortality_n from_o heb._n 9.27_o it_o be_v appoint_v unto_o man_n once_o to_o die_v and_o after_o this_o the_o judgement_n the_o great_a evil_a and_o danger_n of_o little_a sin_n from_o st._n matth._n 5.19_o whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v break_v any_o one_o of_o these_o least_o commandment_n and_o shall_v teach_v man_n so_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n of_o abstain_v from_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a from_o 1_o thes_n 5.22_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_n the_o nature_n danger_n aggravation_n and_o cure_n of_o presumptuous_a sin_v with_o the_o difference_n between_o restrain_v and_o sanctify_a grace_n from_o presumptuous_a sin_n from_o psal_n 19.13_o keep_v back_o thy_o servant_n from_o presumptuous_a sin_n let_v they_o not_o have_v dominion_n over_o i_o of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n from_o isaiah_n 43.25_o ay_o even_o i_o be_o he_o that_o blot_v out_o thy_o transgression_n for_o my_o own_o sake_n and_o will_v not_o remember_v thy_o sin_n in_o octavo_n several_a other_o discourse_n of_o this_o reverend_a bishop_n be_v design_v short_o to_o be_v print_v sermon_n i._n act_n 26.28_o then_o agrippa_n say_v unto_o paul_n almost_o thou_o persuade_v i_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n in_o this_o chapter_n we_o have_v st._n paul_n in_o his_o fetter_n plead_v before_o that_o honourable_a session_n of_o festus_n and_o agrippa_n his_o plea_n we_o have_v large_o set_v down_o from_o the_o one_a to_o the_o 24_o verse_n in_o which_o he_o open_v his_o commission_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n from_o heaven_n for_o preach_v of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v every_o where_o speak_v against_o and_o for_o worship_v god_n in_o that_o way_n which_o be_v call_v heresy_n i_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o enter_v into_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o apology_n but_o let_v we_o look_v only_o at_o the_o different_a effect_n that_o it_o wrought_v upon_o the_o hearer_n festus_n and_o agrippa_n they_o weâ—_n both_o of_o they_o unbeliever_n the_o one_o a_o 〈◊〉_d believe_v heathen_a the_o other_o a_o unbelieving_a jew_n and_o thus_o they_o both_o continue_v yet_o st._n paul_n speech_n work_v very_o different_a upon_o they_o in_o the_o 24_o verse_n you_o hauâ—_n festus_n rave_v he_o say_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n paul_n thou_o be_v besidesâ—_n thyself_o much_o learning_n have_v make_v thou_o mad_a thy_o thought_n of_o vision_n and_o a_o apparition_n of_o a_o man_n deaâ—â—_n and_o bury_v lie_v safe_a under_o ground_n that_o he_o shall_v rise_v again_o and_o appear_v froâ—_n heaven_n to_o thou_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o tâ—_n world_n be_v a_o mere_a fancy_n proceed_v froâ—_n a_o strong_a frenzy_n thus_o he_o scoff_v anâ—_n rave_v but_o this_o very_a sermon_n which_o seeâ—ed_v madness_n and_o a_o idle_a tale_n to_o unbeliving_a festus_n carry_v a_o strong_a convictiâ—_n in_o it_o to_o agrippa_n who_o be_v a_o unbelieuâ—_v too_o almost_o thou_o persuade_v i_o to_o be_v christian._n hence_o observe_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n hâ—_n a_o far_o different_a effect_n even_o upon_o those_o upâ—_n who_o it_o have_v no_o save_v effect_n one_o rave_v aâ—_n rage_v against_o it_o be_v sear_v and_o stupisie_n by_o it_o another_o be_v convince_v
previous_a preparation_n and_o disposition_n towards_o it_o when_o they_o find_v difficulty_n in_o oppose_a temptation_n in_o crucify_a their_o lust_n in_o perform_v of_o duty_n in_o deny_v their_o sinful_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n have_v nothing_o supernatural_a within_o they_o to_o naturalize_v and_o facilitate_v these_o thing_n and_o carry_v they_o on_o resolute_o through_o all_o they_o never_o keep_v up_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o that_o power_n which_o they_o have_v but_o as_o they_o yield_v to_o those_o temptation_n that_o they_o may_v resist_v and_o commit_v those_o sin_n that_o they_o may_v reject_v and_o neglect_v those_o duty_n which_o for_o matter_n and_o substance_n of_o they_o they_o may_v perform_v so_o none_o of_o they_o go_v so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v a_o natural_a power_n to_o do_v no_o man_n go_v so_o far_o in_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n as_o he_o may_v if_o he_o will_v improve_v that_o power_n which_o he_o have_v by_o nature_n 3._o do_v they_o make_v as_o great_a a_o progress_n towards_o grace_n as_o they_o may_v they_o will_v not_o fall_v so_o far_o short_a of_o grace_n as_o they_o do_v i_o say_v if_o a_o wicked_a unregenerate_a man_n do_v but_o as_o much_o as_o he_o be_v able_a by_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n to_o do_v without_o the_o special_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o will_v not_o fall_v so_o far_o short_a of_o grace_n as_o they_o do_v i_o will_v not_o enter_v into_o that_o dispute_n whether_o god_n be_v engage_v to_o bestow_v grace_n upon_o the_o right_a improvement_n of_o their_o natural_a power_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a and_o agree_v on_o by_o all_o that_o he_o do_v certain_o do_v so_o god_n usual_o bestow_v true_a and_o save_a grace_n upon_o those_o who_o do_v right_o and_o to_o their_o utmost_a improve_v their_o natural_a power_n and_o ability_n for_o their_o acquire_v of_o it_o if_o god_n be_v not_o oblige_v by_o promise_n to_o assist_v they_o yet_o through_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n he_o be_v not_o wont_a 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goodness_n free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o they_o pity_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o lapse_v and_o fall_v nature_n i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o first_o question_n in_o the_o general_a 1._o unregenerate_a man_n may_v make_v a_o great_a progress_n and_o may_v go_v very_o far_o towards_o grace_n and_o yet_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o that_o in_o general_n be_v to_o be_v almost_o a_o chrstian_a this_o i_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o method_n propound_v to_o you_o although_o though_o i_o say_v not_o they_o go_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v by_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o yet_o fall_v short_a of_o grace_n for_o that_o can_v never_o be_v instance_a in_o any_o yet_o the_o sad_a and_o wretched_a apostasy_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v eminent_a professor_n shine_v yea_o and_o glare_a light_n exceed_v and_o also_o despise_v common_a attainment_n of_o other_o their_o apostasy_n have_v too_o evident_o confirm_v it_o to_o we_o that_o man_n may_v go_v very_o far_o towards_o grace_n and_o yet_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o see_v what_o christ_n say_v mark_n 12.24_o of_o that_o young_a man_n that_o forward_o young_a man_n thou_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v thou_o be_v not_o far_o from_o grace_n for_o so_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v oftentimes_o take_v in_o scripture_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n so_o that_o we_o may_v say_v of_o such_o man_n they_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n not_o far_o from_o grace_n not_o far_o from_o heaven_n climb_v up_o almost_o thither_o within_o view_n and_o ken_n of_o it_o have_v one_o foot_n as_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o threshold_n of_o the_o heavenly_a gate_n and_o yet_o even_o these_o tumble_v headlong_o and_o never_o rest_n until_o they_o have_v plunge_v themselves_o to_o the_o bottom_n of_o hell_n it_o be_v with_o such_o man_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o vapour_n that_o be_v draw_v up_o into_o the_o air_n they_o shine_v with_o the_o same_o light_n with_o the_o same_o apparent_a magnitude_n as_o the_o fix_a star_n themselves_o do_v and_o we_o may_v think_v they_o move_v in_o the_o very_a same_o sphere_n with_o they_o but_o when_o we_o see_v they_o dart_v down_o to_o the_o earth_n and_o spill_v all_o that_o light_n and_o glory_n which_o they_o glister_v with_o by_o the_o way_n and_o fall_v into_o a_o filthy_a jelly_n thick_a and_o more_o loathsome_a substance_n than_o when_o they_o be_v first_o exhale_v we_o then_o conclude_v that_o all_o that_o elevation_n of_o those_o false_a and_o blaze_a light_n be_v vast_o short_a of_o that_o heaven_n in_o which_o they_o seem_v sometime_o to_o be_v fix_v so_o be_v it_o with_o many_o unregenerate_a man_n you_o can_v tell_v with_o what_o they_o be_v fraught_v till_o you_o see_v they_o shipwreck_a then_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o though_o they_o be_v never_o right_a and_o true_a treasure_n yet_o they_o be_v something_o very_o like_o it_o when_o we_o see_v they_o tumble_v down_o off_o a_o 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a_o natural_a man_n may_v be_v very_o far_o and_o free_a from_o and_o therefore_o not_o far_o from_o grace_n second_o he_o may_v have_v that_o which_o very_o much_o resemble_v and_o counterfeit_v grace_n so_o that_o as_o to_o outward_a appearance_n there_o be_v but_o very_o little_a dissimilitude_n discernible_a between_o they_o now_o that_o which_o be_v like_o another_o may_v be_v say_v not_o to_o be_v far_o from_o that_o which_o it_o be_v like_a three_o he_o may_v be_v say_v not_o to_o be_v far_o from_o grace_n because_o as_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o in_o the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o his_o soul_n he_o may_v have_v those_o preparation_n and_o disposition_n lay_v in_o they_o which_o usual_o be_v previous_a and_o antecedent_n to_o grace_n because_o these_o be_v wrought_v usual_o before_o grace_n and_o therefore_o the_o person_n that_o have_v these_o wrought_v upon_o he_o may_v be_v say_v not_o to_o be_v far_o from_o grace_n four_o he_o may_v be_v say_v not_o to_o be_v far_o from_o grace_n because_o if_o he_o do_v proceed_v but_o a_o little_a far_o he_o will_v possible_o attain_v to_o true_a grace_n have_v such_o but_o improve_v their_o natural_a power_n to_o such_o a_o degree_n far_o god_n will_v have_v come_v in_o with_o power_n supernatural_a and_o have_v wrought_v that_o true_a and_o save_a principle_n in_o their_o life_n which_o will_v have_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v bring_v they_o to_o eternal_a life_n grace_n indeed_o have_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o dependence_n upon_o that_o which_o be_v natural_a and_o that_o dependence_n be_v not_o so_o much_o of_o causalty_n as_o of_o order_n and_o consequence_n which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a yet_o it_o be_v common_o grant_v on_o all_o hand_n thus_o then_o in_o the_o
general_n i_o have_v show_v you_o that_o unregenerate_a man_n may_v go_v far_o yea_o very_o far_o towards_o a_o man_n may_v be_v almost_o a_o christian_a and_o yet_o be_v out_o of_o christ_n be_v near_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o yet_o not_o in_o it_o and_o possible_o be_v for_o ever_o exclude_v and_o shut_v out_o of_o it_o sermon_n ii_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o next_o thing_n propound_v as_o we_o have_v see_v in_o the_o general_n so_o now_o let_v we_o consider_v in_o particular_a what_o progress_n a_o natural_a man_n may_v make_v towards_o grace_n and_o that_o i_o shall_v do_v by_o consider_v the_o several_a step_n and_o degree_n by_o which_o they_o may_v arise_v up_o to_o a_o great_a height_n and_o glory_n of_o outward_a profession_n and_o this_o we_o can_v better_o do_v than_o by_o show_v 1._o what_o grace_n be_v 2._o what_o resemblance_n that_o which_o be_v wrought_v by_o a_o mere_a carnal_a man_n may_v carry_v in_o it_o like_o true_a grace_n by_o compare_v these_o together_o we_o may_v see_v how_o near_o a_o unregenerate_a carnal_a man_n may_v come_v to_o true_a and_o save_a grace_n first_o what_o grace_n be_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o that_o i_o speak_v not_o now_o of_o a_o objective_a grace_n inherent_a in_o god_n but_o terminate_v on_o we_o whereby_o a_o change_n be_v wrought_v in_o our_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o this_o objective_a grace_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o divine_a love_n favour_n and_o good_a will_n of_o god_n express_v in_o we_o but_o i_o speak_v of_o a_o subjective_a grace_n inherent_a in_o we_o whereby_o a_o real_a change_n be_v make_v in_o our_o life_n and_o nature_n and_o in_o brief_a you_o may_v take_v this_o description_n of_o subjective_n or_o inherent_a grace_n it_o be_v a_o supernatural_a habit_n immediate_o infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n reside_v in_o every_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o a_o principle_n of_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a operation_n and_o there_o be_v a_o fivefold_a change_v wrought_v by_o it_o 1._o upon_o the_o judgement_n or_o the_o direct_a understanding_n by_o inform_v and_o enlighten_v it_o 2._o upon_o the_o conscience_n in_o the_o reflex_n understanding_n by_o awaken_n and_o pacify_v it_o 3._o upon_o the_o affection_n by_o spiritualize_v they_o 4._o upon_o the_o will_n by_o convert_v it_o 5._o upon_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n by_o reform_v it_o this_o fivefold_a change_n be_v wrought_v upon_o the_o whole_a soul_n by_o true_a and_o sanctify_a grace_n now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o shall_v show_v how_o far_o a_o natural_a man_n may_v attain_v to_o these_o so_o as_o to_o be_v almost_o a_o christian_a first_o as_o for_o his_o mind_n or_o understanding_n he_o may_v be_v irradiate_v with_o a_o clear_a and_o sparkle_a knowledge_n of_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a object_n when_o yet_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o true_o convert_v to_o god_n it_o be_v true_a as_o in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o light_n be_v number_v and_o reckon_v among_o the_o first_o of_o god_n work_n so_o likewise_o in_o this_o new_a creation_n the_o first_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v to_o shed_v abroad_o his_o heavenly_a light_n it_o the_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v this_o first_o in_o order_n in_o that_o commission_n which_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n give_v to_o st._n paul_n act_v 26.18_o he_o send_v he_o to_o the_o gentile_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o to_o turn_v then_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o than_o it_o follow_v from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o god_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v a_o illumination_n about_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o may_v gilâ—_n and_o beautify_v the_o understanding_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n who_o like_o a_o toad_n may_v be_v full_a of_o poison_n though_o he_o have_v a_o precious_a stone_n in_o his_o head_n the_o apostle_n he_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o one_o of_o those_o attainment_n that_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n may_v have_v and_o yet_o be_v a_o apostate_n heb._n 6.4_o he_o may_v not_o only_o have_v a_o deep_a knowledge_n of_o gospel-mystery_n so_o as_o to_o see_v the_o whole_a compage_n and_o concatenation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o unfold_v they_o to_o other_o but_o may_v have_v also_o particular_a discovery_n of_o the_o glory_n and_o beauty_n that_o there_o be_v in_o these_o thing_n we_o may_v see_v it_o clear_o by_o balaam_n ecstasy_n numb_a 24._o such_o discovery_n carnal_a heart_n may_v have_v make_v to_o they_o and_o see_v their_o lustre_n and_o beauty_n nay_o further_o a_o carnal_a man_n may_v be_v convince_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n of_o recovery_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o suitableness_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o soul_n of_o the_o freeness_n of_o god_n love_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n of_o the_o readiness_n of_o his_o heart_n to_o receive_v they_o of_o the_o desirableness_n of_o happiness_n of_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o remain_n in_o a_o natural_a state_n but_o now_o not_o to_o leave_v you_o under_o doubt_n and_o perplexity_n such_o a_o illumination_n of_o a_o carnal_a man_n fall_v far_o short_a of_o true_a grace_n in_o these_o two_o particular_n first_o in_o that_o it_o be_v but_o lumen_fw-la sterile_a a_o barren_a light_n illumination_n that_o be_v save_v be_v not_o only_a light_n but_o influence_n too_o as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n do_v not_o serve_v only_o to_o paint_v the_o world_n and_o varnish_v over_o the_o beauty_n and_o variety_n of_o several_a creature_n that_o be_v in_o it_o but_o carry_v in_o it_o a_o grateful_a heat_n and_o cherish_a influence_n which_o operate_v into_o they_o and_o refresh_v they_o and_o as_o the_o light_n discover_v their_o beauty_n so_o these_o influence_n increase_v it_o so_o save_v illumination_n not_o only_o illustrate_v the_o soul_n by_o its_o light_n but_o likewise_o by_o the_o congenialness_n of_o its_o influence_n nourish_v the_o soul_n draw_v sap_n into_o it_o and_o fruit_n from_o it_o such_o be_v not_o the_o illumination_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n it_o be_v but_o a_o barren_a light_n and_o only_o serve_v to_o paint_v his_o understanding_n and_o have_v no_o influence_n on_o it_o to_o make_v the_o soul_n grow_v in_o grace_n and_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o holiness_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n that_o illumination_n that_o be_v save_v be_v transform_v 2_o cor._n 3.18_o we_o all_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n behold_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n etc._n etc._n if_o a_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n fall_v upon_o a_o looking-glass_n it_o not_o only_o make_v it_o glitter_v with_o a_o glorious_a light_n but_o it_o represent_v the_o very_a image_n of_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o glass_n but_o let_v it_o beat_v never_o so_o clear_o and_o strong_o upon_o a_o mudwall_n though_o it_o enlighten_v it_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o thereby_o leave_v its_o image_n upon_o it_o so_o true_o illumination_n that_o be_v save_v do_v not_o only_o irradiate_a but_o transform_v if_o you_o look_v upon_o the_o sun_n when_o shine_v in_o its_o strength_n the_o light_n thereof_o will_v imprint_v the_o very_a shape_n and_o image_n of_o the_o sun_n upon_o your_o eye_n and_o look_v where_o you_o will_v still_o you_o retain_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o sun_n before_o you_o so_o every_o sight_n that_o a_o true_a christian_a have_v of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n will_v make_v as_o it_o be_v another_o sun_n in_o his_o soul_n but_o now_o the_o illumination_n of_o wicked_a man_n do_v only_o enlighten_v not_o change_v they_o their_o understanding_n may_v be_v irradiate_v with_o glorious_a discovery_n of_o god_n christ_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o heaven_n but_o this_o do_v not_o transform_v they_o into_o the_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o those_o thing_n the_o illumination_n of_o godly_a man_n and_o true_a christian_n be_v like_o the_o light_n which_o break_v through_o the_o air_n and_o turn_v every_o vast_a body_n throughout_o the_o world_n all_o into_o light_n it_o be_v with_o wicked_a unregenerate_a man_n as_o with_o those_o that_o lie_v long_o in_o the_o sunshine_n which_o though_o it_o inlighten_v they_o yet_o do_v but_o afterward_o make_v they_o more_o black_a and_o swart_a so_o thou_o may_v have_v as_o much_o notional_a knowledge_n of_o god_n christ_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o any_o child_n of_o god_n have_v and_o possible_o much_o more_o yet_o this_o be_v no_o true_a sign_n of_o grace_n for_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o therefore_o save_v because_o it_o be_v clear_a and_o comprehensive_a but_o because_o it_o be_v influential_a and_o transform_a and_o usual_o we_o perceive_v that_o where_o
the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n shine_v into_o a_o wicked_a heart_n it_o do_v but_o tann_n and_o make_v the_o person_n more_o black_a and_o swart_a more_o sinful_a than_o before_o thus_o as_o to_o the_o direct_a understanding_n of_o the_o judgement_n a_o natural_a man_n may_v have_v a_o bright_a clear_a and_o glitter_a light_n concern_v heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a object_n second_o as_o for_o the_o reflex_n understanding_n of_o the_o conscience_n neither_o yet_o the_o peace_n nor_o the_o trouble_v of_o conscience_n be_v such_o a_o attainment_n to_o which_o a_o natural_a mar_n can_v reach_v first_o a_o natural_a man_n may_v have_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a conscience_n indeed_o when_o this_o peace_n be_v true_a it_o be_v always_o a_o effect_n of_o grace_n and_o therefore_o we_o thus_o find_v theâ—_n couple_v together_o rom._n 1.7_o 1_o cor._n 1.3_o yet_o there_o be_v that_o which_o look_v very_o like_a peace_n of_o conscience_n though_o it_o be_v not_o such_o and_o that_o be_v a_o supine_n presumption_n and_o a_o carnal_a stupidity_n and_o oscitancy_n their_o conscience_n be_v never_o trouble_v at_o the_o sight_n of_o sin_n or_o sense_n of_o wrath_n but_o be_v like_o those_o presumptuous_a sinner_n speak_v of_o deut._n 29.19_o and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v when_o he_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o curse_n that_o he_o bless_v himself_o in_o his_o heart_n say_v i_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o i_o walk_v in_o the_o imagination_n of_o my_o heart_n etc._n etc._n now_o this_o peace_n be_v found_v only_o upon_o bold_a and_o confident_a persuasion_n of_o god_n infinite_a mercy_n and_o gracious_a disposition_n and_o because_o god_n will_v exalt_v his_o mercy_n above_o all_o his_o name_n therefore_o they_o conclude_v that_o as_o god_n have_v exalt_v his_o power_n in_o create_v and_o sustain_v they_o so_o he_o will_v much_o more_o exalt_v his_o mercy_n in_o save_v they_o thus_o as_o madman_n often_o fancy_n themselves_o king_n or_o some_o great_a personage_n when_o indeed_o they_o be_v but_o wretched_a and_o miserable_a spectacle_n so_o do_v these_o spiritual_a madman_n and_o as_o the_o devil_n appropriate_v to_o himself_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o these_o look_n upon_o heaven_n and_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o and_o bold_o call_v it_o all_o their_o own_o yea_o and_o through_o their_o wretched_a security_n be_v bold_a to_o cry_v out_o with_o thomas_n my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n to_o such_o i_o may_v say_v with_o our_o saviour_n in_o another_o case_n god_n be_v not_o the_o god_n of_o the_o dead_a but_o the_o god_n of_o the_o live_n god_n be_v not_o the_o god_n of_o such_o as_o love_v and_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o lust_n and_o that_o call_v he_o father_n who_o yet_o they_o dishonour_v by_o a_o lewd_a and_o dissolute_a life_n this_o be_v but_o be_v father_n one_o of_o the_o devil_n offspring_n upon_o the_o holy_a god_n indeed_o man_n by_o enormous_a and_o flagitious_a crime_n have_v so_o wound_v and_o waste_v their_o conscience_n that_o now_o they_o retain_v not_o strength_n enough_o to_o accuse_v molest_v and_o trouble_v they_o and_o this_o they_o call_v peace_n of_o conscience_n such_o a_o peace_n as_o gallious_n in_o tacitus_n exprobrate_v the_o roman_n with_o when_o they_o have_v lay_v all_o waste_n this_o they_o call_v peace_n but_o this_o peace_n be_v rather_o deadness_n of_o conscience_n and_o be_v far_o from_o that_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o that_o that_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o conviction_n which_o destroy_v this_o ill-grounded_a peace_n and_o it_o work_v in_o the_o soul_n horror_n and_o terror_n and_o affright_v the_o secure_a soul_n when_o it_o show_v it_o how_o it_o sleep_v upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mast_n and_o lay_v on_o the_o very_a brink_n of_o the_o infernal_a pit_n as_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o discourage_v a_o break_a spirit_n but_o embolden_v it_o to_o appropriate_a christ_n and_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o itself_o in_o particular_a so_o we_o must_v let_v wicked_a man_n know_v that_o when_o they_o presume_v to_o call_v god_n their_o god_n and_o their_o father_n and_o yet_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n they_o will_v find_v that_o instead_o of_o be_v their_o father_n he_o will_v only_o be_v their_o judge_n now_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o this_o peace_n of_o a_o carnal_a man_n be_v only_o from_o deep_a security_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o slumber_n that_o have_v seize_v upon_o they_o because_o when_o we_o come_v to_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o they_o plead_v only_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o familiar_a and_o frequent_a than_o this_o they_o boast_v of_o and_o though_o they_o live_v in_o a_o constant_a neglect_n of_o holy_a duty_n and_o wallow_v in_o the_o filth_n of_o customary_a sin_n yet_o still_o they_o boast_v of_o this_o that_o they_o have_v very_o good_a heart_n upright_a intention_n this_o be_v a_o mere_a delusion_n for_o it_o be_v as_o utter_o impossible_a that_o the_o heart_n shall_v be_v good_a when_o the_o life_n be_v wicked_a and_o profane_a as_o for_o a_o good_a root_n to_o bring_v forth_o evil_a and_o corrupt_a fruit._n second_o as_o peace_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v attain_v by_o natural_a man_n so_o many_o time_n such_o may_v lie_v under_o the_o regret_v and_o trouble_v of_o conscience_n it_o be_v not_o trouble_v of_o conscience_n that_o be_v the_o attainment_n wherein_o true_a grace_n do_v consist_v a_o dull_a and_o a_o lethargic_a conscience_n that_o have_v long_o lie_v under_o the_o customary_a commission_n of_o gross_a sin_n may_v at_o length_n by_o strong_a conviction_n be_v startle_v and_o awaken_v to_o a_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v afraid_a at_o the_o sight_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o may_v retain_v a_o impure_a and_o defile_a conscience_n god_n may_v even_o in_o this_o life_n kindle_v in_o their_o breast_n some_o spark_n of_o the_o unquenchable_a fire_n and_o may_v give_v they_o some_o fore-tasts_a of_o that_o cup_n of_o tremble_v that_o they_o must_v for_o ever_o drink_v of_o as_o he_o have_v make_v himself_o a_o devil_n incarnate_a by_o his_o sin_n so_o god_n may_v make_v his_o conscience_n a_o hell_n incarnate_a by_o his_o conscience_n you_o hear_v cain_n that_o primitive_a reprobate_n cry_v out_o my_o punishment_n be_v great_a than_o i_o can_v bear_v nor_o can_v judas_n find_v any_o other_o way_n to_o check_v his_o conscience_n but_o with_o a_o halter_n these_o regret_v of_o conscience_n may_v proceed_v from_o a_o preparatory_a work_n of_o conviction_n which_o because_o of_o man_n wilful_a desert_v they_o often_o vanish_v away_o without_o any_o save_a effect_n and_o fall_v as_o far_o short_a of_o true_a grace_n as_o the_o region_n of_o the_o air_n where_o storm_n and_o tempest_n thundering_n and_o lightning_n be_v engender_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o heaven_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o that_o eternal_a calmness_n and_o serenity_n and_o as_o worm_n usual_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o corruption_n and_o putrefaction_n so_o this_o never_o die_a worm_n that_o must_v ever_o sting_v they_o oftentimes_o in_o this_o life_n be_v breed_v out_o of_o a_o rot_a and_o corrupt_a conscience_n the_o conscience_n therefore_o may_v be_v defile_v when_o it_o be_v not_o sear_v it_o may_v be_v awaken_v when_o it_o be_v not_o sanctify_v a_o filthy_a puddle_n may_v be_v stir_v as_o well_o as_o a_o clear_a run_a stream_n the_o conscience_n may_v work_v terror_n and_o horror_n where_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n never_o wrought_v true_a save_a grace_n three_o as_o to_o the_o affection_n there_o may_v be_v affection_n and_o sweet_a motion_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v oftentimes_o rely_v on_o we_o certain_a evidence_n of_o true_a grace_n yet_o also_o may_v be_v in_o a_o carnal_a and_o natural_a man_n mat._n 13.20_o some_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n etc._n etc._n so_o john_n 5._o christ_n tell_v the_o jew_n they_o 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so_o far_o as_o to_o be_v almost_o and_o yet_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v altogether_o christian_n a_o blow_n at_o profaneness_n take_v out_o of_o bishop_n hopkins_n be_v exposition_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n profaneness_n be_v the_o slight_n and_o neglect_v of_o thing_n holy_a and_o sacred_a whosoever_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o let_v his_o outward_a demeanour_n in_o the_o world_n be_v as_o sair_a and_o as_o plausible_a as_o morality_n and_o 〈◊〉_d can_v adorn_v it_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o profane_a person_n the_o spiritual_a sacred_a thing_n be_v first_o god_n in_o his_o nature_n and_o essence_n who_o we_o profane_v when_o we_o entertain_v any_o blasphemous_a or_o unworthy_a thought_n of_o he_o second_o god_n in_o his_o name_n which_o we_o profane_v when_o we_o rash_o in_o our_o trivial_a discourse_n build_a out_o that_o great_a and_o terrible_a name_n at_o which_o all_o the_o power_n of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n tremble_v it_o do_v sad_o fore-bode_a the_o grow_a profaneness_n of_o the_o next_o age_n that_o child_n be_v 〈◊〉_d or_o suffer_v to_o call_v upon_o god_n in_o their_o 〈◊〉_d before_o they_o be_v teach_v to_o call_v on_o he_o in_o their_o 〈◊〉_d â—â—â—dly_o god_n in_o his_o attribute_n which_o we_o pro_fw-la 〈◊〉_d when_o our_o affection_n or_o action_n be_v opposite_a or_o 〈◊〉_d e.g._n our_o vniâ—liness_n prosane_v his_o ho_o 〈◊〉_d our_o despondence_n prosane_v his_o ommpoâ—_n our_o hypocrisy_n prosâ—neth_v his_o ommscience_n our_o despair_n prosane_v his_o mercy_n our_o presumption_n 〈…〉_o his_o justice_n our_o sinsâ—â—_n poâ—â—â—_n prosane_v his_o 〈◊〉_d our_o security_n notwithstanding_o his_o threat_n 〈◊〉_d and_o our_o slothfulness_n notwithstanding_o his_o proâ—es_n do_v prosane_a 〈◊〉_d truth_n every_o sin_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o 〈…〉_o a_o contempt_n of_o 〈◊〉_d euâ—â—encies_n of_o god_n 〈…〉_o that_o which_o be_v â—ed_v for_o nothing_o and_o defi_v his_o wrath_n and_o justice_n without_o a_o temptation_n what_o shall_v tempt_v the_o impious_a buffoon_n to_o deride_v religion_n trave_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o turn_v whatsoever_o be_v sacred_a and_o venerable_a into_o burlesque_fw-la and_o drollery_n and_o four_o the_o time_n god_n have_v set_v apart_o and_o consecrate_a for_o his_o service_n unto_o the_o holy_a observance_n whereof_o god_n have_v condescend_v to_o use_v three_o cogent_a argument_n viz._n 1._o his_o own_o example_n in_o rest_v on_o it_o 2._o the_o liberal_a portion_n of_o time_n that_o he_o have_v allow_v we_o for_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o present_a life_n 3._o the_o dedâ—eation_n of_o this_o day_n unto_o his_o immediate_a service_n vid._n p._n 207._o but_o we_o profane_v it_o when_o we_o do_v not_o rest_v from_o the_o common_a work_n of_o our_o ordinary_a calling_n and_o do_v not_o diligent_o and_o conscientious_o attend_v upon_o all_o god_n ordinance_n appoint_v to_o be_v perform_v on_o