counsel_n and_o admonition_n of_o god_n word_n nor_o his_o mild_a and_o gentle_a deal_n with_o we_o can_v usual_o attain_v thus_o we_o find_v in_o the_o parable_n luk._n 15._o that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n make_v use_v of_o hunger_n and_o extreme_a necessity_n to_o bring_v home_o the_o prodigal_n and_o by_o he_o our_o saviour_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o temper_n of_o most_o sinner_n for_o till_o we_o have_v spend_v that_o stock_n of_o mercy_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o till_o we_o come_v to_o be_v pinch_v with_o want_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v we_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o entertain_v thought_n of_o return_v to_o our_o father_n it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v some_o sinner_n which_o be_v more_o tractable_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v reduce_v to_o goodness_n that_o be_v not_o so_o headstrong_a and_o obstinate_a in_o their_o way_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v reclaim_v by_o mild_a and_o soft_a mean_n but_o there_o be_v likewise_o a_o great_a many_o senseless_a and_o outrageous_a sinner_n who_o be_v mad_o and_o furious_o bend_v upon_o their_o own_o ruin_n now_o to_o treat_v these_o fair_o with_o the_o allurement_n of_o kindness_n and_o the_o gentle_a art_n of_o persuasion_n will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n the_o only_a way_n that_o be_v leave_v of_o deal_n with_o they_o be_v rigour_n and_o severity_n when_o sinner_n be_v thus_o beside_o themselves_o some_o thing_n that_o look_v like_o cruelty_n be_v perhaps_o the_o great_a mercy_n that_o can_v be_v show_v to_o they_o nothing_o so_o proper_a for_o such_o person_n as_o a_o dark_a room_n and_o a_o spare_a diet_n and_o severe_a usage_n a_o rod_n for_o the_o back_n of_o fool_n as_o the_o wiseman_n speak_v thus_o have_v i_o do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o the_o merciful_a design_n and_o intention_n of_o god_n in_o send_v judgement_n upon_o a_o people_n which_o be_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o by_o repentance_n to_o prevent_v their_o ruin_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o god_n judgement_n viz._n because_o the_o people_n be_v not_o reclaim_v by_o they_o therefore_o his_o anger_n be_v not_o turn_v away_o but_o his_o hand_n be_v stretch_v out_o still_o because_o the_o people_n turn_v not_o to_o he_o that_o smite_v they_o neither_o do_v they_o seek_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o when_o incorrigibleness_n under_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v a_o provocation_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n a_o sign_n of_o a_o most_o deprave_a and_o incorrigible_a temper_n and_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o great_a obstinacy_n in_o evil_n upon_o this_o account_n we_o find_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n brand_v ahaz_n as_o a_o singular_a and_o remarkable_a sort_n of_o sinner_n 2_o chron._n 28.22_o because_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o distress_n he_o sin_v yet_o more_o against_o the_o lord_n the_o long_a pharaoh_n and_o the_o egyptian_n resist_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n the_o more_o still_o they_o be_v harden_v and_o the_o more_o they_o be_v plague_v levit._fw-la 26.23_o after_o god_n have_v there_o threaten_v his_o people_n with_o several_a sore_a judgement_n for_o their_o sin_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v reform_v by_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o will_v punish_v they_o seven_o time_n more_o and_o after_o that_o seven_o time_n more_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o if_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o just_a god_n will_v punish_v seven_o time_n more_o we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o sin_n after_o judgement_n be_v seven_o time_n great_a so_o likewise_o deut._n 28_o after_o a_o long_a and_o dreadful_a catalogue_n of_o curse_n there_o denounce_v against_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n in_o case_n of_o their_o disobedience_n god_n at_o last_o threaten_v they_o with_o a_o foreign_a enemy_n that_o shall_v distress_v they_o in_o their_o gate_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v by_o all_o this_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o have_v still_o more_o and_o great_a judgement_n for_o they_o in_o store_n v_o 58_o and_o 59_o if_o thou_o will_v not_o observe_v to_o do_v all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n that_o thou_o may_v fear_v this_o great_a and_o glorious_a name_n the_o lord_n thy_o god_n than_o the_o lord_n will_v make_v thy_o plague_n wonderful_a if_o we_o be_v of_o so_o strange_a and_o monstrous_a a_o disposition_n as_o to_o grow_v worse_o under_o judgement_n god_n will_v deal_v with_o we_o after_o a_o unusual_a and_o prodigious_a manner_n he_o will_v make_v our_o plague_n wonderful_a this_o incorrigible_a temper_n the_o prophet_n of_o old_a every_o where_o make_v the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o israel_n isa_n 1.4_o 5_o ah_o sinful_a nation_n a_o people_n lade_v with_o iniquity_n and_o after_o a_o great_a many_o other_o expression_n to_o set_v forth_o what_o heinous_a sinner_n they_o be_v he_o sum_v up_o all_o in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v reform_v by_o the_o several_a judgement_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v inflict_v upon_o they_o that_o they_o be_v the_o worse_a for_o correction_n why_o shall_v they_o be_v strike_v any_o more_o they_o will_v revolt_v more_o and_o more_o so_o likewise_o hos_fw-la 7.9_o 10_o ephraim_n though_o bring_v very_o low_a be_v represent_v as_o of_o the_o same_o refractory_a temper_n stranger_n have_v devour_v his_o strength_n etc._n etc._n but_o they_o do_v not_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n nor_o seek_v he_o for_o all_o this_o i_o will_v mention_v but_o one_o text_n more_o and_o methinks_v it_o bear_v but_o too_o near_o a_o resemblance_n with_o our_o own_o condition_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o judgement_n which_o have_v be_v upon_o we_o and_o our_o carriage_n under_o they_o amos_n 4._o where_o god_n upbraid_v his_o people_n several_a time_n with_o this_o as_o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o their_o sin_n that_o they_o continue_v impenitent_a under_o all_o those_o terrible_a judgement_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v upon_o they_o i_o have_v send_v among_o you_o say_v he_o famine_n and_o then_o pestilence_n and_o then_o the_o sword_n and_o last_o of_o all_o a_o terrible_a fire_n which_o have_v almost_o utter_o consume_v they_o vers_n 11._o i_o have_v overthrow_v some_o of_o you_o as_o i_o overthrow_v sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n and_o you_o be_v as_o a_o firebrand_n pluck_v out_o of_o the_o burn_a yet_o have_v you_o not_o return_v unto_o i_o and_o because_o all_o these_o judgement_n have_v not_o be_v effectual_a to_o reclaim_v they_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o go_v on_o in_o punish_v and_o therefore_o he_o bid_v they_o to_o expect_v it_o and_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o it_o vers_n 12._o therefore_o thus_o will_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o o_o israel_n and_o because_o i_o will_v do_v this_o unto_o thou_o prepare_v to_o meet_v thy_o god_n o_o israel_n when_o god_n have_v begin_v to_o punish_v a_o people_n and_o they_o be_v not_o amend_v by_o it_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o justice_n be_v concern_v to_o proceed_v and_o not_o to_o give_v over_o by_o every_o sin_n that_o we_o commit_v we_o offend_v god_n but_o if_o he_o smite_v we_o and_o we_o stand_v out_o against_o he_o then_o do_v we_o contend_v with_o he_o and_o strive_v for_o mastery_n and_o when_o the_o sinner_n be_v upon_o these_o stubborn_a and_o insolent_a term_n then_o prepare_v to_o meet_v thy_o god_n a_o bitter_a sarcasme_n as_o if_o man_n can_v be_v a_o match_n for_o god_n and_o a_o poor_a weak_a creature_n in_o any_o wise_a able_a to_o encounter_v he_o to_o who_o power_n belong_v there_o be_v a_o severe_a expression_n concern_v god_n deal_v with_o such_o perverse_a and_o obstinate_a sinner_n psal_n 18.26_o with_o the_o froward_a thou_o will_v show_v thyself_o froward_a or_o as_o the_o word_n may_v more_o proper_o and_o convenient_o be_v render_v with_o the_o froward_a thou_o will_v wrestle_v god_n will_v not_o be_v outbrave_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o continue_v impeninent_a we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v go_v on_o to_o punish_v but_o to_o come_v near_o to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o consider_v our_o own_o case_n which_o be_v in_o truth_n so_o very_o bad_a that_o we_o may_v almost_o be_v afraid_a to_o consider_v it_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a god_n like_o a_o prudent_a and_o indulgent_a father_n have_v use_v all_o the_o art_n of_o his_o providence_n towards_o this_o nation_n to_o reclaim_v we_o he_o have_v invite_v we_o to_o he_o by_o many_o blessing_n but_o we_o will_v not_o come_v sanderson_n so_o that_o to_o borrow_v a_o apt_a illustration_n from_o a_o great_a divine_a of_o our_o own_o we_o have_v force_v he_o
imprimatur_fw-la guil._n sill_n r._n p._n d._n henr._n episc_n lond._n à _fw-fr sac._n dom._n novemb_n 2._o 1677._o sermon_n preach_v upon_o several_a occasion_n by_o john_n tillotson_n d.d._n dean_n of_o canterbury_n preacher_n to_o the_o honourable_a society_n of_o lincolns-inn_n and_o one_o of_o his_o majesty_n chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a the_o 〈…〉_z print_a 〈…〉_z at_o tâ—â—_n 〈…〉_z sermon_n preach_v upon_o several_a occasion_n by_o john_n tillotson_n d._n d._n dean_n of_o canterbury_n preacher_n to_o the_o honourable_a society_n of_o lincolns-inn_n and_o one_o of_o his_o majesty_n be_v chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a the_o second_o volume_n london_n print_v for_o edw._n gellibrand_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o henry_n bonwicke_n at_o the_o red-lyon_n in_o st._n paul's-church-yard_n 1678._o sermon_n i._n isaiah_n ix_o 12_o 13_o for_o all_o this_o his_o anger_n be_v not_o turn_v away_o but_o his_o hand_n be_v stretch_v out_o still_o for_o the_o people_n turn_v not_o to_o he_o that_o smite_v they_o neither_o do_v they_o seek_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n sermon_n ii_o heb._n iii_o 13_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a while_n it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n lest_o any_o of_o you_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n sermon_n iii_o 1_o cor._n iii_o 15_o but_o he_o himself_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o so_o as_o by_o fire_n sermon_n iu._n psal_n cxix_o 156_o great_a peace_n have_v they_o that_o love_v thy_o law_n and_o nothing_o shall_v offend_v they_o sermon_n v._n psal_n cxix_o 59_o i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n sermon_n vi._n psal_n cxix_o 60_o i_o make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o to_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n sermon_n vii_o 1_o john_n iii_o 10_o in_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n sermon_n viii_o luke_n xv._n 7_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o likewise_o joy_n shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v more_o than_o over_o ninety_o and_o nine_o just_a person_n which_o need_v no_o repentance_n sermon_n ix_o matth._n ix_o 31_o 32_o wherefore_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o blasphemy_n shall_v be_v forgive_v unto_o man_n but_o the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v unto_o man_n and_o whosoever_o speak_v a_o word_n against_o the_o son_n of_o man_n it_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o but_o whosoever_o speak_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v he_o neither_o in_o this_o world_n neither_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v sermon_n x._o act_n x._o 38_o who_o go_v about_o do_v good_a a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n june_n 30_o the_o 1667._o isa_n ix_o 12_o 13._o for_o all_o this_o his_o anger_n be_v not_o turn_v away_o but_o his_o hand_n be_v stretch_v out_o still_o for_o the_o people_n turn_v not_o unto_o he_o that_o smite_v they_o neither_o do_v they_o seek_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o 12_o verse_n the_o prophet_n threaten_v that_o israel_n shall_v be_v bring_v into_o great_a distress_n and_o set_v upon_o by_o enemy_n on_o every_o side_n the_o syrian_n before_o and_o the_o philistine_n behind_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v devour_v israel_n with_o open_a mouth_n and_o though_o this_o be_v like_a to_o be_v a_o very_a sore_n and_o dreadful_a judgement_n yet_o he_o foretell_v that_o this_o will_v not_o stay_v god_n hand_n nor_o satisfy_v his_o anger_n because_o he_o foresee_v that_o they_o will_v still_o grow_v worse_o and_o continue_v impenitent_a for_o all_o this_o his_o anger_n be_v not_o turn_v away_o but_o his_o hand_n be_v stretch_v out_o still_o for_o the_o people_n turn_v not_o unto_o he_o that_o smite_v they_o neither_o do_v they_o seek_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n in_o which_o word_n there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n very_o useful_a at_o all_o time_n but_o at_o this_o time_n especial_o most_o proper_a and_o seasonable_a for_o our_o consideration_n 1._o the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o god_n in_o send_v judgement_n upon_o a_o people_n and_o that_o be_v to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o their_o sin_n imply_v in_o these_o word_n for_o the_o people_n turn_v not_o to_o he_o that_o smite_v they_o which_o intimate_v to_o we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o end_n which_o god_n aim_v at_o in_o his_o judgement_n to_o take_v we_o off_o from_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o himself_o 2._o the_o reason_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o god_n judgement_n because_o the_o people_n be_v not_o reclaim_v by_o they_o and_o this_o be_v full_o express_v in_o the_o text_n that_o therefore_o god_n anger_n be_v not_o turn_v away_o but_o his_o hand_n be_v stretch_v out_o still_o because_o the_o people_n turn_v not_o unto_o he_o that_o smite_v they_o etc._n etc._n of_o these_o two_o i_o crave_v leave_n to_o speak_v as_o plain_o and_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v i._o the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o god_n in_o send_v judgement_n upon_o a_o people_n and_o that_o be_v to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o their_o sin_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o all_o god_n dispensation_n towards_o we_o in_o this_o world_n the_o end_n of_o all_o his_o mercy_n and_o benefit_n be_v to_o take_v we_o off_o from_o sin_n and_o to_o oblige_v and_o win_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 2.4_o that_o the_o design_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n towards_o we_o be_v to_o lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n wherein_o god_n delight_v to_o deal_v with_o we_o the_o way_n of_o judgement_n and_o severity_n be_v that_o which_o he_o be_v more_o averse_a from_o a_o course_n which_o he_o unwilling_o take_v with_o we_o and_o not_o without_o some_o difficulty_n and_o reluctancy_n he_o do_v not_o afflict_v willing_o nor_o grieve_v the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o be_v it_o not_o that_o we_o be_v such_o perverse_a creature_n as_o not_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o kindness_n so_o wild_a as_o not_o to_o be_v tame_v by_o gentle_a usage_n god_n will_v not_o handle_v we_o in_o any_o other_o way_n it_o be_v our_o obstinacy_n and_o intractableness_n to_o the_o method_n of_o his_o goodness_n which_o constrain_v and_o almost_o force_v he_o against_o his_o inclination_n to_o take_v the_o rod_n into_o his_o hand_n and_o to_o chastise_v we_o with_o it_o he_o will_v draw_v we_o with_o the_o cord_n of_o love_n and_o the_o band_n of_o a_o man_n as_o he_o express_v himself_o in_o the_o prophet_n but_o we_o will_v not_o follow_v he_o and_o therefore_o we_o provoke_v he_o to_o turn_v these_o cord_n into_o whip_n and_o to_o change_v the_o gentle_a method_n of_o his_o kindness_n into_o way_n of_o harshness_n and_o severity_n and_o yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o take_v this_o course_n with_o we_o he_o still_o like_o a_o kind_n and_o tender-hearted_a father_n aim_v at_o our_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n he_o design_n kindness_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n by_o all_o those_o judgement_n which_o do_v not_o kill_v they_o and_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o the_o opportunity_n and_o possibility_n of_o improve_n they_o if_o he_o send_v evil_n upon_o we_o it_o be_v that_o thereby_o he_o may_v do_v we_o some_o great_a good_a if_o he_o afflict_v we_o it_o be_v not_o because_o it_o be_v pleasant_a to_o he_o to_o deal_v harsh_o with_o we_o but_o because_o it_o be_v profitable_a and_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o be_v so_o deal_v withal_o and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o embitter_v our_o life_n by_o misery_n and_o suffering_n it_o be_v because_o he_o be_v loath_a to_o see_v we_o perish_v in_o pleasant_a way_n and_o choose_v rather_o to_o be_v somewhat_o severe_a towards_o we_o than_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v utter_o undo_v this_o moses_n declare_v to_o have_v be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o all_o the_o severe_a providence_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n in_o their_o long_a wander_a in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o hardship_n they_o be_v there_o exercise_v withal_o for_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o year_n deut._n 8.15_o 16_o who_o lead_v thou_o through_o that_o great_a and_o terrible_a wilderness_n wherein_o be_v fiery_a serpent_n and_o scorpion_n etc._n etc._n that_o he_o may_v humble_v thou_o and_o that_o he_o may_v prove_v thou_o to_o do_v thou_o good_a at_o thy_o latter_a end_n so_o that_o the_o afflict_a providence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o apt_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o do_v we_o good_a but_o which_o be_v a_o more_o express_a argument_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n god_n intend_v and_o aim_v at_o this_o end_n by_o they_o he_o do_v not_o send_v judgement_n upon_o this_o theatre_n of_o
the_o world_n for_o his_o sport_n and_o pastime_n nor_o set_v on_o one_o part_n of_o his_o creation_n to_o bait_v another_o for_o his_o own_o diversion_n he_o do_v not_o like_o some_o of_o the_o cruel_a roman_a emperor_n take_v pleasure_n to_o exercise_v man_n with_o danger_n and_o to_o see_v they_o play_v bloody_a prize_n before_o he_o nay_o he_o do_v nothing_o that_o be_v severe_a out_o of_o humour_n and_o passion_n as_o our_o earthly_a parent_n many_o time_n do_v indeed_o he_o be_v angry_a with_o we_o for_o our_o sin_n but_o yet_o so_o as_o still_o to_o pity_v our_o person_n and_o when_o his_o providence_n make_v use_v of_o any_o sharp_a and_o cut_a instrument_n it_o be_v with_o this_o merciful_a design_n to_o let_v out_o our_o corruption_n if_o he_o cast_v we_o into_o the_o furnace_n of_o affliction_n it_o be_v that_o he_o may_v refine_v and_o purify_v we_o from_o our_o dross_n so_o that_o though_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v evil_n in_o themselves_o yet_o consider_v the_o intention_n of_o god_n in_o they_o they_o be_v no_o real_a objection_n against_o his_o goodness_n but_o rather_o argument_n for_o it_o as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v proper_a for_o the_o cure_n of_o a_o far_o great_a evil_a of_o another_o kind_n 2._o they_o be_v proper_a for_o the_o prevention_n of_o far_o great_a evil_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n 3._o they_o be_v not_o only_o proper_a to_o these_o end_n but_o in_o many_o case_n very_o necessary_a first_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v very_o proper_a for_o the_o cure_n of_o a_o far_o great_a evil_a of_o another_o kind_n i_o mean_v the_o evil_a of_o sin_n we_o take_v wrong_a measure_n of_o thing_n when_o we_o judge_v those_o to_o be_v the_o great_a evil_n which_o afflict_v our_o body_n wound_v our_o reputation_n and_o impoverish_v our_o estate_n for_o those_o certain_o be_v far_o the_o great_a which_o affect_v our_o noble_a part_n which_o vitiate_v our_o understanding_n and_o deprave_v our_o will_n and_o wound_n and_o defile_v our_o soul_n what_o corrupt_a humour_n be_v to_o the_o body_n that_o sin_n be_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n their_o disease_n and_o their_o death_n now_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a with_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n to_o administer_v to_o we_o whatever_o be_v proper_a for_o the_o cure_n of_o so_o great_a a_o evil_a if_o we_o make_v ourselves_o sick_a that_o be_v our_o own_o folly_n and_o no_o fault_n of_o the_o physician_n but_o we_o be_v behold_v to_o he_o if_o he_o recover_v we_o though_o it_o be_v by_o very_o bitter_a and_o unpleasing_a mean_n all_o temporal_a judgement_n which_o be_v short_a of_o death_n be_v proper_o medicinal_a and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o suffer_v they_o to_o have_v their_o kindly_a operation_n upon_o we_o they_o will_v work_v a_o cure_n and_o how_o grievous_a and_o distasteful_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v for_o the_o present_a they_o will_v prove_v mercy_n and_o blessing_n in_o the_o issue_n upon_o this_o account_n david_n reckon_v affliction_n among_o the_o happy_a blessing_n of_o his_o life_n psal_n 119.72_o it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o say_v he_o that_o i_o have_v be_v afflict_v and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o in_o the_o same_o psalm_n ver_fw-la 67_o before_o i_o be_v afflict_v i_o go_v astray_o but_o now_o have_v i_o learn_v thy_o precept_n so_o that_o though_o all_o affliction_n be_v evil_n in_o themselves_o yet_o they_o be_v good_a for_o we_o because_o they_o discover_v to_o we_o our_o disease_n and_o tend_v to_o our_o cure_n they_o be_v a_o sensible_a argument_n and_o conviction_n to_o we_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o sin_n we_o be_v common_o such_o fool_n as_o solomon_n speak_v of_o who_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o sin_n and_o like_o child_n will_v be_v play_v with_o the_o edge_n of_o it_o till_o it_o cut_v and_o wound_v we_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_o sensible_a how_o great_a a_o evil_a it_o be_v till_o we_o come_v to_o feel_v the_o dismal_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o to_o rectify_v our_o apprehension_n concern_v it_o god_n make_v we_o to_o suffer_v by_o it_o thus_o elihu_n describe_v to_o we_o the_o happy_a effect_n of_o affliction_n upon_o sinner_n job_n 36.8_o 9_o 10_o if_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o fetter_n and_o hold_v in_o cord_n of_o affliction_n than_o god_n show_v they_o their_o work_n and_o their_o transgression_n that_o they_o have_v exceed_v he_o open_v also_o their_o ear_n to_o discipline_n and_o command_v that_o they_o return_v from_o their_o iniquity_n god_n do_v but_o invite_v and_o entreat_v we_o by_o his_o mercy_n but_o his_o judgement_n have_v a_o more_o powerful_a and_o commandng_a voice_n when_o he_o hold_v man_n in_o cord_n of_o affliction_n than_o he_o open_v their_o ear_n to_o discipline_n in_o our_o prosperity_n we_o be_v many_o time_n incapable_a of_o counsel_n and_o instruction_n but_o when_o we_o be_v under_o god_n correct_v hand_n then_o be_v we_o fit_a to_o be_v speak_v withal_o second_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v likewise_o proper_a for_o the_o prevent_n of_o far_o great_a evil_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n i_o mean_v far_a punishment_n in_o send_v of_o temporal_a judgement_n upon_o sinner_n god_n usual_o proceed_v with_o they_o by_o degree_n first_o he_o le_fw-fr we_o fly_v several_a single_a shot_n at_o they_o and_o if_o upon_o these_o they_o will_v take_v warning_n and_o come_v in_o they_o may_v prevent_v the_o broadside_n and_o volley_n of_o his_o wrath_n but_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o all_o be_v that_o temporal_a judgement_n may_v prove_v to_o we_o the_o opportunity_n of_o prevent_v the_o miserable_a and_o unspeakable_a torment_n of_o a_o long_a eternity_n for_o all_o judgement_n which_o be_v not_o final_a leave_v man_n a_o space_n of_o repentance_n have_v in_o they_o the_o mercy_n of_o reprieve_n which_o by_o a_o serious_a and_o timely_a return_n to_o god_n may_v be_v improve_v into_o a_o pardon_n beside_o that_o adversity_n and_o affliction_n do_v usual_o dispose_v man_n and_o put_v they_o into_o a_o fit_a temper_n for_o repentance_n they_o fix_v our_o mind_n and_o make_v we_o serious_a and_o be_v apt_a to_o awaken_v we_o to_o consideration_n and_o suggest_v to_o we_o such_o thought_n and_o meditation_n as_o these_o if_o temporal_a evil_n be_v so_o grievous_a how_o insupportable_a then_o will_v be_v the_o extreme_a and_o endless_a torment_n of_o the_o next_o life_n if_o in_o this_o day_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o patience_n we_o sometime_o meet_v with_o such_o severity_n what_o may_v we_o not_o look_v for_o in_o the_o day_n of_o vengeance_n if_o these_o drop_n of_o god_n wrath_n which_o now_o and_o then_o fall_v upon_o sinner_n in_o this_o world_n fill_v they_o with_o so_o much_o anguish_n and_o affliction_n how_o deplorable_o miserable_a will_v those_o wretch_n be_v upon_o who_o the_o storm_n of_o his_o fury_n shall_v fall_v who_o will_v venture_v to_o continue_v in_o sin_n when_o the_o great_a misery_n and_o calamity_n which_o we_o feel_v in_o this_o life_n be_v but_o a_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a earnest_n of_o those_o woeful_a wage_n which_o sinner_n shall_v receive_v in_o the_o day_n of_o recompense_n three_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o proper_a to_o these_o end_n but_o in_o many_o case_n very_o necessary_a our_o condition_n many_o time_n be_v such_o as_o to_o require_v this_o severe_a way_n of_o proceed_v because_o no_o other_o course_n that_o god_n have_v take_v or_o can_v take_v with_o we_o will_v probable_o do_v we_o good_a god_n do_v not_o delight_n in_o the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o his_o creature_n but_o we_o put_v he_o upon_o these_o extremity_n or_o rather_o his_o own_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n together_o do_v prompt_a and_o direct_v he_o to_o these_o harsh_a and_o rigorous_a way_n may_v be_v we_o have_v bring_v ourselves_o into_o that_o dangerous_a state_n and_o the_o malignity_n of_o our_o distemper_n be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v remove_v without_o violent_a physic_n and_o that_o can_v be_v administer_v to_o we_o without_o make_v we_o deadly_a sick_a so_o that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o be_v many_o time_n abroad_o in_o the_o earth_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o wise_a method_n which_o the_o great_a physician_n of_o the_o world_n use_v for_o the_o cure_n of_o mankind_n they_o be_v the_o rod_n of_o his_o school_n and_o the_o discipline_n of_o his_o providence_n that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n may_v learn_v righteousness_n they_o be_v a_o merciful_a invention_n of_o heaven_n to_o do_v man_n that_o good_a which_o many_o time_n nothing_o else_o will_v and_o to_o work_v that_o bless_a effect_n upon_o we_o which_o neither_o the_o wise_a
to_o deal_v with_o we_o as_o absalon_n do_v with_o joab_n he_o send_v one_o civil_a message_n to_o he_o after_o another_o but_o he_o will_v not_o come_v at_o last_o he_o set_v on_o fire_n his_o cornfield_n to_o try_v whether_o that_o will_v bring_v he_o this_o course_n god_n have_v take_v with_o we_o we_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v by_o message_n of_o kindness_n by_o his_o many_o blessing_n and_o favour_n to_o return_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o have_v he_o send_v among_o we_o the_o terrible_a messenger_n of_o his_o wrath_n first_o we_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o foreign_a war_n and_o though_o god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v we_o some_o considerable_a success_n in_o it_o yet_o it_o seem_v our_o provocation_n be_v so_o great_a that_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o punish_v we_o he_o be_v loath_a to_o let_v we_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o he_o take_v the_o work_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o punish_v we_o himself_o by_o send_v a_o pestilence_n among_o we_o the_o sore_a and_o most_o destructive_a that_o have_v befall_v this_o nation_n for_o many_o age_n but_o we_o do_v not_o upon_o this_o return_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o his_o fierce_a anger_n kindle_v a_o fearful_a fire_n among_o we_o which_o have_v lay_v the_o honour_n of_o our_o nation_n one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o rich_a city_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o dust_n and_o that_o by_o so_o sudden_a and_o irresistible_a so_o dismal_a and_o amaze_a a_o devastation_n as_o in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o be_v scarce_o to_o be_v parallel_v in_o any_o history_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o most_o of_o we_o be_v mighty_o affect_v with_o this_o judgement_n whilst_o it_o be_v upon_o we_o so_o astonish_v a_o calamity_n can_v not_o but_o make_v we_o open_v our_o eye_n a_o little_a and_o awaken_v we_o to_o consideration_n even_o the_o richman_n in_o the_o gospel_n though_o he_o have_v all_o his_o life-time_n be_v immerse_v in_o sensuality_n yet_o can_v not_o but_o lift_v up_o his_o eye_n when_o he_o be_v in_o flame_n and_o sure_o god_n expect_v that_o such_o judgement_n as_o these_o shall_v not_o only_o rouse_v we_o a_o little_a for_o the_o present_a but_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o permanent_a operation_n and_o effect_n upon_o we_o and_o work_v a_o thorough_a and_o last_a reformation_n among_o we_o but_o yet_o i_o be_o afraid_a that_o this_o dreadful_a fire_n have_v have_v no_o other_o influence_n upon_o we_o but_o what_o it_o use_v to_o have_v upon_o metal_n which_o be_v only_o melt_v by_o it_o for_o the_o present_a but_o when_o the_o fire_n be_v remove_v they_o sudden_o cool_v and_o return_v to_o their_o former_a hardness_n one_o will_v have_v think_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o a_o calamity_n as_o this_o shall_v have_v remain_v long_o upon_o we_o methinks_v god_n seem_v to_o say_v to_o we_o after_o this_o judgement_n as_o he_o do_v once_o to_o jerusalem_n zeph._n 3.7_o sure_o thou_o will_v fear_v i_o thou_o will_v receive_v instruction_n but_o we_o like_o they_o have_v be_v but_o the_o more_o forward_o to_o provoke_v he_o they_o rise_v early_o and_o corrupt_a their_o do_n we_o have_v after_o all_o this_o harden_v our_o heart_n from_o his_o fear_n and_o refuse_v to_o return_v and_o therefore_o god_n be_v now_o come_v to_o one_o of_o his_o last_o judgement_n our_o enemy_n distress_v we_o in_o our_o gate_n god_n have_v begin_v to_o let_v we_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n and_o by_o give_v our_o enemy_n a_o sudden_a and_o fatal_a advantage_n upon_o we_o have_v smite_v we_o with_o a_o breach_n great_a as_o the_o sea_n these_o be_v terrible_a calamity_n indeed_o to_o come_v so_o thick_a and_o so_o swift_o upon_o we_o like_o desolation_n and_o as_o a_o whirlwind_n such_o a_o quick_a succession_n of_o judgement_n tread_v almost_o upon_o one_o another_o heel_n do_v but_o too_o plain_o declare_v that_o god_n be_v high_o incense_v against_o we_o for_o sure_o these_o be_v not_o the_o wound_n of_o a_o friend_n but_o the_o terrible_a assault_n of_o a_o enemy_n they_o do_v not_o look_v like_o the_o displeasure_n of_o a_o father_n but_o the_o severity_n of_o a_o judge_n not_o like_o visitation_n but_o like_o vengeance_n and_o beside_o these_o more_o visible_a judgement_n upon_o the_o nation_n we_o be_v by_o a_o secret_a curse_n of_o god_n insensible_o decay_v in_o our_o riches_n and_o strength_n we_o be_v i_o know_v not_o how_o strange_o impoverish_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o plenty_n and_o almost_o undo_v by_o victory_n and_o which_o add_v to_o our_o misery_n few_o among_o we_o seem_v to_o be_v sufficient_o sensible_a of_o it_o or_o to_o take_v any_o notice_n by_o what_o silent_a step_n and_o imperceptible_a degree_n like_o gray_a hair_n and_o the_o infirmity_n of_o old_a age_n poverty_n and_o weakness_n be_v steal_v in_o upon_o we_o so_o that_o we_o may_v fit_o apply_v to_o ourselves_o what_o the_o prophet_n say_v of_o ephraim_n hos_n 7.9_o stranger_n have_v devour_v his_o strength_n and_o he_o know_v it_o not_o yea_o gray_a hair_n be_v here_o and_o there_o upon_o he_o and_o yet_o he_o know_v it_o not_o and_o our_o condition_n as_o we_o be_v a_o church_n be_v not_o much_o better_a how_o be_v this_o famous_a protestant_a church_n of_o we_o which_o be_v once_o the_o admiration_n of_o her_o friend_n and_o the_o envy_n of_o her_o enemy_n sink_v and_o decline_v in_o her_o glory_n and_o reduce_v into_o a_o very_a narrow_a compass_n so_o that_o she_o be_v leave_v like_o the_o daughter_n of_o zion_n isa_n 1.8_o as_o a_o cottage_n in_o a_o vineyard_n as_o a_o lodge_n in_o a_o garden_n of_o cucumber_n as_o a_o besiege_a city_n straighten_a and_o hem_v in_o on_o all_o part_n by_o the_o impudence_n of_o atheism_n the_o insolence_n of_o popery_n and_o the_o turbulence_n of_o faction_n all_o which_o do_v every_o day_n visible_o and_o apace_o gain_v ground_n upon_o she_o and_o distress_n she_o on_o every_o side_n just_a as_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v describe_v before_o my_o text_n the_o syrian_n before_o and_o the_o philistine_n behind_o both_o ready_a to_o devour_v israel_n with_o open_a mouth_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o for_o nothing_o that_o god_n have_v bring_v we_o thus_o low_a that_o he_o have_v send_v all_o these_o judgement_n upon_o we_o and_o that_o he_o do_v still_o threaten_v we_o with_o more_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o we_o be_v still_o impenitent_a the_o people_n turn_v not_o to_o he_o that_o smite_v they_o there_o have_v be_v almost_o a_o universal_a degeneracy_n among_o we_o and_o there_o be_v still_o i_o fear_v a_o general_a impenitency_n the_o people_n turn_v not_o etc._n etc._n notwithstanding_o all_o those_o dismal_a calamity_n which_o our_o eye_n have_v see_v wickedness_n do_v still_o prevail_v in_o the_o nation_n and_o overflow_v it_o like_o a_o mighty_a deluge_n so_o as_o to_o overspread_v all_o rank_n and_o order_n of_o man_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o be_v grow_v impudent_a and_o appear_v with_o a_o whore_n forehead_n all_o kind_n of_o modesty_n seem_v to_o have_v forsake_v the_o sinner_n of_o this_o age._n and_o be_v this_o repentance_n to_o live_v in_o filthy_a and_o abominable_a lust_n to_o tear_v the_o name_n of_o god_n by_o horrid_a oath_n and_o imprecation_n to_o be_v atheistical_a and_o profane_a and_o by_o a_o unexampled_a boldness_n to_o turn_v the_o word_n of_o god_n itself_o and_o the_o grave_a and_o most_o serious_a matter_n of_o religion_n into_o raillery_n this_o be_v not_o to_o turn_v to_o he_o that_o smite_v we_o but_o to_o turn_v upon_o he_o and_o smite_v he_o again_o and_o yet_o such_o cry_v and_o clamorous_a sin_n as_o these_o be_v almost_o come_v to_o be_v the_o garb_n and_o fashion_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o to_o be_v aecount_v the_o wit_n and_o gallantry_n of_o the_o age._n and_o shall_v not_o god_n visit_v for_o these_o thing_n shall_v not_o his_o soul_n be_v avenge_v on_o such_o a_o nation_n as_o this_o yes_o he_o have_v visit_v and_o it_o be_v for_o these_o thing_n that_o 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and_o grant_v that_o we_o may_v hereafter_o live_v godly_a righteous_a and_o sober_a life_n do_v not_o we_o seek_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n when_o we_o continual_o beg_v of_o he_o to_o save_v and_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n indeed_o we_o do_v thus_o seek_v he_o but_o we_o shall_v first_o turn_v to_o he_o otherwise_o if_o we_o hope_v our_o prayer_n will_v prevail_v with_o god_n to_o do_v we_o good_a we_o do_v but_o trust_v in_o lie_v word_n if_o we_o go_v on_o in_o our_o sin_n our_o very_a prayer_n will_v become_v sin_n and_o increase_v our_o guilt_n for_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a that_o be_v of_o one_o that_o be_v resolve_v to_o continue_v so_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n can_v we_o think_v it_o reasonable_a for_o man_n to_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n after_o this_o manner_n lord_n though_o we_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o turn_v to_o thou_o yet_o we_o pray_v thou_o turn_v away_o thy_o anger_n from_o we_o though_o we_o be_v 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fit_a for_o man_n of_o our_o profession_n because_o it_o be_v our_o trade_n and_o we_o live_v by_o it_o indeed_o they_o be_v so_o thing_n very_o fit_a to_o be_v say_v and_o withal_o very_o fit_a for_o every_o one_o to_o consider_v who_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n and_o who_o own_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o another_o world_n and_o if_o they_o be_v so_o where_o be_v the_o fault_n be_v it_o that_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a profession_n of_o man_n who_o proper_a work_n it_o be_v to_o tell_v man_n of_o their_o fault_n and_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o reform_v no_o there_o be_v no_o harm_n in_o that_o neither_o be_v it_o then_o that_o they_o live_v by_o their_o profession_n and_o yet_o will_v be_v believe_v yes_o there_o lie_v the_o force_n of_o the_o objection_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o at_o present_a return_n this_o answer_n that_o man_n do_v not_o argue_v thus_o in_o other_o case_n where_o yet_o the_o reason_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o very_a same_o in_o matter_n that_o concern_v their_o body_n and_o estate_n the_o physician_n and_o the_o lawyer_n be_v believe_v though_o it_o be_v very_o think_v that_o they_o live_v by_o their_o profession_n as_o well_o as_o we_o why_o then_o shall_v man_n deal_v so_o partial_o and_o unequal_o only_a with_o their_o soul_n be_v we_o not_o move_v by_o better_a principle_n and_o sway_v by_o the_o argument_n and_o consideration_n of_o another_o world_n we_o may_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v with_o every_o whit_n as_o much_o advantage_n to_o ourselves_o suffer_v man_n to_o be_v quiet_a and_o to_o sleep_v on_o secure_o in_o their_o sin_n if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v ourselves_o in_o these_o matter_n what_o shall_v hinder_v but_o that_o we_o may_v with_o as_o much_o gravity_n and_o confidence_n cry_v peace_n peace_n when_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n and_o flatter_v man_n with_o as_o much_o art_n and_o with_o as_o good_a a_o grace_n as_o any_o of_o those_o can_v do_v who_o live_v delicate_o 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to_o stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n for_o our_o deliverance_n which_o we_o humble_o beg_v of_o he_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n in_o lent_n 1671._o heb._n iii_o 13_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a while_n it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n lest_o any_o of_o you_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n among_o the_o many_o consideration_n which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o reason_n offer_v to_o we_o to_o discourage_v we_o from_o sin_n this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o considerable_a that_o he_o that_o once_o engage_v in_o a_o vicious_a course_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o proceed_v in_o it_o be_v insensible_o train_v on_o from_o one_o degree_n of_o wickedness_n to_o another_o so_o that_o the_o far_o he_o advance_v his_o retreat_n grow_v more_o difficult_a because_o he_o be_v still_o push_v on_o with_o a_o great_a violence_n all_o error_n as_o well_o of_o practice_v as_o of_o judgement_n be_v endless_a and_o when_o a_o man_n be_v once_o out_o of_o the_o way_n the_o far_o he_o shall_v go_v on_o the_o hard_a he_o will_v find_v it_o to_o return_v into_o the_o right_a way_n therefore_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o man_n shall_v be_v often_o caution_v against_o the_o beginning_n of_o sin_n or_o if_o they_o have_v be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o bad_a course_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v warn_v to_o break_v it_o off_o present_o and_o without_o delay_n lest_o by_o degree_n they_o be_v harden_v in_o their_o wickedness_n till_o their_o case_n grow_v desperate_a and_o past_a remedy_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o apostle_n advice_n here_o in_o the_o text_n exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a while_n it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n lest_o any_o of_o you_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n from_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v 1._o endeavour_v to_o represent_v to_o you_o the_o grow_a danger_n of_o sin_n and_o by_o what_o step_n and_o degree_n bad_a habit_n do_v insensible_o gain_v upon_o man_n and_o harden_v they_o in_o a_o evil_a course_n 2._o i_o shall_v from_o this_o consideration_n take_v occasion_n to_o show_v what_o great_a reason_n and_o need_v there_o be_v to_o warn_v man_n of_o this_o danger_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o rescue_v they_o out_o of_o it_o and_o then_o 3._o i_o shall_v apply_v myself_o to_o the_o duty_n here_o in_o the_o text_n of_o exhort_v man_n with_o all_o earnestness_n and_o importunity_n to_o resist_v the_o beginning_n of_o sin_n or_o if_o they_o be_v already_o enter_v upon_o a_o wicked_a course_n to_o make_v haste_n out_o of_o this_o dangerous_a state_n lest_o
any_o of_o you_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n i._n first_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v to_o you_o the_o grow_a danger_n of_o sin_n and_o by_o what_o step_n and_o degree_n bad_a habit_n do_v insensible_o gain_v upon_o man_n and_o harden_v they_o in_o a_o evil_a course_n all_o the_o action_n of_o man_n which_o be_v not_o natural_a but_o proceed_v from_o deliberation_n and_o choice_n have_v something_o of_o difficulty_n in_o they_o when_o we_o begin_v to_o practice_v they_o because_o at_o first_o we_o be_v rude_a and_o unexercised_a in_o that_o way_n but_o after_o we_o have_v practise_v they_o awhile_o they_o become_v more_o easy_a and_o when_o they_o be_v easy_a we_o begin_v to_o take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o and_o when_o they_o please_v we_o we_o do_v they_o frequent_o and_o think_v we_o can_v repeat_v they_o too_o often_o and_o by_o frequency_n of_o act_n a_o thing_n grow_v into_o a_o habit_n and_o a_o confirm_a habit_n be_v a_o second_o kind_n 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for_o piety_n and_o virtue_n it_o must_v be_v cultivate_v to_o that_o end_n and_o order_v with_o great_a care_n and_o pain_n but_o vice_n be_v weed_n that_o grow_v wild_a and_o spring_v up_o of_o themselves_o they_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n natural_a to_o the_o soil_n and_o therefore_o they_o need_v not_o to_o be_v plant_v and_o water_v it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o they_o be_v neglect_v and_o let_v alone_o so_o that_o vice_n have_v this_o advantage_n from_o our_o nature_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o occasion_n and_o temptation_n easy_o draw_v it_o forth_o but_o that_o we_o may_v take_v a_o more_o distinct_a account_n of_o the_o progress_n of_o sin_n and_o by_o what_o step_v vice_n gain_v upon_o man_n i_o shall_v mark_v out_o to_o you_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a and_o more_o observable_a gradation_n of_o it_o 1._o man_n begin_v with_o lesser_a sin_n no_o man_n be_v perfect_o wicked_a on_o the_o sudden_a juven_n sunt_fw-la quaedam_fw-la vitiorum_fw-la elementa_fw-la there_o be_v certain_a rudiment_n of_o vice_n in_o which_o man_n be_v first_o enter_v and_o then_o they_o proceed_v by_o degree_n to_o great_a and_o foul_a crime_n for_o sin_n have_v its_o infancy_n and_o tender_a age_n and_o its_o several_a state_n of_o growth_n man_n be_v not_o so_o total_o degenerate_v but_o at_o first_o they_o be_v ashamed_a when_o they_o venture_v upon_o a_o know_a sin_n though_o it_o be_v but_o small_a in_o comparison_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o at_o first_o man_n be_v very_o solicitous_a to_o palliate_v and_o hide_v their_o fault_n by_o excuse_n but_o after_o they_o have_v frequent_o commit_v they_o and_o they_o grow_v too_o visible_a to_o be_v conceal_v than_o they_o will_v attempt_v to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v they_o and_o from_o thence_o they_o come_v by_o degree_n to_o take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o and_o in_o those_o that_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n 2._o after_o man_n have_v be_v some_o time_n initiate_v in_o these_o lesser_a sin_n by_o the_o commission_n of_o these_o they_o 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we_o our_o defect_n and_o to_o excite_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n i._o to_o show_v we_o our_o defect_n how_o do_v this_o bless_a example_n upbraid_v those_o who_o live_v in_o a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o it_o who_o instead_o of_o go_v about_o do_v good_a be_v perpetual_o intent_n upon_o do_v mischief_n who_o be_v wise_a and_o active_a to_o do_v evil_a but_o to_o do_v good_a have_v no_o inclination_n no_o understanding_n and_o those_o likewise_o who_o though_o they_o be_v far_o from_o be_v so_o bad_a yet_o whole_o neglect_v this_o bless_a work_n of_o do_v good_a they_o think_v it_o very_o fair_a to_o do_v no_o evil_n to_o hurt_v and_o injure_v no_o man_n but_o if_o preacher_n will_v be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o require_v more_o and_o will_v never_o be_v satisfy_v till_o they_o have_v persuade_v they_o out_o of_o their_o estate_n and_o to_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a till_o they_o have_v almost_o impoverish_v themselves_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v from_o this_o 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forsake_v our_o saviour_n and_o forfeit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v very_o considerable_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v often_o and_o serious_o think_v upon_o that_o our_o saviour_n describe_v to_o we_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n represent_v the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n acquit_v and_o condemn_v man_n according_a to_o the_o good_a which_o they_o have_v do_v or_o neglect_v to_o do_v in_o way_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n for_o feed_v the_o hungry_a and_o clothing_n the_o naked_a and_o visit_v the_o sick_a or_o for_o neglect_v to_o do_v these_o thing_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v more_o plain_o and_o effectual_o declare_v to_o we_o the_o necessity_n of_o do_v good_a in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n there_o be_v many_o indeed_o who_o do_v not_o altogether_o neglect_v the_o do_n of_o this_o work_n who_o yet_o do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n prevent_v and_o hinder_v themselves_o from_o do_v it_o as_o they_o ought_v under_o a_o 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we_o to_o do_v good_a to_o make_v we_o more_o ready_a and_o forward_o to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a mockery_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o pretence_n of_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o religion_n to_o neglect_v the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o because_o we_o be_v always_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o do_v good_a to_o think_v that_o we_o be_v for_o ever_o excuse_v from_o do_v any_o other_o be_v take_v up_o in_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n and_o spend_v all_o their_o zeal_n and_o heat_n about_o some_o controversy_n in_o religion_n and_o therefore_o they_o think_v it_o but_o reasonable_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v excuse_v from_o those_o mean_a kind_n of_o duty_n because_o they_o serve_v god_n as_o they_o imagine_v in_o a_o high_a and_o more_o excellent_a way_n as_o those_o who_o serve_v the_o king_n in_o his_o war_n use_v to_o be_v exempt_v from_o tax_n and_o office_n but_o do_v those_o man_n consider_v upon_o what_o kind_n of_o duty_n more_o especial_o our_o bless_a 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