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knowledge_n holy_a sin_n sin_v 2,678 5 10.0260 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A33349 Three practical essays ... containing instructions for a holy life, with earnest exhortations, especially to young persons, drawn from the consideration of the severity of the discipline of the primitive church / by Samuel Clark ...; Whole duty of a Christian Clarke, Samuel, 1599-1682. 1699 (1699) Wing C4561; ESTC R11363 120,109 256

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but_o than_o second_o to_o the_o keep_v a_o man_n baptism_n pure_a and_o undefiled_a that_o which_o be_v think_v further_o necessary_a be_v that_o from_o fall_v into_o a_o habitual_a practice_n of_o any_o of_o those_o small_a and_o less_o scandalous_a sin_n which_o carelessness_n and_o culpable_a ignorance_n will_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o betray_v a_o man_n into_o the_o act_n of_o he_o ought_v to_o endeavour_v to_o secure_v himself_o by_o great_a cautiousness_n and_o sincere_a enquiry_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o duty_n that_o from_o sin_n of_o omission_n from_o grow_v cool_a in_o religion_n and_o remit_v of_o his_o first_o love_n he_o ought_v to_o endeavour_v to_o preserve_v himself_o by_o constant_a meditation_n and_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n that_o in_o order_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v always_o humble_a and_o teachable_a penitent_a and_o devout_a meek_a in_o spirit_n and_o pure_a in_o mind_n and_o that_o to_o attain_v perfection_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v always_o press_v forward_o towards_o 14_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_n with_o a_o perfect_a contempt_n of_o the_o world_n a_o entire_a love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o boundless_a charity_n to_o all_o mankind_n 3._o this_o be_v what_o the_o primitive_a christian_n understand_v by_o keep_v their_o baptism_n pure_a and_o undefiled_a viz._n a_o regular_a and_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n from_o the_o time_n of_o their_o baptism_n to_o their_o death_n and_o to_o this_o they_o think_v themselves_o most_o strong_o oblige_v by_o the_o very_a form_n of_o their_o baptism_n they_o be_v immerse_v into_o the_o water_n and_o they_o rise_v out_o of_o it_o again_o and_o this_o great_a solemnity_n be_v never_o after_o to_o be_v repeat_v in_o token_n that_o as_o christ_n once_o die_v for_o sin_n and_o rose_n again_o never_o to_o come_v under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n any_o more_o so_o they_o be_v this_o once_o to_o have_v their_o sin_n perfect_o wash_v away_o by_o his_o blood_n and_o be_v bind_v never_o to_o return_v under_o the_o power_n of_o they_o any_o more_o thus_o st._n paul_n himself_o most_o express_o and_o excellent_o argue_v rom._n p._n 6._o v._n 9_o know_v that_o christ_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a die_v no_o more_o death_n have_v no_o more_o dominion_n over_o he_o for_o in_o that_o he_o die_v he_o die_v unto_o sin_n once_o but_o in_o that_o he_o live_v he_o live_v unto_o god_n likewise_o reckon_v you_o also_o yourselves_o to_o be_v dead_a indeed_o unto_o sin_n but_o alive_a unto_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n let_v not_o sin_n therefore_o reign_v in_o your_o mortal_a body_n that_o you_o shall_v obey_v it_o in_o the_o lust_n thereof_o the_o force_n of_o which_o argument_n be_v plain_o this_o when_o we_o descend_v into_o the_o water_n and_o rise_v out_o of_o it_o again_o we_o make_v public_a profession_n that_o as_o we_o hope_v for_o pardon_n of_o our_o past_a sin_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n so_o we_o ourselves_o will_v thenceforth_o die_v unto_o sin_n that_o be_v utter_o cast_v it_o off_o and_o forsake_v it_o and_o for_o the_o future_a rise_n again_o to_o walk_v with_o christ_n in_o newness_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n so_o that_o unless_o from_o the_o time_n of_o our_o thus_o put_v off_o sin_n we_o continue_v constant_o to_o live_v in_o all_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n we_o have_v no_o just_a reason_n to_o expect_v remission_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n into_o which_o we_o be_v baptize_v for_o it_o be_v the_o express_a condition_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n that_o we_o continue_v no_o long_o in_o it_o but_o live_v from_o thencefotth_v unto_o god_n the_o blood_n of_o christ_n itself_o which_o be_v shed_v to_o be_v a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v avail_v nothing_o for_o one_o that_o continue_v in_o sin_n who_o our_o saviour_n himself_o have_v particular_o except_v from_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o pardon_v purchase_v by_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n 4._o according_o person_n after_o their_o baptism_n be_v instruct_v that_o they_o must_v now_o utter_o and_o for_o ever_o renounce_v all_o the_o sinful_a pleasure_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o world_n they_o be_v tell_v that_o they_o now_o receive_v remission_n of_o their_o past_a sin_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v take_v great_a heed_n that_o they_o sin_v no_o more_o they_o be_v tell_v that_o they_o now_o wash_v their_o garment_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n 14._o for_o a_o signal_n whereof_o they_o be_v according_o clothe_v in_o white_a and_o that_o they_o must_v take_v care_n to_o bring_v this_o unspotted_a innocence_n with_o they_o before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o custom_n our_o saviour_n himself_o seem_v to_o allude_v rev._n 3._o 4._o thou_o have_v a_o few_o name_n even_o in_o sardis_n which_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n and_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o i_o in_o white_a for_o they_o be_v worthy_a they_o be_v tell_v that_o they_o be_v now_o baptize_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o all_o their_o past_a sin_n and_o if_o they_o keep_v not_o this_o baptism_n pure_a and_o undefiled_a 45._o they_o can_v not_o be_v sure_a they_o shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o obtain_v the_o like_a full_a and_o perfect_a remission_n again_o they_o be_v tell_v that_o they_o now_o start_v in_o that_o great_a race_n which_o they_o be_v to_o 2._o run_v for_o the_o crown_n of_o immortality_n and_o 2._o if_o those_o who_o be_v find_v tardy_a in_o a_o earthly_a race_n be_v beat_v and_o disgrace_v of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n shall_v they_o be_v think_v worthy_a who_o negligent_o falter_v in_o the_o race_n of_o immortality_n they_o be_v tell_v that_o they_o now_o enter_v into_o that_o covenant_n of_o god_n 19_o the_o seal_n whereof_o be_v let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n and_o if_o they_o 2._o keep_v not_o this_o seal_n their_o punishment_n will_v be_v among_o apostate_n who_o worm_n shall_v not_o die_v and_o who_o fire_n shall_v not_o be_v quench_v they_o be_v tell_v that_o they_o have_v now_o escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o 20._o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o if_o after_o this_o they_o shall_v be_v again_o entangle_v therein_o and_o be_v overcome_v and_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o their_o punishment_n shall_v be_v 9_o double_a to_o that_o of_o those_o who_o have_v never_o know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n final_o they_o be_v tell_v that_o they_o be_v now_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v seal_v thereby_o unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n and_o if_o after_o this_o they_o shall_v fall_v away_o it_o will_v be_v 6._o exceed_o difficult_a to_o renew_v they_o to_o repentance_n that_o they_o have_v now_o receive_v the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o if_o after_o this_o they_o sin_v wilful_o there_o will_v remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o certain_a 23._o fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n in_o a_o word_n that_o they_o now_o receive_v a_o certain_a promise_n and_o assurance_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o if_o they_o will_v sell_v this_o blessing_n for_o the_o momentary_a gratification_n of_o sense_n they_o may_v perhaps_o afterward_o be_v reject_v when_o they_o 17._o shall_v desire_v to_o inherit_v it_o and_o find_v no_o place_n for_o repentance_n though_o they_o may_v seek_v it_o careful_o with_o tear_n 5._o these_o be_v the_o severe_a caution_n with_o which_o the_o primitive_a church_n oblige_v baptize_v person_n upon_o their_o utmost_a peril_n to_o keep_v themselves_o steadfast_a from_o the_o time_n of_o their_o baptism_n in_o all_o holy_a and_o blameless_a conversation_n those_o who_o do_v continue_v to_o walk_v suitable_o to_o this_o profession_n be_v say_v to_o be_v wash_v to_o be_v sanctify_v 11._o to_o be_v justify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n and_o because_o in_o those_o pure_a time_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o among_o christian_n who_o do_v not_o walk_v suitable_o to_o their_o profession_n it_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d same_o thing_n then_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n therefore_o those_o term_n elect_a regenerate_v sanctify_a bear_v of_o god_n and_o the_o like_a which_o we_o now_o appropriate_v only_o to_o the_o best_a and_o most_o holy_a man_n be_v not_o in_o scripture_n
so_o appropriate_v but_o apply_v promiscuous_o to_o all_o christian_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o title_n of_o the_o apostle_n letter_n in_o which_o whole_a church_n in_o general_n be_v call_v elect_a sanctify_a and_o the_o like_a and_o most_o evident_o from_o st._n john_n who_o in_o his_o first_o epistle_n chap._n 5._o ver_fw-la 1._o whosoever_o say_v he_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n whosoever_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n i._n e._n every_o christian_a there_o be_v hardly_o any_o one_o in_o those_o time_n who_o be_v not_o indeed_o what_o he_o profess_v and_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o regenerate_v sanctify_a and_o elect_a person_n and_o as_o christian_n who_o then_o live_v thus_o suitable_o to_o their_o profession_n be_v style_v regenerate_v sanctify_a and_o the_o like_a so_o they_o who_o continue_v to_o live_v thus_o suitable_o to_o the_o end_n be_v say_v to_o persevere_v and_o of_o such_o only_a be_v it_o say_v that_o they_o 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of_o face_n who_o i_o do_v not_o say_v after_o baptism_n and_o the_o solemn_a take_n upon_o ourselves_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n but_o after_o frequent_a purpose_n and_o promise_v of_o reformation_n after_o repeat_v vow_n and_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n nay_o perhaps_o after_o confirm_v all_o these_o by_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n do_v yet_o continue_v in_o sin_n and_o defer_v our_o repentance_n the_o primitive_a christian_n think_v themselves_o absolute_o oblige_v to_o live_v in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n from_o the_o time_n of_o their_o baptism_n to_o their_o death_n and_o can_v we_o hope_v to_o be_v accept_v if_o notwithstanding_o all_o our_o pretence_n to_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n we_o still_o continue_v under_o the_o weak_a excuse_n of_o infirmity_n and_o inadvertency_n to_o live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n do_v our_o baptismal_a vow_n lie_v no_o obligation_n upon_o we_o or_o 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in_o this_o case_n it_o must_v indeed_o be_v confess_v that_o it_o can_v but_o require_v some_o time_n perfect_o to_o overcome_v a_o vicious_a disposition_n and_o to_o obtain_v the_o habit_n of_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n but_o may_v we_o therefore_o spend_v our_o whole_a life_n in_o little_a and_o weak_a struggle_n against_o sin_n without_o ever_o arrive_v at_o that_o pitch_n of_o virtue_n which_o be_v ancient_o think_v necessary_a to_o prepare_v a_o man_n for_o baptism_n may_v we_o therefore_o be_v excuse_v from_o ever_o become_v perfect_a christian_n because_o we_o be_v all_o along_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v never_o convert_v by_o any_o sudden_a conviction_n when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o that_o state_n describe_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o seven_o chap._n to_o the_o roman_n that_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o great_a and_o know_v sin_n and_o set_v his_o mind_n to_o resist_v and_o strive_v against_o they_o yet_o not_o so_o but_o that_o 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holy_a spirit_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o his_o way_n and_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n he_o be_v then_o in_o the_o same_o state_n that_o a_o heathen_a convert_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v at_o his_o baptism_n and_o the_o same_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o they_o both_o but_o when_o a_o christian_n who_o have_v a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o his_o duty_n do_v notwitstanding_n that_o continue_v wilful_o all_o his_o life_n in_o sin_n our_o saviour_n be_v so_o far_o from_o assure_v he_o that_o god_n and_o angel_n will_v rejoice_v at_o his_o conversion_n if_o when_o he_o grow_v old_a he_o leave_v off_o sin_v because_o he_o can_v sin_v no_o more_o that_o he_o have_v no_o where_o promise_v that_o such_o a_o repentance_n shall_v be_v accept_v at_o all_o we_o must_v therefore_o so_o break_v off_o our_o sin_n by_o repentance_n as_o to_o attain_v the_o habit_n of_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n and_o to_o live_v in_o they_o such_o a_o repentance_n as_o this_o our_o saviour_n will_v accept_v and_o tryph._n he_o that_o after_o such_o a_o repentance_n live_v constant_o virtuous_a shall_v certain_o be_v esteem_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v always_o be_v innocent_a but_o without_o the_o evidence_n of_o such_o a_o life_n of_o virtue_n and_o renew_a obedience_n how_o far_o soever_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n may_v possible_o extend_v itself_o we_o can_v never_o have_v any_o assurance_n that_o our_o repentance_n will_v be_v accept_v chap._n v._o of_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n 1._o as_o those_o who_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n have_v be_v convert_v from_o judaisme_n or_o gentilism_n to_o christianity_n be_v baptize_v at_o ripe_a year_n upon_o their_o public_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o their_o repentance_n so_o those_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n
service_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v by_o confirmation_n assure_v of_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o that_o their_o body_n be_v 2._o the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o if_o they_o keep_v here_o in_o temperance_n and_o purity_n in_o sanctification_n and_o honour_n they_o shall_v hereafter_o appear_v with_o they_o in_o glory_n but_o 5._o if_o they_o abuse_v they_o by_o any_o intimperance_n or_o defile_v they_o with_o any_o lust_n they_o drive_v away_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o be_v seal_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n and_o shall_v forfeit_v their_o life_n again_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n those_o who_o age_n or_o temper_v or_o company_n or_o business_n place_n they_o beyond_o the_o folly_n and_o extravagancy_n of_o youth_n and_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o those_o temptation_n with_o which_o other_o be_v hurry_v away_o continual_o must_v not_o esteem_v of_o themselves_o by_o their_o not_o run_v into_o those_o excess_n of_o riot_n to_o which_o perhaps_o they_o have_v little_a or_o no_o temptation_n but_o must_v examine_v whether_o they_o be_v exact_o just_a in_o the_o business_n they_o be_v employ_v in_o whether_o they_o be_v true_o useful_a and_o charitable_a according_a to_o their_o ability_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v sincere_o careful_a to_o resist_v those_o temptation_n to_o which_o their_o particular_a circumstance_n whatever_o they_o be_v do_v more_o especial_o expose_v they_o this_o be_v the_o true_a trial_n of_o every_o man_n sincerity_n and_o the_o most_o certain_a rule_n by_o which_o every_o one_o may_v judge_v of_o his_o own_o state_n chap._n xiii_o of_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o of_o perfection_n 1._o last_o strive_v continual_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o press_v forward_o towards_o perfection_n so_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v in_o these_o house_n of_o clay_n encompass_v perpetual_o with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o allurement_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n we_o shall_v all_o offend_v indeed_o in_o many_o thing_n and_o can_v never_o arrive_v at_o the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n yet_o unless_o we_o strive_v and_o press_v forward_o towards_o perfection_n we_o shall_v never_o make_v any_o tolerable_a progress_n he_o that_o have_v no_o more_o zeal_n for_o religion_n than_o to_o desire_v just_a to_o keep_v within_o the_o border_n of_o virtue_n and_o to_o escape_v the_o punishment_n of_o vice_n will_v in_o all_o probability_n be_v deceive_v in_o his_o expectation_n and_o find_v when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o that_o those_o who_o be_v lukewarm_a and_o neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a be_v but_o 17._o wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a and_o shall_v have_v no_o portion_n among_o they_o that_o be_v array_v in_o fine_a linen_n which_o be_v the_o righteousness_n and_o the_o good_a work_n of_o the_o saint_n he_o who_o heart_n be_v inflame_v with_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o true_o zealous_a desire_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n will_v with_o st._n paul_n never_o think_v he_o have_v already_o attain_v or_o be_v already_o perfect_a enough_o but_o forget_v those_o ihing_n which_o be_v behind_o 1●_n and_o reach_v forth_o unto_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o will_v always_o press_v forward_o towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o price_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n he_o will_v never_o think_v himself_o good_a and_o holy_a enough_o but_o get_v continual_o a_o more_o complete_a victory_n over_o his_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n will_v go_v from_o strength_n to_o strength_n in_o the_o improvement_n 7_o of_o virtue_n here_o till_o he_o appear_v before_o god_n in_o the_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n and_o of_o glory_n hereafter_o 2._o think_v not_o when_o you_o have_v once_o attain_v a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o your_o duty_n and_o frame_v hearty_a resolution_n to_o perform_v it_o and_o begin_v to_o live_v according_a to_o that_o knowledge_n and_o those_o resolution_n that_o you_o be_v present_o in_o a_o perfect_a and_o confirm_a state_n of_o virtue_n you_o must_v frequent_o 16._o review_v and_o meditate_v upon_o the_o particular_n of_o your_o duty_n you_o must_v frequent_o renew_v and_o strengthen_v your_o good_a resolution_n and_o you_o must_v always_o be_v correct_v and_o amend_v your_o practice_n till_o that_o which_o be_v well_o resolve_v upon_o and_o brave_o begin_v arrive_v by_o the_o degree_n of_o a_o diligent_a and_o perpetual_a improvement_n to_o a_o confirm_a habit_n and_o settle_a temper_n of_o mind_n 3._o think_v not_o when_o you_o have_v perform_v your_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o common_a measure_n of_o obedience_n and_o the_o vulgar_o repute_a bound_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o christian_a law_n and_o when_o you_o be_v 60._o by_o other_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o good_a and_o just_a and_o holy_a person_n that_o you_o be_v now_o arrive_v at_o the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n for_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n and_o such_o a_o life_n as_o be_v now_o look_v upon_o as_o very_o good_a and_o creditable_a will_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o primitive_a christian_n have_v be_v think_v if_o not_o scandalous_a yet_o at_o best_a very_o cold_a and_o indifferent_a he_o that_o will_v be_v perfect_a must_v be_v 23._o above_o all_o law_n and_o custom_n and_o opinion_n and_o must_v not_o limit_v his_o purity_n of_o mind_n his_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o his_o desire_n of_o do_v good_a to_o any_o degree_n or_o rule_n but_o must_v exalt_v they_o in_o proportion_n to_o his_o love_n of_o god_n and_o his_o hope_n of_o happiness_n 4._o further_o think_v not_o when_o upon_o a_o loose_a and_o general_a view_n of_o your_o life_n your_o conscience_n do_v not_o accuse_v you_o of_o any_o scandalous_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n that_o therefore_o you_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o virtue_n there_o be_v many_o sin_n with_o which_o man_n easy_o impose_v upon_o their_o own_o mind_n much_o indifferency_n in_o religion_n and_o coldness_n of_o devotion_n many_o omission_n of_o duty_n and_o neglect_v of_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a many_o fault_n of_o surprise_n and_o indecency_n of_o passion_n much_o sensuality_n and_o overfond_a love_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o present_a world_n many_o excess_n and_o small_a degree_n of_o intemperance_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v discover_v and_o overcome_v without_o enter_v into_o a_o more_o strict_a particular_a and_o impartial_a examination_n of_o our_o action_n and_o make_v repeat_v resolution_n and_o use_v constant_a unwearied_a endeavour_n to_o correct_v whatever_o upon_o such_o strict_a search_n shall_v appear_v to_o be_v amiss_o 5._o many_o there_o have_v be_v and_o some_o even_o among_o aurea_n the_o heathen_n themselves_o who_o have_v every_o night_n strict_o examine_v into_o the_o action_n of_o the_o past_a day_n that_o if_o they_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o can_v reprove_v themselves_o they_o may_v resolve_v to_o be_v more_o careful_a in_o that_o particular_a for_o the_o future_a and_o if_o they_o find_v they_o have_v in_o all_o point_v perform_v their_o duty_n they_o may_v confirm_v and_o encourage_v themselves_o to_o continue_v to_o perform_v it_o other_o have_v do_v this_o yet_o more_o frequent_o and_o habitual_o never_o go_v about_o any_o thing_n without_o a_o short_a thought_n how_o they_o may_v best_o act_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n for_o the_o good_a of_o man_n or_o for_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o never_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n without_o a_o short_a reflection_n whether_o they_o have_v act_v so_o as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o these_o great_a ends._n 6._o these_o indeed_o be_v thing_n not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o any_o man_n by_o any_o particular_a rule_n but_o such_o as_o must_v be_v whole_o leave_v to_o the_o discretion_n of_o every_o man_n to_o be_v use_v according_a to_o each_o one_o prudence_n or_o zeal_n only_o in_o general_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o frequent_o a_o man_n examine_v the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o strict_o he_o observe_v his_o small_a failures_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o particular_o he_o resolve_v and_o endeavour_n to_o correct_v they_o by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o will_v his_o religion_n be_v uniform_a and_o his_o obedience_n perfect_a he_o that_o use_v himself_o often_o to_o consider_v and_o to_o recollect_v the_o particular_n of_o his_o duty_n will_v perform_v many_o thing_n which_o other_o know_v indeed_o and_o understand_v in_o general_a but_o 95._o through_o habitual_a careless_a and_o inconsiderateness_n omit_v and_o he_o that_o often_o search_v strict_o into_o the_o small_a error_n of_o his_o life_n and_o pray_v against_o they_o and_o resolve_v
particular_o and_o endeavour_n to_o amend_v they_o will_v be_v able_a to_o avoid_v and_o overcome_v many_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v by_o other_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o unavoidable_a frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o nature_n 7._o and_o in_o proportion_n as_o a_o man_n arrive_v near_a to_o this_o perfect_a state_n of_o virtue_n so_o will_v that_o peace_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a reward_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o world_n grow_v up_o by_o degree_n to_o a_o settle_a joy_n and_o assurance_n of_o mind_n one_o who_o life_n be_v void_a of_o great_a and_o scandalous_a crime_n but_o otherwise_o not_o strict_a and_o diligent_a will_v be_v free_a indeed_o from_o the_o terror_n and_o amazement_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o because_o he_o have_v take_v no_o great_a pain_n nor_o do_v any_o thing_n considerable_a for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n his_o mind_n will_v yet_o be_v disturb_v with_o many_o scrupulous_a doubt_n and_o uncertain_a fear_n but_o when_o a_o man_n have_v be_v true_o diligent_a to_o improve_v himself_o to_o the_o utmost_a and_o have_v with_o zeal_n and_o earnestness_n press_v forward_o towards_o perfection_n then_o be_v it_o that_o he_o attain_v to_o that_o tranquillity_n and_o assurance_n which_o wise_a man_n have_v compare_v to_o a_o continual_a feast_n the_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n which_o 36._o some_o have_v find_v upon_o the_o careful_a and_o strict_a examination_n of_o one_o past_a day_n action_n have_v be_v very_o great_a but_o that_o complete_a assurance_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o a_o man_n life_n have_v be_v spend_v in_o the_o strictness_n and_o in_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o pleasure_n infinite_o surpass_v all_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sense_n be_v indeed_o a_o fore-taste_a of_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o a_o rejoice_v beforehand_o in_o christ_n with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n such_o a_o 8._o one_o as_o have_v arrive_v to_o this_o pitch_n live_v in_o peace_n and_o die_v with_o assurance_n and_o at_o the_o appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n shall_v be_v present_v fault_n less_o before_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o glory_n with_o 24._o exceed_v joy_n the_o end_n essay_n the_o three_o of_o repentance_n chap._n i._o of_o repentance_n in_o general_n 1._o the_o plain_a and_o express_a condition_n upon_o which_o the_o gospel_n promise_v salvation_n to_o all_o man_n be_v obedience_n or_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o time_n from_o which_o this_o holy_a life_n be_v to_o begin_v be_v either_o baptism_n or_o confirmation_n that_o be_v the_o time_n when_o those_o who_o be_v either_o at_o ripe_a year_n convert_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o have_v from_o their_o infancy_n be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o come_v to_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o from_o this_o period_n every_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o persevere_v in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v in_o a_o continual_a and_o sincere_a though_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n the_o gospel_n plain_o declare_v to_o we_o and_o that_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o heaven_n shall_v be_v at_o all_o promise_v to_o so_o small_a a_o service_n as_o the_o imperfect_a obedience_n which_o weak_a sinful_a degenerate_a man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o perform_v be_v the_o purchase_n of_o the_o price_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o infinite_a riches_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o christ._n have_v god_n therefore_o to_o those_o who_o have_v once_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v once_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o 6._o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v allow_v no_o more_o remission_n for_o wilful_a and_o presumptuous_a sin_n but_o accept_v those_o only_a who_o have_v once_o wash_v their_o garment_n 14._o in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n shall_v from_o thenceforward_o keep_v themselves_o in_o a_o gospel_n sense_n pure_a and_o undefiled_a yet_o have_v his_o mercy_n be_v infinite_o great_a than_o sinful_a man_n can_v have_v deserve_v or_o expect_v but_o such_o be_v the_o earnestness_n of_o god_n desire_n to_o make_v his_o creature_n happy_a and_o such_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o grace_n make_v know_v by_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n that_o even_o to_o those_o who_o have_v be_v already_o admit_v to_o the_o mercy_n and_o favour_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n of_o a_o great_a and_o glorious_a reward_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o easy_a and_o most_o reasonable_a obedience_n and_o have_v be_v endue_v with_o the_o earnest_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v notwithstanding_o relapse_n after_o all_o this_o into_o wilful_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n even_o to_o these_o i_o say_v he_o have_v yet_o further_o grant_v that_o if_o by_o a_o solemn_a repentance_n they_o shall_v again_o unfeigned_o renew_v their_o obedience_n and_o from_o that_o period_n persevere_v in_o well-doing_n to_o the_o end_n they_o shall_v yet_o attain_v to_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o shall_v be_v save_v as_o firebrand_n pluck_v out_o of_o the_o fire_n or_o as_o man_n escape_v upon_o a_o plank_n after_o shipwreck_n 2._o by_o repentance_n therefore_o i_o will_v all_o along_o in_o this_o essay_n be_v understand_v to_o mean_v not_o that_o repentance_n which_o be_v the_o constant_a duty_n of_o all_o christian_n who_o be_v indeed_o continual_o bind_v to_o repent_v in_o general_n of_o all_o those_o slip_v and_o infirmity_n those_o defect_n and_o surprise_v which_o by_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n be_v most_o ready_o pardon_v for_o this_o repentance_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o new_a period_n or_o beginning_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o a_o necessary_a and_o continue_a part_n of_o that_o imperfect_a obedience_n which_o man_n in_o this_o degenerate_a state_n be_v capable_a of_o perform_v and_o which_o god_n have_v in_o his_o gospel_n declare_v that_o he_o will_v always_o accept_v instead_o of_o perfect_a innocence_n but_o by_o repentance_n i_o here_o understand_v that_o repentance_n which_o be_v a_o entire_a change_n of_o heart_n and_o mind_n a_o turn_n from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n whereby_o those_o who_o by_o wilful_a and_o deadly_a sin_n have_v leave_v their_o first_o estate_n and_o forfeit_v their_o title_n to_o the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n be_v to_o begin_v anew_o their_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o recover_v the_o mercy_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o that_o no_o one_o may_v be_v perplex_v with_o vain_a scruple_n and_o unreasonable_a fear_n this_o repentance_n be_v such_o as_o plain_o no_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o but_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o great_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n of_o blasphemy_n perjury_n open_a profaneness_n or_o contempt_n of_o religion_n of_o murder_n sedition_n theft_n manifest_a and_o design_a injustice_n hatred_n fraud_n wrong_v or_o oppression_n of_o adultery_n fornication_n uncleanness_n or_o habitual_a drunkenness_n and_o intemperance_n or_o of_o some_o other_o sin_n either_o malicious_o wilful_a or_o notorious_o habitual_a chap._n ii_o that_o god_n allow_v repentance_n even_o to_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n 1._o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n there_o be_v novatian_n a_o sect_n of_o man_n who_o upon_o a_o mistake_a interpretation_n of_o some_o passage_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o hebrew_n contend_v that_o there_o be_v 59_o no_o more_o place_n of_o repentance_n allow_v to_o those_o who_o after_o baptism_n shall_v fall_v into_o any_o of_o these_o wilful_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n they_o teach_v that_o in_o baptism_n indeed_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o blasphemy_n whatsoever_o be_v forgive_v man_n absolute_o and_o wash_v away_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n but_o that_o if_o after_o that_o great_a remission_n they_o sin_v again_o wilful_o and_o presumptuous_o they_o can_v no_o more_o obtain_v any_o further_a pardon_n than_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n that_o great_a sacrifice_n for_o sin_n can_v be_v repeat_v and_o that_o therefore_o however_o they_o shall_v sincere_o repent_v yet_o there_o now_o remain_v nothing_o 27._o more_o for_o they_o but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n but_o that_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n and_o that_o god_n do_v admit_v even_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n upon_o their_o true_a repentance_n to_o forgiveness_n and_o pardon_n be_v evident_a both_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n from_o the_o practice_n
to_o the_o assurance_n of_o pardon_n they_o teach_v that_o the_o 59_o holy_a word_n and_o church_n of_o god_n always_o admit_v of_o true_a repentance_n that_o 24._o he_o that_o have_v fall_v may_v yet_o recover_v and_o escape_v if_o he_o repent_v true_o of_o what_o be_v past_a and_o for_o the_o future_a amend_v his_o life_n and_o make_v satisfaction_n to_o god_n that_o 2._o god_n not_o only_o give_v full_a remission_n of_o sin_n in_o baptism_n but_o allow_v also_o to_o those_o who_o shall_v afterward_o sin_v a_o further_a place_n of_o repentance_n that_o to_o etc._n every_o one_o who_o hearty_o and_o sincere_o repent_v god_n ready_o set_v open_v a_o door_n of_o pardon_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n return_v again_o into_o a_o mind_n purify_v from_o the_o pollution_n of_o sin_n that_o 8._o all_o man_n who_o repent_v even_o those_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o great_a sin_n do_v not_o deserve_v to_o have_v find_v any_o more_o pardon_n shall_v be_v save_v because_o god_n out_o of_o his_o great_a compassion_n will_v be_v patient_a towards_o man_n and_o keep_v the_o invitation_n which_o he_o have_v make_v by_o his_o son_n that_o servandus_fw-la god_n will_v judge_v every_o man_n in_o the_o condition_n he_o find_v he_o and_o that_o therefore_o as_o it_o will_v nothing_o avail_v a_o man_n to_o have_v be_v former_o righteous_a if_o he_o at_o last_o grow_v wicked_a so_o one_o who_o have_v former_o live_v wicked_o may_v afterward_o by_o repentance_n and_o renew_a obedience_n blot_v out_o his_o past_a transgression_n and_o attain_v to_o the_o crown_n of_o virtue_n and_o immortality_n 6._o thus_o that_o god_n admit_v even_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n be_v evident_a both_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o from_o the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o then_o to_o make_v this_o repentance_n such_o as_o will_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o effectual_o available_a to_o obtain_v pardon_n there_o be_v several_a considerable_a circumstance_n require_v and_o these_o i_o think_v may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o first_o that_o it_o must_v be_v early_o second_o that_o it_o must_v be_v great_a and_o three_o that_o it_o must_v be_v constant_a and_o persevere_v in_o its_o effect_n chap._n iii_o that_o true_a repentance_n must_v be_v early_o 1._o first_o that_o repentance_n may_v be_v true_a and_o available_a to_o obtain_v pardon_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o be_v early_o that_o be_v the_o sinner_n must_v forsake_v his_o vice_n so_o timely_a as_o to_o obtain_v the_o habit_n of_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n and_o to_o live_v in_o they_o otherwise_o he_o can_v have_v no_o security_n that_o his_o repentance_n be_v hearty_a or_o if_o it_o be_v that_o it_o will_v be_v accept_v by_o god_n 2._o first_o we_o can_v never_o have_v any_o security_n that_o a_o late_a repentance_n be_v hearty_a and_o sincere_a a_o man_n may_v very_o well_o at_o the_o amaze_a approach_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n be_v extreme_o sorry_a that_o he_o have_v live_v wicked_o he_o may_v strong_o wish_v that_o he_o have_v live_v the_o life_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o resolve_v if_o he_o be_v to_o live_v over_o again_o that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o may_v be_v mere_o the_o passion_n and_o not_o at_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n be_v a_o entire_a change_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o effectual_a reformation_n of_o life_n but_o the_o passion_n of_o sorrow_n and_o remorse_n be_v such_o as_o accurse_a spirit_n shall_v be_v for_o ever_o torment_v with_o in_o vain_a and_o such_o as_o a_o die_a penitent_n can_v never_o be_v secure_a that_o this_o late_a repentance_n will_v exceed_v many_o upon_o a_o bed_n of_o sickness_n have_v make_v all_o the_o holy_a vow_n and_o pious_a resolution_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v nay_o perhaps_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o wicked_a man_n who_o when_o he_o think_v he_o be_v about_o to_o die_v do_v not_o desire_n and_o design_n to_o amend_v yet_o how_o few_o be_v there_o of_o these_o who_o if_o they_o recover_v do_v ever_o make_v good_a those_o vow_n and_o resolution_n and_o no_o late_a penitent_n can_v ever_o be_v sure_a that_o this_o will_v not_o be_v his_o own_o case_n when_o a_o habitual_a sinner_n be_v in_o time_n convince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o his_o way_n and_o resolve_n and_o endeavour_n in_o earnest_a to_o reform_v while_o he_o have_v life_n and_o health_n and_o strength_n to_o do_v it_o yet_o seldom_o do_v he_o at_o the_o first_o trial_n work_v himself_o up_o to_o such_o a_o effectual_a and_o prevail_a resolution_n against_o his_o sin_n as_o to_o change_v his_o whole_a course_n of_o life_n in_o a_o instant_n and_o at_o once_o deliver_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o bondage_n of_o corruption_n into_o the_o 2d_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n usual_o he_o proceed_v by_o degree_n and_o after_o many_o relapse_n and_o renew_a resolution_n arrive_v at_o last_o to_o a_o settle_a and_o steady_a course_n of_o piety_n how_o much_o less_o than_o can_v a_o late_a penitent_n who_o labour_v under_o all_o the_o contrary_a disadvantage_n ever_o be_v secure_a that_o his_o repentance_n will_v be_v sincere_a and_o his_o resolution_n effectual_a enough_o to_o translate_v he_o at_o one_o effort_n from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 3._o for_o this_o reason_n the_o ancient_n never_o admit_v any_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n who_o begin_v not_o their_o repentance_n before_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n those_o say_v 52._o st._n cyprian_n who_o will_v not_o in_o time_n repent_v and_o by_o public_a lamentation_n testify_v their_o hearty_a sorrow_n for_o their_o sin_n we_o utter_o reject_v from_o all_o hope_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n if_o in_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n and_o danger_n they_o begin_v to_o entreat_v because_o then_o it_o be_v not_o true_a repentance_n for_o their_o sin_n but_o the_o fear_n of_o approach_a death_n that_o drive_v they_o to_o beg_v for_o mercy_n and_o no_o one_o be_v worthy_a to_o receive_v any_o comfort_n in_o death_n who_o never_o consider_v before_o hand_n that_o he_o be_v to_o die_v 4._o but_o second_o suppose_v a_o late_a repentance_n to_o be_v hearty_a and_o sincere_a yet_o have_v we_o no_o positive_a and_o absolute_a promise_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v accept_v the_o plain_a and_o express_a condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n establish_v by_o christ_n be_v a_o holy_a life_n that_o be_v a_o constant_a and_o persevere_v obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n in_o a_o gospel_n and_o merciful_a sense_n allow_v for_o humane_a weakness_n and_o imperfection_n from_o the_o time_n of_o our_o baptism_n or_o of_o our_o come_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n until_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n and_o the_o least_o that_o can_v possible_o lay_v claim_n to_o the_o reward_n promise_v upon_o this_o condition_n be_v such_o a_o repentance_n as_o produce_v the_o actual_a obedience_n of_o at_o least_o some_o proportianable_a part_n of_o a_o man_n life_n 5._o to_o say_v that_o the_o original_a condition_n of_o the_o christian_a covenant_n be_v such_o that_o a_o man_n may_v safe_o live_v wicked_o all_o his_o life_n and_o satisfy_v all_o his_o lust_n and_o appetite_n to_o the_o utmost_a provide_v he_o do_v but_o leave_v off_o and_o forsake_v his_o sin_n at_o the_o last_o be_v real_o to_o take_v away_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o to_o undermine_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o virtue_n for_o consider_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n how_o prevail_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n how_o deceitful_a the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o how_o powerful_a the_o assault_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n be_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n how_o seldom_o sudden_a death_n happen_v and_o how_o little_a the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n be_v understand_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n to_o find_v argument_n sufficient_o strong_a to_o move_v man_n to_o repent_v and_o to_o reform_v immediate_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o danger_n but_o in_o sudden_a death_n and_o no_o great_a malignity_n in_o sin_n than_o what_o may_v be_v cure_v by_o a_o easy_a and_o short_a repentance_n at_o last_o most_o man_n will_v venture_v to_o be_v wicked_a at_o present_a and_o trust_v to_o the_o opportunity_n of_o grow_v better_a afterward_o though_o therefore_o god_n may_v possible_o have_v reserve_v of_o mercy_n which_o in_o event_n he_o may_v exercise_v towards_o man_n in_o their_o last_o extremity_n yet_o original_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o gospel_n covenant_n give_v no_o assurance_n of_o comfort_n but_o either_o to_o a_o constant_a and_o persevere_v holiness_n