of_o good_a and_o evil_a contain_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o some_o action_n antecedent_n to_o any_o positive_a or_o express_a law_n of_o god_n or_o man_n so_o do_v it_o indispensable_o oblige_v to_o the_o practical_a observation_n thereof_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v that_o effect_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n rom._n 2.15_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o can_v be_v blot_v out_o by_o any_o abrogation_n without_o blot_v out_o the_o reason_n that_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n that_o which_o be_v in_o itself_o evil_a can_v without_o contradiction_n become_v indifferent_a or_o lawful_a but_o that_o which_o be_v not_o restrain_v or_o forbid_v by_o any_o bind_a law_n must_v needs_o be_v lawful_a therefore_o the_o opinion_n of_o libertine_n and_o antinomian_o affirm_v christian_n under_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v discharge_v from_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o any_o law_n or_o command_n of_o god_n as_o such_o be_v not_o only_o false_a and_o heretical_a but_o also_o impossible_a to_o be_v true_a in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o import_v a_o repugnancy_n to_o the_o nature_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o all_o distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o withal_o it_o evacuate_v all_o pardon_n of_o sin_n by_o conclude_v a_o impossibility_n of_o commit_v it_o for_o where_o no_o law_n be_v there_o can_v be_v no_o transgression_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o moral_a law_n be_v common_a to_o both_o covenant_n and_o that_o when_o saint_n paul_n say_v we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n rom._n 6.15_o his_o meaning_n can_v be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o under_o any_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n but_o that_o we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o rigorous_a exaction_n of_o the_o law_n require_v perfect_a obedience_n without_o afford_v either_o pardon_n for_o any_o offence_n against_o it_o or_o any_o sufficient_a aid_n of_o grace_n to_o perform_v it_o christian_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o now_o they_o be_v under_o be_v deliver_v from_o that_o desperate_a state_n which_o the_o law_n leave_v they_o in_o that_o be_v under_o it_o be_v relieve_v by_o a_o double_a grace_n first_o of_o pardon_n of_o sin_n upon_o repentance_n and_o second_o of_o ability_n through_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o yield_v such_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n as_o will_v be_v accept_v and_o so_o to_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o burden_n of_o that_o obedience_n which_o by_o the_o premise_n have_v be_v assert_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n i_o answer_v that_o god_n accept_v by_o the_o new_a covenant_n repentance_n join_v with_o faith_n in_o christ_n instead_o of_o perfect_a obedience_n require_v in_o the_o old_a be_v a_o sufficienu_fw-fr abatement_n of_o the_o intolerableness_n of_o the_o old_a yoke_n and_o as_o ample_a a_o dispensation_n as_o can_v be_v afford_v to_o sinner_n to_o qualify_v they_o for_o salvation_n which_o will_v further_o appear_v upon_o these_o consideration_n 1._o that_o repentance_n suppose_v man_n to_o be_v sinner_n admit_v by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n afford_v a_o remedy_n for_o sin_n and_o a_o capacity_n of_o life_n to_o they_o that_o by_o the_o old_a covenant_n be_v absolute_o exclude_v from_o all_o hope_n thereof_o 2._o that_o reformation_n of_o life_n and_o future_a obedience_n which_o repentance_n signify_v be_v not_o the_o same_o which_o the_o law_n exact_v that_o be_v not_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a without_o any_o manner_n of_o defect_n not_o the_o not-sinning_a at_o all_o but_o the_o not_o wilful_o and_o presumptuous_o sin_v and_o abide_v therein_o impenitent_o after_o the_o receive_v 〈◊〉_d receive_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o knowledge_n or_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n heb._n 10.26_o a_o sincere_a desire_n and_o faithful_a endeavour_n of_o obedience_n be_v accept_v for_o repentance_n which_o may_v consist_v with_o some_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o law_n condemn_v as_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n not_o affect_v sin_n of_o infirmity_n and_o surreption_n imperfection_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n sincere_o endeavour_v with_o many_o frailty_n which_o a_o christian_a labour_n under_o and_o against_o but_o can_v perfect_o overcome_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o although_o as_o transgression_n of_o the_o pure_a and_o perfect_a law_n of_o god_n they_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o sin_n yet_o by_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n the_o mediator_n thereof_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o penitent_a sinner_n that_o by_o a_o true_a faith_n lay_v hold_v upon_o that_o mediator_n so_o that_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n which_o do_v not_o make_v void_a the_o effect_n and_o benefit_n of_o repentance_n but_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o a_o regenerate_a state_n but_o because_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o determine_v precise_o and_o exclusive_o what_o they_o be_v it_o concern_v every_o true_a penitent_a to_o take_v as_o much_o heed_n as_o he_o can_v of_o all_o sin_n and_o not_o to_o presume_v of_o any_o indulgence_n for_o the_o least_o that_o can_v be_v avoid_v by_o he_o and_o while_o it_o be_v say_v that_o some_o kind_n of_o sin_n be_v consistent_a with_o such_o a_o repentance_n as_o be_v available_a to_o salvation_n it_o be_v employ_v that_o other_o be_v not_o so_o and_o such_o be_v all_o gross_a wilful_a and_o presumptuous_a sin_n but_o 3._o neither_o do_v such_o sin_n as_o these_o after_o a_o man_n have_v once_o true_o repent_v exclude_v a_o sinner_n from_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o be_v still_o capable_a of_o the_o same_o remedy_n which_o be_v allow_v for_o all_o sort_n of_o sin_n which_o a_o man_n be_v find_v guilty_a of_o before_o his_o first_o conversion_n although_o such_o sin_n do_v evacuate_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o former_a repentance_n so_o far_o as_o to_o render_v he_o uncapable_a of_o expect_v or_o claim_v the_o remission_n of_o they_o thereby_o suspend_v his_o pardon_n for_o the_o present_a till_o he_o have_v renew_v his_o repentance_n or_o repair_v the_o breach_n of_o it_o herein_o consist_v the_o abundance_n of_o gospel-grace_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o repentance_n that_o it_o be_v never_o out-dated_n not_o be_v restrain_v to_o one_o general_a pardon_n as_o the_o novatian_o heretical_o teach_v nor_o limit_v to_o any_o number_n of_o repetition_n there_o be_v no_o sin_n at_o any_o time_n unpardonable_a under_o the_o condition_n of_o repentance_n for_o that_o against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v so_o upon_o this_o account_n only_o that_o it_o exclude_v that_o grace_n by_o which_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v enable_v to_o repent_v these_o three_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n due_o consider_v i_o conceive_v to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v the_o objection_n before_o suggest_v especial_o if_o that_o be_v add_v which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n viz_o that_o whosoever_o embrace_v this_o second_o covenant_n shall_v be_v sufficient_o enable_v by_o the_o grace_n thereof_o that_o be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o help_v he_o though_o not_o to_o keep_v the_o whole_a law_n exact_o and_o perfect_o without_o sin_n yet_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n which_o by_o that_o covenant_n be_v require_v of_o he_o to_o work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n this_o sufficiency_n of_o grace_n i_o take_v to_o be_v suppose_v in_o the_o exhortation_n of_o my_o text_n and_o confirm_v by_o the_o reason_n that_o follow_v after_o it_o for_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o you_o to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n of_o which_o afterward_o thus_o far_o we_o have_v proceed_v towards_o the_o resolution_n of_o that_o great_a question_n what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o that_o desire_v to_o work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n from_o the_o distinct_a answer_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o two_o of_o his_o apostle_n to_o the_o same_o question_n believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n say_v saint_n paul_n repent_v say_v st._n peter_n keep_v the_o commandment_n say_v our_o saviour_n these_o three_o answer_n comprehend_v whatever_o be_v require_v of_o a_o christian_a in_o order_n to_o his_o salvation_n may_v suffice_v for_o a_o complete_a answer_n to_o that_o question_n but_o consider_v the_o infinite_a weight_n and_o moment_n of_o the_o question_n some_o further_a enlargement_n of_o the_o answer_n from_o 3._o or_o 4._o select_a text_n be_v not_o to_o be_v count_v superfluous_a and_o the_o first_o of_o these_o additional_a text_n shall_v be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n urge_v the_o same_o exhortation_n with_o that_o in_o our_o text_n in_o other_o word_n 2_o pet._n 1.5_o and_o beside_o this_o give_v all_o diligence_n add_v
prevent_v other_o do_v of_o evil._n to_o omit_v a_o necessary_a duty_n be_v a_o present_a certain_a evil_n the_o scandal_n that_o may_v be_v take_v thereby_o be_v but_o accidental_a and_o contingent_a though_o it_o be_v probable_a love_v both_o to_o god_n and_o ourselves_o require_v that_o if_o god_n must_v be_v dishonour_v it_o shall_v rather_o be_v by_o another_o than_o by_o a_o man_n self_n beside_o the_o omission_n of_o such_o action_n give_v general_o as_o great_a or_o a_o great_a scandal_n to_o other_o as_o it_o remove_v from_o some_o be_v the_o case_n so_o that_o a_o far_o great_a sin_n and_o dishonour_v to_o god_n be_v like_a to_o be_v do_v by_o occasion_n of_o this_o action_n than_o that_o omission_n will_v be_v yet_o be_v we_o not_o allow_v much_o less_o bind_v thus_o to_o prevent_v it_o because_o there_o be_v no_o possible_a consideration_n which_o can_v license_v much_o less_o oblige_v a_o man_n to_o sin_n the_o least_o sin_n be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v to_o prevent_v the_o great_a q._n 2._o but_o what_o if_o the_o action_n be_v only_o good_a and_o commendable_a and_o not_o absolute_o command_v for_o such_o action_n i_o think_v may_v be_v admit_v as_o well_o under_o the_o gospel_n as_o in_o the_o freewill_n offering_n and_o voluntary_a vow_n under_o the_o law_n without_o yield_v the_o doctrine_n of_o supererogation_n if_o such_o action_n have_v a_o appearance_n of_o evil_a to_o other_o whether_o be_v they_o to_o be_v omit_v for_o that_o only_a reason_n answ_n if_o that_o brother_n who_o be_v suspect_v to_o be_v scandalize_v by_o such_o a_o action_n be_v true_o weak_a that_o be_v uninstruct_v and_o not_o proud_a wilful_a or_o obstinate_a and_o if_o that_o scandal_n can_v be_v sufficient_o prevent_v by_o instruction_n and_o due_a mean_n of_o rectify_v his_o judgement_n i_o think_v the_o action_n shall_v for_o the_o present_a be_v omit_v because_o all_o action_n command_v in_o their_o kind_n be_v not_o always_o necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v according_a to_o the_o common_a rule_n 〈◊〉_d the_o school_n concern_v affirmative_a precept_n nâ—_n bind_v ad_fw-la semper_fw-la that_o be_v at_o every_o time_n indeed_o the_o general_a precept_n of_o believe_v and_o fear_v god_n and_o love_v he_o and_o our_o neighbour_n dâ—_n bind_v both_o semper_fw-la and_o ad_fw-la semper_fw-la that_o be_v at_o aâ—_n time_n but_o then_o it_o be_v to_o the_o habit_n not_o to_o the_o elicâ—â—_n much_o less_o imperate_a act_n of_o these_o virtue_n that_o man_n be_v always_o bind_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a because_o not_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n always_o to_o elicit_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n fear_v or_o love_n but_o the_o disposition_n aâ—_n habit_n must_v never_o be_v want_v nor_o can_v be_v in_o good_a christian_n and_o if_o act_v command_v mâ—_n for_o some_o reason_n be_v omit_v at_o some_o time_n bâ—_n cause_n they_o bound_v not_o to_o all_o time_n then_o much_o mâ—_n may_v such_o act_n as_o be_v not_o command_v though_o good_a be_v not_o necessary_a at_o any_o time_n be_v omit_v some_o time_n 2._o because_o as_o before_o be_v say_v â—â—ctions_n not_o only_o indifferent_a but_o good_a in_o themselves_o may_v become_v evil_a by_o some_o circumstance_n among_o which_o this_o may_v fall_v out_o to_o be_v one_o 3._o because_o the_o do_v of_o such_o a_o good_a action_n not_o command_v may_v bring_v more_o dishonour_n to_o god_n by_o the_o scandal_n of_o it_o than_o it_o will_v do_v honour_n by_o the_o do_n of_o it_o and_o though_o we_o may_v not_o do_v the_o least_o evil_a to_o prevent_v the_o great_a yet_o may_v we_o omit_v a_o less_o good_a when_o it_o be_v not_o command_v to_o promote_v a_o great_a 4._o last_o that_o general_a rule_n that_o god_n will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o this_o case_n where_o the_o soul_n of_o my_o brother_n be_v probable_o endanger_v by_o my_o voluntary_a sacrifice_n but_o q._n 3._o what_o if_o the_o act_n that_o have_v a_o appearance_n of_o evil_a to_o brother_n which_o be_v true_o weak_a be_v bare_o lawful_a and_o indifferent_a in_o itself_o neither_o command_v nor_o yet_o good_a in_o its_o nature_n or_o kind_a but_o yet_o necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o a_o man_n life_n liberty_n estate_n or_o credit_n and_o can_v be_v omit_v without_o notable_a prejudice_n and_o hazard_v to_o a_o man_n self_n in_o these_o interest_n whether_o be_v a_o man_n bind_v to_o redeem_v the_o scandal_n of_o his_o brethren_n with_o such_o hazard_n or_o prejudice_n to_o himself_o or_o his_o family_n the_o argument_n producible_a for_o the_o affirmative_a in_o this_o question_n be_v to_o be_v draw_v 1._o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n dishonour_n which_o by_o the_o sin_n of_o another_o occasion_v by_o this_o act_n of_o i_o will_v be_v procure_v 2._o from_o the_o debt_n of_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o neighbour_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o brother_n aught_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o any_o temporal_a interest_n of_o our_o own_o answ_n it_o be_v certain_o true_a that_o the_o high_a regard_n which_o a_o man_n owe_v to_o these_o two_o thing_n will_v oblige_v a_o christian_n to_o do_v his_o endeavour_n to_o prevent_v the_o impeachment_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o bound_v he_o to_o use_v such_o prudential_a mean_n as_o he_o be_v able_a to_o prevent_v the_o danger_n of_o sin_n in_o another_o which_o may_v be_v do_v without_o forbear_v the_o action_n which_o his_o necessity_n or_o just_a interest_n do_v so_o much_o require_v have_v the_o corinthian_n for_o want_v of_o other_o meat_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o have_v starve_v or_o by_o not_o eat_v this_o any_o otherwise_o hazard_v their_o life_n i_o think_v they_o have_v not_o be_v absolute_o bind_v to_o abstain_v by_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n in_o the_o direction_n which_o here_o he_o give_v they_o which_o do_v not_o suppose_v they_o under_o any_o such_o extremity_n but_o only_o invite_v to_o the_o meat_n in_o that_o case_n of_o danger_n i_o think_v to_o have_v protest_v against_o all_o respect_n and_o honour_n to_o the_o idol_n may_v have_v acquit_v they_o from_o the_o scandal_n and_o make_v their_o eat_v that_o meat_n in_o such_o a_o case_n lawful_a though_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o express_v any_o such_o exception_n because_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o it_o and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o express_a apostolical_a interdict_v against_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n 15._o act_n 15._o which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o esteem_a precept_n of_o noah_n yet_o it_o appear_v by_o s._n paul_n discourse_n in_o the_o precede_a verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o elsewhere_o upon_o the_o same_o theme_n that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o temporal_a or_o provision_n edict_n not_o oblige_v beyond_o the_o necessity_n of_o thaâ—_n case_n whereupon_o it_o be_v make_v and_o this_o i_o think_v iâ—_n the_o warrant_n by_o which_o most_o christian_n do_v not_o now_o hold_v themselves_o oblige_v by_o the_o same_o edict_n to_o abstain_v from_o eat_v of_o blood_n or_o thing_n make_v thereof_o which_o yet_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o church_n for_o soâ—â—_n century_n and_o forbid_v by_o some_o council_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o think_v that_o another_o man_n error_n or_o weakness_n especial_o when_o a_o sufficient_a remedy_n thereof_o be_v offer_v by_o i_o shall_v restrain_v i_o of_o such_o use_n of_o my_o lawful_a liberty_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o my_o own_o preservation_n if_o i_o be_v bind_v to_o redeem_v every_o accidental_a dishonour_n to_o god_n or_o hurt_v to_o my_o neighbour_n soul_n by_o the_o loss_n of_o those_o benefit_n which_o god_n providence_n afford_v i_o it_o will_v be_v scarce_o possible_a to_o enjoy_v they_o at_o all_o but_o for_o a_o conclusion_n to_o this_o point_n of_o scandal_n the_o full_a and_o exact_a handle_n whereof_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o model_n of_o a_o sermon_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v a_o short_a inquiry_n into_o some_o of_o the_o reason_n or_o cause_n whereby_o man_n be_v induce_v to_o imitate_v other_o in_o thing_n against_o their_o own_o conscience_n the_o discovery_n whereof_o will_v be_v useful_a to_o resolve_v some_o question_n in_o this_o case_n i_o shall_v name_v but_o two_o which_o be_v both_o ground_v upon_o the_o mistake_n of_o the_o imitator_n herein_o i_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o borrow_v something_o both_o of_o sense_n h._n d._n h._n h._n and_o word_n from_o a_o late_a reverend_a author_n who_o have_v learned_o discourse_v upon_o this_o question_n 1._o one_o reason_n whereby_o people_n be_v sometime_o encourage_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v against_o their_o own_o conscience_n be_v from_o their_o own_o mistake_n of_o the_o action_n or_o intention_n of_o he_o who_o they_o imitate_v think_v he_o to_o do_v or_o intend_v that_o which_o he_o do_v not_o thus_o
of_o faith_n we_o meet_v withal_o before_o and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o other_o of_o repentance_n as_o easy_a it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a for_o man_n to_o persuade_v themselves_o they_o have_v repent_v of_o their_o sin_n without_o any_o actual_a sincere_a reformation_n of_o their_o life_n or_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o last_o hour_n of_o their_o life_n be_v time_n enough_o for_o this_o work_n when_o they_o know_v such_o a_o reformation_n be_v altogether_o impossible_a but_o i_o be_o not_o in_o this_o place_n to_o enter_v upon_o the_o common_a place_n of_o repentance_n or_o to_o discourse_v 〈◊〉_d the_o various_a acception_n of_o the_o word_n my_o design_n iâ—_n only_o to_o show_v what_o that_o repentance_n be_v which_o iâ—_n necessary_a to_o be_v wrought_v out_o in_o order_n to_o a_o man_n salvation_n and_o that_o will_v be_v learn_v most_o compendious_o from_o a_o remarkable_a text_n of_o saint_n paul_n 2_o cor._n 7.10_o for_o godly_a sorrow_n work_v repentance_n to_o salvation_n never_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o where_o it_o be_v first_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o rise_v or_o spring_n of_o repentance_n be_v 〈◊〉_d be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d godly_a sorrow_n or_o â—_o sorrow_n according_a to_o god_n which_o inport_v first_o a_o due_a sight_n and_o sense_n oâ—_n sin_n second_o a_o hearty_a sorrow_n for_o it_o as_o it_o relatâ—_n to_o god_n that_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o so_o injurious_a and_o offensive_a â—_o he_o and_o not_o only_o as_o it_o be_v noxious_a or_o perilous_a â—_o ourselves_o there_o may_v be_v a_o true_a godly_a sorrow_n as_o well_o foâ—_n the_o suffering_n as_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o but_o the_o sorrow_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o bring_v forth_o repentance_n be_v a_o sorrow_n for_o our_o own_o sin_n and_o two_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o just_a matter_n and_o motive_n of_o a_o godly_a sorrow_n 1._o the_o nature_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o effect_n and_o consequent_n of_o it_o 2.15_o 1_o joh._n 3.4_o rom._n 2.15_o the_o proper_a nature_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o transgression_n of_o god_n law_n whether_o write_v in_o the_o bible_n or_o in_o the_o heart_n the_o effect_n of_o sin_n do_v refer_v either_o to_o god_n or_o to_o ourselves_o and_o our_o brethren_n those_o which_o respect_n god_n be_v his_o displeasure_n and_o his_o dishonour_n for_o all_o sin_n be_v both_o displease_v and_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n because_o it_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o his_o will_n those_o which_o respect_v ourselves_o be_v â—ll_a manner_n of_o evil_n privative_a and_o positive_a that_o may_v accrue_v to_o we_o from_o sin_n either_o by_o the_o nature_n or_o by_o the_o punishment_n thereof_o now_o albeit_o these_o â—atter_a event_n of_o sin_n be_v just_a matter_n of_o sorrow_n â—nd_v that_o sorrow_n may_v also_o conduce_v to_o the_o effect_n of_o repentance_n yet_o be_v not_o this_o proper_o call_v godly_a sorrow_n because_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sorrow_n for_o god_n cause_n so_o â—uch_o as_o for_o our_o own_o and_o the_o root_n of_o it_o be_v self-love_a rather_o than_o the_o love_n of_o god_n i_o conclude_v â—herefore_o that_o the_o proper_a object_n and_o motive_n of_o â—odly_a sorrow_n be_v sin_n as_o sin_n consider_v with_o â—â—e_z event_n that_o necessary_o proceed_v from_o it_o as_o such_o â—â—z_fw-mi the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n with_o his_o just_a displeasure_n â—hich_v be_v the_o great_a evil_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o â—â—â—test_a matter_n of_o sorrow_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o his_o â—â—vour_n be_v the_o most_o desirable_a good_a thing_n and_o â—â—ght_n to_o be_v the_o high_a end_n that_o we_o shall_v proâ—ound_v to_o ourselves_o and_o most_o to_o be_v rejoice_v in_o â—nd_v therefore_o the_o contrary_n of_o these_o thing_n his_o dishonour_n and_o his_o displeasure_n ought_v above_o all_o â—â—ings_n to_o be_v avert_v and_o grieve_v for_o and_o the_o â—â—rrow_n for_o sin_n upon_o these_o consideration_n be_v the_o â—ost_o godly_a sorrow_n because_o it_o imply_v a_o love_n to_o god_n with_o a_o conversion_n of_o our_o will_n unto_o his_o will_n from_o which_o by_o sin_n it_o have_v be_v avert_v this_o be_v thaâ—_n sorrow_n which_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o scholastic_a term_n of_o contrition_n the_o abstract_n of_o the_o concrew_a word_n so_o oft_o use_v in_o scripture_n contrite_a to_o express_v the_o disposition_n of_o a_o penitent_a heart_n thâ—_n latin_n word_n poenitere_fw-la and_o the_o english_a to_o repeâ—_n do_v first_o and_o most_o proper_o signify_v to_o be_v sorry_a â—_o a_o thing_n do_v amiss_o and_o the_o word_n repentant_a in_o scripture_n do_v sometime_o signify_v no_o more_o thâ—_n this_o but_o in_o this_o text_n and_o all_o other_o where_o 〈◊〉_d have_v the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n or_o remission_n of_o â—_o annex_v to_o it_o repentance_n have_v a_o further_a signifiâ—_n tion_n which_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v from_o â—_o apostle_n word_n towards_o the_o rectification_n of_o meâ—_n judgement_n concern_v the_o notion_n of_o christian_a repentance_n which_o be_v available_a to_o salvation_n viz._n that_o be_v not_o a_o bare_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n though_o it_o be_v a_o goesorrow_n much_o less_o every_o kind_n of_o sorrow_n a_o nâ—_n may_v have_v sorrow_n for_o sin_n more_o than_o enough_o aâ—_n yet_o be_v as_o far_o from_o repentance_n to_o salvation_n as_o juâ—_n be_v who_o be_v express_o say_v to_o have_v repent_v himself_o matth._n 27.3_o his_o heart_n be_v desperate_o 〈◊〉_d mortal_o wound_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o â—_o and_o sorrow_n for_o it_o but_o a_o godly_a forrow_n it_o be_v â—_o that_o bring_v forth_o repentance_n to_o salvation_n but_o â—_o quite_o contrary_n the_o sorrow_n of_o the_o world_n that_o brâ—_n forth_o death_n 1.25_o act._n 1.25_o and_o hasten_v his_o dispâ—_n to_o his_o own_o place_n where_o there_o a_o good_a store_n of_o such_o penitent_n weep_v and_o wa_v and_o gnash_v their_o tooth_n without_o dâ—_n for_o their_o sin_n that_o bring_v they_o thither_o judâ—_n case_n be_v indeed_o very_o miserable_a if_o we_o consider_v a_o repentance_n wherein_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o distinct_a example_n of_o all_o three_o part_n of_o the_o scholastical_a repentance_n as_o first_o such_o a_o deep_a attrition_n as_o by_o the_o pontifician_n doctrine_n seem_v to_o want_v nothing_o to_o have_v turn_v it_o into_o contrition_n but_o absolution_n which_o consider_v his_o free_a and_o particular_a confession_n the_o second_o part_n of_o his_o repentance_n i_o have_v sin_v in_o betray_v innocent_a blood_n and_o that_o join_v with_o a_o voluntary_a satisfaction_n the_o three_o part_n in_o his_o bring_v again_o the_o thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n be_v unmerciful_o deny_v he_o by_o the_o chief_a priest_n 5._o matth._n 27.3_o 4_o 5._o but_o judas_n his_o conscience_n can_v not_o be_v satisfy_v much_o less_o his_o sin_n discharge_v with_o all_o this_o repentance_n which_o yet_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o that_o which_o be_v common_o presume_v to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o most_o people_n think_v if_o their_o conscience_n be_v prick_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n so_o that_o they_o can_v say_v they_o be_v sorry_a for_o they_o let_v it_o be_v upon_o what_o consideration_n it_o will_v they_o be_v true_o penitent_a especial_o if_o this_o sorrow_n be_v but_o distinguish_v from_o that_o of_o judas_n by_o a_o presumptuous_a hope_n and_o confidence_n of_o pardon_n and_o much_o more_o if_o they_o can_v but_o deceive_v themselves_o into_o a_o present_a sleight_n purpose_n of_o some_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n then_o they_o think_v they_o be_v out_o of_o danger_n and_o may_v build_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o a_o certain_a pardon_n whereas_o by_o the_o necessary_a sense_n of_o this_o text_n it_o be_v perfect_o evident_a that_o the_o most_o sincere_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n be_v not_o in_o itself_o a_o complete_a repentance_n but_o a_o cause_n and_o a_o preparative_n to_o it_o for_o godly_a sorrow_n work_v repentance_n but_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o effect_n can_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n nothing_o can_v produce_v itself_o but_o because_o godly_a sorrow_n if_o it_o be_v right_a will_v work_v repentance_n therefore_o it_o may_v in_o some_o case_n where_o there_o be_v no_o time_n for_o any_o work_n to_o be_v bring_v forth_o be_v accept_v for_o repentance_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n by_o which_o the_o will_n be_v accept_v for_o the_o deed_n when_o it_o be_v a_o sincere_a firm_a and_o ratify_v will_n which_o god_n only_o can_v judge_v of_o and_o which_o it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o know_v of_o himself_o without_o some_o reasonable_a trial_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v small_a comfort_n for_o any_o man_n in_o a_o repentance_n that_o have_v proceed_v no_o far_o god_n may_v
a_o man_n have_v break_v the_o law_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v a_o direct_a and_o absolute_a precept_n of_o the_o law_n i_o say_v a_o direct_a or_o absolute_a precept_n of_o the_o law_n in_o its_o prime_a intention_n repentance_n be_v not_o but_o a_o consequent_a hypothetical_a indirect_a precept_n it_o be_v of_o a_o second_o intention_n that_o be_v upon_o supposition_n a_o man_n have_v once_o transgress_v the_o law_n he_o be_v implicit_o bind_v by_o the_o same_o law_n to_o repent_v as_o repentance_n signify_v a_o cessation_n from_o sin_n and_o a_o return_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n otherwise_o a_o man_n may_v be_v discharge_v from_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n by_o break_v it_o 3._o rom._n 4._o 1_o joh._n 3._o and_o then_o he_o that_o have_v sin_v once_o can_v sin_v no_o more_o because_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n but_o that_o law_n that_o bind_v a_o man_n to_o perpetual_a obedience_n do_v not_o only_o bind_v a_o man_n from_o sin_v once_o but_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v do_v so_o it_o must_v needs_o oblige_v he_o to_o cease_v from_o continue_v in_o his_o sin_n but_o proper_o and_o direct_o repentance_n be_v a_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n direct_v to_o the_o transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n as_o a_o remedy_n for_o the_o breach_n of_o it_o and_o a_o condition_n of_o pardon_n not_o allow_v by_o the_o original_a law_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o precept_n only_o but_o a_o privilege_n peculiar_a to_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o gracious_a dispensation_n and_o mitigation_n of_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n act._n 11.18_o god_n have_v grant_v to_o the_o gentile_n repentance_n unto_o life_n that_o a_o sinner_n upon_o his_o repentance_n through_o faith_n in_o a_o mediator_n that_o have_v expiate_v his_o sin_n shall_v obtain_v remission_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o be_v discharge_v from_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n be_v a_o new_a grant_n grace_n and_o privilege_v of_o the_o second_o covenant_n the_o difference_n therefore_o between_o the_o first_o and_o second_o covenant_n lie_v not_o in_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o those_o general_a term_n do_v this_o and_o live_v as_o if_o the_o second_o covenant_n require_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v contrary_a to_o our_o text_n and_o all_o those_o which_o have_v be_v allege_v for_o the_o explication_n thereof_o but_o partly_o in_o the_o special_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n this_o and_o partly_o in_o a_o gracious_a promise_n of_o grace_n sufficient_a to_o enable_v a_o man_n to_o perform_v what_o ever_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o that_o word_n this_o which_o can_v be_v so_o interpret_v as_o to_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o reference_n to_o both_o covenant_n because_o though_o something_o be_v require_v to_o be_v do_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o old_a yet_o not_o the_o same_o for_o something_o be_v require_v in_o the_o old_a which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o new_a and_o something_o be_v require_v in_o the_o new_a which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o old_a and_o something_o be_v require_v in_o both_o for_o instance_n the_o old_a covenant_n indispensable_o require_v perfect_a innocence_n in_o a_o entire_a fulfil_v the_o whole_a law_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n or_o declare_v or_o to_o be_v declare_v by_o divine_a revelation_n leave_v no_o place_n for_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o repentance_n to_o be_v admit_v for_o a_o remedy_n of_o sin_n but_o this_o perfect_a innocence_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v require_v in_o the_o new_a covenant_n as_o the_o very_a supposition_n of_o it_o prevent_v and_o destroy_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o new_a which_o import_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o such_o sinless_a innocence_n in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o remedy_n provide_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n for_o the_o want_n of_o such_o innocence_n be_v it_o possible_a to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o old_a covenant_n the_o new_a can_v have_v no_o place_n because_o that_o suppose_v a_o man_n a_o transgressor_n of_o the_o old_a and_o if_o now_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o obey_v the_o whole_a law_n without_o any_o new_a transgression_n yet_o he_o that_o be_v already_o a_o sinner_n 19_o rom._n 5.18_o 19_o as_o all_o man_n be_v by_o the_o first_o transgression_n can_v not_o be_v save_v by_o that_o covenant_n because_o his_o be_v so_o render_v he_o incapable_a of_o plead_v performance_n of_o the_o condition_n thereof_o this_o therefore_o be_v a_o main_a difference_n between_o the_o two_o covenant_n the_o first_o exact_v perfect_a obedience_n and_o innocence_n the_o second_o admit_v repentance_n a_o second_o difference_n of_o these_o covenant_n be_v in_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a article_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o be_v consign_v upon_o the_o condition_n of_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n as_o a_o saviour_n to_o save_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n which_o also_o import_v a_o plain_a repugnance_n to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o first_o in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o imply_v a_o violation_n of_o it_o faith_n in_o a_o saviour_n to_o save_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n can_v be_v no_o precept_n of_o the_o old_a covenant_n because_o that_o do_v neither_o declare_v nor_o admit_v any_o such_o saviour_n these_o be_v two_o main_a thing_n whereby_o the_o two_o covenant_n be_v distinguish_v in_o their_o condition_n and_o it_o be_v not_o requisite_a in_o this_o place_n to_o name_v any_o more_o but_o with_o these_o difference_n there_o be_v also_o something_o common_a to_o both_o and_o that_o be_v the_o general_a obligation_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n according_a to_o the_o express_a word_n of_o our_o saviour_n before_o allege_a if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o such_o necessity_n as_o can_v not_o be_v discharge_v or_o dispense_v with_o by_o any_o positive_a will_n or_o covenant_n of_o god_n upon_o any_o consideration_n whatsoever_o no_o not_o upon_o that_o of_o a_o most_o perfect_a satisfaction_n for_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n with_o a_o entire_a fulfil_n of_o it_o by_o a_o surety_n for_o and_o in_o the_o stead_n of_o the_o transgressor_n i_o say_v that_o neither_o upon_o this_o nor_o any_o other_o consideration_n the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o moral_a law_n of_o god_n can_v be_v discharge_v or_o dispense_v with_o for_o these_o reason_n 1._o because_o such_o a_o discharge_n or_o dispensation_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n which_o import_v a_o authority_n to_o command_v all_o creature_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v and_o obey_v any_o command_n this_o authority_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n he_o can_v divest_v himself_o of_o by_o any_o positive_a will_n no_o more_o than_o he_o can_v destroy_v his_o own_o essence_n but_o to_o discharge_v a_o creature_n capable_a of_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n from_o all_o obligation_n thereunto_o be_v to_o put_v off_o that_o authority_n because_o where_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n there_o can_v be_v no_o authority_n to_o command_v if_o therefore_o god_n shall_v discharge_v a_o creature_n of_o his_o duty_n of_o obey_v his_o command_n he_o shall_v thereby_o quit_v his_o sovereignty_n over_o that_o creature_n which_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a 2._o because_o such_o a_o liberty_n grant_v to_o any_o part_n of_o mankind_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o imply_v a_o licence_n and_o toleration_n of_o the_o utmost_a wickedness_n that_o can_v be_v commit_v by_o they_o that_o have_v obtain_v this_o liberty_n for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o restraint_n put_v upon_o the_o will_n of_o man_n by_o any_o bind_a law_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o utmost_a of_o licence_n 3._o because_o this_o liberty_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n as_o he_o be_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n because_o as_o he_o be_v reasonable_a he_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v command_n and_o law_n from_o his_o creator_n and_o as_o he_o be_v a_o creature_n he_o be_v natural_o bind_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o they_o the_o relation_n of_o a_o creature_n natural_o import_v such_o a_o debt_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o creator_n as_o can_v never_o be_v discharge_v 4._o and_o last_o because_o there_o be_v some_o divine_a law_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o indispensable_a to_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n such_o be_v that_o which_o be_v common_o call_v the_o moral_a law_n in_o the_o strict_a sense_n signify_v not_o all_o precept_n that_o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o man_n but_o the_o same_o thing_n with_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o right_a reason_n which_o as_o it_o teach_v a_o distinction_n
art_n of_o logic_n or_o extraordinary_a perfection_n of_o reason_n which_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o have_v in_o this_o case_n the_o ignorance_n of_o those_o practicab_n precept_n so_o obscure_o reveal_v in_o holy_a scripture_n may_v be_v inculpable_a as_o i_o suppose_v 3._o where_o the_o ignorance_n be_v inculpable_a the_o doubt_n be_v so_o too_o 4._o inculpable_a ignorance_n as_o well_o concomitant_a as_o causal_n do_v excuse_v the_o act_n that_o be_v do_v with_o it_o though_o contrary_a to_o a_o precept_n from_o sin_n not_o only_o a_o tanto_fw-la but_o à _fw-la toto_fw-la i_o use_v the_o term_n inculpable_a rather_o than_o invincible_a because_o it_o be_v more_o clear_a and_o less_o liable_a to_o cavil_v nor_o be_v those_o term_n equivalent_a for_o both_o some_o ignorance_n may_v be_v invincible_a in_o some_o circumstance_n which_o be_v not_o inculpable_a and_o some_o ignorance_n may_v be_v inculpable_a which_o be_v not_o simple_o invincible_a for_o to_o render_v ignorance_n inculpable_a it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v prevent_v by_o any_o possible_a industry_n but_o it_o suffice_v that_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o mean_n that_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o have_v use_v or_o from_o any_o other_o fault_n of_o the_o ignorant_a person_n inculpable_a ignorance_n i_o say_v excuse_v any_o action_n that_o be_v do_v with_o it_o from_o sin_n as_o well_o à _fw-la tanto_fw-la as_o à _fw-la toto_fw-la and_o as_o well_o when_o it_o be_v bare_o concomitant_a as_o when_o it_o be_v causal_n this_o conclusion_n be_v disagreeable_a to_o the_o ordinary_a resolution_n of_o the_o school_n and_o yet_o seem_v to_o be_v true_a upon_o this_o reason_n because_o inculpable_a ignorance_n bar_v the_o obligation_n of_o a_o positive_a law_n which_o can_v oblige_v till_o it_o be_v so_o promulge_v as_o oblige_v all_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v bind_v by_o it_o to_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o and_o though_o actual_a knowledge_n of_o a_o law_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o yet_o promulgation_n be_v and_o that_o such_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o take_v off_o all_o excuse_n of_o ignorance_n and_o therefore_o to_o render_v it_o not_o inculpable_a and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n actual_o oblige_v there_o can_v be_v no_o sin_n therefore_o inculpable_a ignorance_n as_o well_o of_o the_o law_n as_o of_o the_o fact_n excuse_v from_o sin_n and_o that_o not_o only_a when_o that_o ignorance_n be_v a_o cause_n sine_fw-la qua_fw-la non_fw-la of_o the_o action_n which_o a_o man_n will_v not_o do_v if_o he_o know_v of_o the_o law_n but_o also_o when_o the_o ignorance_n do_v only_o accompany_v the_o action_n which_o a_o man_n will_v have_v do_v though_o he_o have_v know_v the_o law_n the_o disposition_n of_o the_o will_v to_o do_v such_o a_o evil_a action_n though_o it_o be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o be_v indeed_o a_o sin_n but_o the_o action_n itself_o can_v be_v a_o sin_n whilst_o it_o be_v not_o forbid_v to_o the_o agent_n by_o any_o oblige_a law_n to_o apply_v these_o proposition_n to_o the_o question_v premise_v see_v all_o manner_n of_o doubt_n proceed_v from_o ignorance_n and_o that_o ignorance_n may_v be_v inculpable_a and_o where_o the_o ignorance_n be_v inculpable_a so_o be_v the_o doubt_n and_o inculpable_a igrance_n of_o a_o law_n take_v away_o the_o obligation_n and_o therefore_o excuse_v from_o sin_n it_o seem_v to_o follow_v that_o when_o a_o man_n be_v inculpable_o ignorant_a of_o any_o such_o law_n as_o forbid_v the_o action_n which_o he_o deliberate_v about_o he_o may_v act_v with_o persuasion_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n thereof_o to_o he_o though_o he_o shall_v have_v some_o reason_n to_o doubt_v whether_o such_o a_o law_n may_v not_o be_v for_o whether_o there_o be_v or_o there_o be_v not_o if_o he_o be_v inculpable_o ignorant_a of_o it_o it_o oblige_v he_o not_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o act_v or_o forbear_v according_a to_o reason_n and_o may_v do_v either_o of_o faith_n that_o be_v though_o he_o doubt_v upon_o some_o uncertain_a account_n not_o oblige_v his_o belief_n whether_o the_o action_n to_o be_v do_v be_v not_o forbid_v by_o some_o law_n of_o god_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v inculpable_o ignorant_a of_o the_o law_n it_o do_v not_o oblige_v he_o and_o therefore_o leave_v he_o free_a till_o he_o be_v so_o far_o instruct_v as_o he_o can_v plead_v no_o inculpable_a ignorance_n as_o for_o example_n suppose_v the_o law_n forbid_v a_o action_n be_v not_o where_o in_o scripture_n set_v forth_o express_o and_o the_o only_a evidence_n thereof_o depend_v upon_o doubtful_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n or_o subtle_a consequence_n dispute_v and_o deny_v by_o good_a and_o learned_a man_n of_o equal_a credit_n and_o not_o declare_v or_o determine_v by_o any_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o case_n i_o be_v no_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o controversy_n may_v suppose_v myself_o inculpable_o ignorant_a of_o that_o law_n as_o well_o as_o i_o be_o of_o other_o verity_n and_o point_n of_o belief_n that_o have_v no_o other_o or_o no_o better_a evidence_n of_o scripture_n whilst_o yet_o pretension_n of_o reason_n not_o cogent_a together_o with_o the_o opinion_n of_o learned_a man_n may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v i_o doubt_v as_o well_o of_o the_o uncertain_a precept_n as_o of_o other_o verity_n i_o inquire_v now_o whether_o notwithstanding_o this_o doubt_n i_o may_v not_o act_v in_o faith_n that_o be_v believe_v it_o still_o lawful_a for_o i_o to_o do_v this_o action_n whether_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v forbid_v or_o not_o forbid_v because_o the_o law_n whereby_o it_o be_v forbid_v if_o it_o be_v so_o under_o this_o inculpable_a ignorance_n do_v not_o yet_o oblige_v i_o and_o if_o i_o believe_v myself_o not_o oblige_v by_o a_o law_n i_o may_v act_v in_o faith_n that_o be_v with_o persuasion_n that_o i_o be_o free_a whether_o my_o ignorance_n be_v in_o truth_n inculpable_a or_o not_o yet_o if_o i_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v so_o its_o certain_a i_o may_v have_v the_o same_o persuasion_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o action_n that_o i_o do_v against_o no_o other_o law_n than_o that_o whereof_o i_o think_v myself_o inculpable_o ignorant_a it_o be_v true_a if_o my_o ignorance_n be_v not_o inculpable_a i_o shall_v sin_v in_o this_o action_n but_o shall_v notwithstanding_o act_v in_o faith_n notwithstanding_o my_o doubt_n whilst_o that_o doubt_n be_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o i_o to_o do_v this_o action_n in_o this_o case_n of_o ignorance_n for_o that_o will_v impart_v a_o contradiction_n to_o my_o faith_n or_o persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v but_o only_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o some_o law_n forbid_v the_o action_n in_o general_n and_o oblige_v all_o that_o know_v it_o or_o shall_v know_v it_o but_o not_o oblige_v i_o as_o i_o suppose_v because_o i_o be_o as_o yet_o ignorant_a thereof_o and_o that_o as_o i_o believe_v inculpable_o but_o here_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o although_o it_o be_v certain_a by_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v of_o faith_n be_v not_o sin_n for_o then_o st._n paul_n have_v not_o sin_v whilst_o he_o persecute_v the_o church_n for_o he_o say_v i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n act_v 26.9_o and_o therefore_o though_o a_o man_n notwithstanding_o such_o a_o doubt_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v may_v act_v in_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n endeavour_v to_o be_v prove_v yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o he_o sin_v not_o except_o his_o ignorance_n be_v inculpable_a and_o if_o he_o only_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v so_o he_o may_v likewise_o for_o that_o reason_n believe_v that_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n but_o can_v have_v no_o more_o certain_o of_o the_o innocence_n of_o his_o act_n than_o he_o have_v of_o the_o inculpableness_n of_o his_o ignorance_n if_o this_o hypothesis_n seem_v to_o destroy_v the_o second_o principle_n before_o deliver_v with_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o case_n make_v upon_o it_o i_o answer_v 1._o as_o before_o be_v intimate_v that_o that_o principle_n in_o those_o indefinite_a term_n wherein_o it_o be_v first_o lay_v down_o be_v take_v up_o upon_o the_o common_a presumption_n of_o the_o universal_a truth_n of_o it_o and_o the_o respective_a resolution_n suppose_v it_o be_v according_o frame_v but_o 2._o if_o that_o principle_n be_v restrain_v as_o i_o understand_v it_o to_o such_o a_o doubt_n as_o be_v make_v not_o only_o concern_v the_o be_v of_o a_o positive_a law_n but_o concern_v the_o obligation_n of_o it_o to_o i_o that_o be_v if_o i_o doubt_v whether_o the_o
thou_o that_o make_v thy_o boast_n of_o the_o law_n through_o break_v the_o law_n dishonour_v thou_o god_n more_o particular_o first_o by_o all_o such_o action_n as_o be_v evil_a in_o themselves_o or_o second_o by_o such_o as_o be_v good_a or_o indifferent_a in_o themselves_o be_v evil_o perform_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o manner_n circumstance_n or_o end_n of_o they_o or_o three_o by_o such_o as_o have_v a_o appearance_n of_o evil_a 1._o by_o such_o action_n as_o be_v clear_o evil_a in_o themselves_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o by_o all_o such_o action_n god_n be_v dishonour_v aswell_o such_o as_o be_v commit_v against_o our_o neighbour_n as_o such_o as_o be_v commit_v immediate_o against_o god_n himself_o whether_o the_o eidence_n of_o that_o evil_n proceed_v from_o any_o write_a word_n of_o god_n or_o only_o from_o the_o common_a law_n of_o reason_n and_o humane_a understanding_n for_o that_o same_o effect_n of_o the_o law_n wittten_v in_o the_o heart_n 〈◊〉_d rom._n 2.15_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o saint_n paul_n attribute_n to_o the_o heathen_a be_v equal_o common_a to_o christian_n do_v equal_o bind_v they_o and_o can_v be_v supersede_v or_o make_v void_a by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o write_a law_n which_o serve_v to_o perfect_v it_o so_o that_o while_o the_o defect_n of_o that_o law_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v only_o supply_v by_o the_o word_n the_o effect_n of_o it_o still_o remain_v and_o if_o a_o heathen_a shall_v be_v judge_v for_o thing_n do_v by_o he_o only_o against_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n his_o own_o conscience_n accuse_v he_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v though_o he_o know_v of_o no_o write_a law_n of_o god_n against_o it_o then_o doubtless_o so_o shall_v a_o christian_a be_v for_o all_o such_o action_n as_o he_o shall_v do_v against_o the_o same_o law_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o conscience_n notwithstanding_o he_o either_o know_v not_o or_o can_v remember_v any_o write_a word_n against_o it_o for_o this_o ignorance_n as_o to_o such_o particular_a action_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o for_o although_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v say_v to_o be_v perfect_a and_o thereupon_o be_v suppose_v to_o declare_v in_o the_o latitude_n of_o its_o sense_n and_o the_o just_a consequence_n thereof_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n that_o be_v his_o preceptive_a will_n in_o whatsoever_o he_o require_v or_o forbid_v man_n to_o do_v yet_o because_o this_o perfection_n of_o sense_n with_o the_o consequence_n be_v not_o perfect_o understand_v by_o any_o man_n much_o less_o by_o all_o therefore_o may_v there_o be_v many_o thing_n therein_o require_v and_o forbid_v which_o will_v not_o from_o thence_o be_v particular_o understand_v much_o less_o remember_v at_o all_o time_n if_o therefore_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o man_n from_o clear_a light_n of_o reason_n shall_v condemn_v any_o action_n which_o he_o be_v any_o way_n tempt_v to_o do_v although_o he_o do_v not_o remember_v any_o particular_a text_n of_o scripture_n whereby_o it_o be_v forbid_v he_o be_v nevertheless_o bind_v to_o abstain_v from_o it_o by_o that_o law_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o cite_v by_o the_o conscience_n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n which_o be_v the_o consideration_n of_o god_n dishonour_n in_o that_o which_o be_v do_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o god_n be_v dishonour_v only_o by_o such_o action_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o will_n because_o no_o act_n which_o be_v either_o agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n by_o way_n of_o command_n or_o approbation_n or_o allow_v by_o his_o will_n by_o way_n of_o permission_n can_v be_v dishonourable_a to_o he_o unless_o he_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o command_v approve_v or_o allow_v of_o his_o own_o dishonour_n from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o god_n be_v not_o dishonour_v by_o any_o such_o act_n as_o be_v pure_o indifferent_a in_o their_o individual_a existence_n because_o that_o dishonour_n import_v a_o contradiction_n to_o such_o a_o indifferency_n and_o so_o destroy_v it_o for_o it_o can_v be_v indifferent_a to_o dishonour_v god_n but_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o individual_a act_n as_o be_v absolute_o indifferent_a be_v a_o disputable_a point_n which_o i_o may_v not_o here_o stand_v to_o examine_v but_o in_o general_a every_o act_n of_o transgression_n of_o the_o know_a will_n of_o god_n be_v a_o manifest_a derogation_n to_o his_o glory_n especial_o that_o of_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n and_o especial_o every_o presumptuous_a i._n e._n wilful_a transgression_n for_o that_o import_v a_o plain_a contempt_n of_o god_n and_o his_o authority_n therefore_o by_o this_o rule_n christian_n be_v especial_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o abstain_v from_o all_o presumptuous_a transgression_n of_o god_n will_n which_o way_n soever_o make_v know_v unto_o they_o whether_o by_o the_o write_a word_n or_o by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n as_o before_o be_v say_v now_o those_o action_n be_v most_o apparent_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v evil_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o 2._o but_o it_o be_v no_o less_o manifest_a that_o some_o action_n both_o which_o be_v indifferent_a and_o which_o be_v good_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o may_v be_v evil_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o manner_n circumstance_n and_o end_v of_o their_o do_v as_o be_v say_v before_o and_o be_v too_o evident_a to_o need_v any_o proof_n only_o this_o may_v be_v add_v that_o as_o there_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o action_n which_o can_v be_v make_v good_a or_o indifferent_a by_o any_o circumstance_n whatsoever_o as_o to_o hate_n god_n to_o blaspheme_v or_o curse_v he_o to_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a by_o false_a swear_v etc._n etc._n which_o action_n certain_o be_v evil_a not_o by_o any_o arbitrary_a law_n or_o will_v of_o god_n but_o by_o their_o very_a nature_n and_o this_o evil_a such_o as_o no_o possible_a determination_n of_o god_n will_n can_v or_o can_v have_v acquit_v they_o from_o so_o be_v there_o some_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n especial_o which_o be_v so_o intrinsical_o good_a as_o that_o they_o can_v become_v evil_a by_o any_o circumstance_n or_o end_n that_o be_v consistent_a with_o their_o be_v as_o to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o to_o reverence_v he_o to_o desire_n his_o glory_n above_o all_o thing_n &c_n &c_n yet_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o even_o in_o such_o action_n as_o they_o be_v now_o perform_v by_o man_n in_o the_o flesh_n there_o be_v some_o imperfection_n and_o that_o be_v a_o evil_a but_o not_o such_o as_o denominate_v the_o act_n to_o be_v so_o except_o we_o will_v say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o holy_a man_n that_o can_v be_v to_o do_v any_o such_o good_a act_n as_o be_v not_o a_o sin_n and_o then_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o vain_a question_n to_o dispute_v whether_o any_o single_a act_n can_v be_v indifferent_a for_o if_o all_o such_o act_n as_o have_v any_o or_o the_o most_o goodness_n in_o they_o be_v sin_n it_o be_v a_o great_a absurdity_n to_o imagine_v that_o those_o which_o be_v suppose_v indifferent_a have_v no_o goodness_n in_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o evil_a for_o than_o it_o will_v be_v apparent_a that_o one_o evidence_n at_o least_o of_o their_o not_o be_v evil_a shall_v be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o good_a because_o by_o this_o conclusion_n if_o they_o be_v good_a they_o will_v be_v evil._n 3._o god_n be_v dishonour_v by_o such_o action_n as_o have_v a_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o therefore_o by_o this_o rule_n also_o christian_n be_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o precept_n of_o s._n paul_n 1_o thess_n 5.22_o as_o it_o be_v render_v in_o our_o own_o and_o most_o other_o translation_n for_o there_o be_v another_o possible_a translation_n of_o the_o word_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v favour_v by_o the_o syriack_n translator_n and_o be_v accept_v by_o some_o interpreter_n viz._n from_o all_o kind_n or_o sort_n of_o evil_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ab_fw-la omni_fw-la specie_fw-la mali_fw-la but_o beside_o that_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a abatement_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o precept_n i_o doubt_v much_o whether_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o example_n else_o where_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o the_o septuagint_n may_v be_v take_v in_o such_o a_o philosophical_a sense_n certain_o christian_n ought_v to_o abstain_v not_o only_o from_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v real_o evil_a but_o also_o from_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v give_v a_o suspicion_n or_o carry_v a_o appearance_n of_o evil_n as_o for_o instance_n we_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o abstain_v from_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n from_o covetousness_n deceit_n intemperance_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o unchastness_n
as_o god_n that_o be_v with_o all_o the_o heart_n and_o all_o the_o soul_n anâ—_n all_o the_o might_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o finâ—_n and_o great_a commandment_n this_o kind_n of_o love_n be_v that_o which_o constitute_v and_o distinguish_v thâ—_n true_a filial_a fear_n of_o god_n and_o that_o constant_a respect_n or_o regard_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o this_o text_n require_v be_v not_o only_o a_o inseparable_a concomitaâ—â—_n of_o such_o a_o love_n but_o also_o a_o essential_a property_n thereof_o for_o as_o all_o virtuous_a love_n which_o the_o philosopher_n call_v love_n of_o friendship_n consist_v in_o affect_v anâ—_n seek_v the_o good_a of_o the_o belove_a for_o his_o own_o sake_n so_o the_o true_a love_n of_o god_n must_v needs_o consist_v iâ—_n the_o seck_v of_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n which_o be_v thâ—_n only_o good_a which_o be_v compatible_a to_o he_o anâ—_n therefore_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o we_o to_o testify_v our_o low_a to_o god_n but_o this_o at_o lest_o none_o wherein_o this_o be_v noâ—_n contain_v therefore_o what_o ever_o pretence_n meâ—_n may_v make_v of_o love_n to_o god_n who_o have_v no_o sinceâ—_n affection_n for_o his_o glory_n can_v be_v no_o better_o than_o hypocritical_a and_o must_v needs_o appear_v so_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o pretender_n if_o he_o will_v consider_v thâ—_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a interest_n wherein_o 〈◊〉_d be_v capable_a of_o be_v serve_v for_o as_o we_o can_v profit_v god_n any_o way_n so_o neither_o can_v we_o please_v he_o any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o this_o of_o aim_v at_o high_a glory_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o desire_v to_o express_v our_o respect_n to_o he_o that_o say_v of_o the_o apostle_n love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v verify_v as_o well_o of_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o first_o table_n as_o of_o the_o second_o and_o do_v true_o import_v no_o less_o than_o that_o love_n to_o god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n do_v confist_n in_o the_o keep_n of_o his_o commandment_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o saint_n john_n this_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o the_o like_a of_o our_o saviour_n 21_o joh._n 4.3_o joh._n 1â—_n 21_o if_o you_o love_v i_o keep_v my_o commandment_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o entire_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n but_o also_o that_o the_o right_a keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v only_o that_o which_o proceed_v from_o love_n to_o god_n so_o that_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o keep_v all_o the_o commandment_n without_o any_o other_o love_n than_o that_o which_o man_n have_v for_o themselves_o which_o must_v needs_o be_v impossible_a because_o to_o love_n god_n be_v not_o only_o one_o but_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o commandment_n he_o can_v not_o true_o pretend_v to_o have_v keep_v any_o of_o they_o at_o least_o not_o in_o the_o gospel-sense_n that_o be_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o which_o i_o understand_v to_o be_v a_o main_a part_n of_o that_o reformation_n under_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n mention_n be_v not_o only_o to_o serve_v he_o in_o the_o do_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v good_a in_o themselves_o and_o as_o such_o distinguishable_a from_o the_o ceremonial_a precept_n of_o the_o law_n but_o also_o to_o serve_v he_o in_o love_n for_o his_o own_o sake_n that_o be_v for_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n this_o be_v it_o which_o distinguish_v the_o good_a action_n of_o carnal_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n from_o those_o of_o the_o true_o faithful_a it_o be_v manifest_a by_o experience_n that_o not_o only_o carnal_a christian_n but_o the_o most_o barbarous_a infidel_n do_v many_o action_n agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o in_o as_o much_o as_o no_o such_o person_n make_v god_n the_o end_n of_o his_o action_n those_o action_n be_v not_o sincere_o good_a nor_o so_o much_o as_o act_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n who_o require_v to_o be_v obey_v in_o love_n now_o as_o these_o two_o common_a duty_n which_o express_v the_o whole_a service_n of_o god_n can_v be_v true_o perform_v without_o the_o observation_n of_o this_o general_a precept_n in_o the_o text_n so_o much_o less_o can_v that_o which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o perfection_n of_o these_o that_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o holy_a zeal_n for_o god_n for_o godly_a zeal_n can_v have_v no_o other_o proper_a design_n than_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o i_o forbear_v to_o insist_v upon_o this_o or_o to_o add_v any_o other_o reason_n for_o the_o confirm_v of_o the_o point_n because_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n by_o way_n of_o motive_n to_o mention_v the_o same_o again_o with_o other_o in_o the_o practical_a application_n whereto_o i_o be_o now_o to_o proceed_v the_o first_o general_a use_n which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o all_o pradical_a doctrine_n such_o as_o this_o be_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o of_o examination_n as_o oft_o as_o we_o read_v or_o hear_v of_o any_o duty_n require_v from_o god_n and_o general_o incombent_a upon_o all_o christian_n iâ—_n be_v the_o proper_a part_n of_o every_o man_n conscience_n to_o reflect_v upon_o itself_o by_o way_n of_o examination_n whether_o that_o duty_n be_v or_o have_v be_v observe_v anâ—_n perform_v by_o he_o this_o therefore_o be_v now_o to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o general_a rule_n 〈◊〉_d christian_n practice_n let_v every_o one_o of_o we_o consider_v and_o examine_v whether_o we_o have_v observe_v this_o rule_n or_o no_o in_o all_o our_o do_n and_o for_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o conscience_n that_o may_v be_v persuade_v to_o such_o a_o faithful_a application_n i_o shall_v from_o the_o premise_n already_o lay_v down_o draw_v up_o the_o interrogatory_n which_o each_o man_n shall_v charge_v upon_o himself_o to_o answer_v 1._o whether_o have_v thou_o have_v any_o such_o regard_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o any_o do_v thing_n which_o thou_o know_v to_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o have_v thou_o be_v careful_a to_o act_v nothing_o disagreeable_a to_o his_o know_a will_n have_v thou_o be_v so_o jealous_a and_o tender_a of_o his_o honour_n as_o not_o willing_o or_o needless_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o have_v any_o appearance_n of_o evil_n to_o thyself_o or_o to_o other_o who_o be_v like_a to_o be_v scandalize_v thereby_o have_v thou_o consecrate_v and_o devote_v thy_o whole_a self_n and_o all_o the_o interest_n of_o thy_o life_n in_o the_o desire_n and_o design_n of_o thy_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n have_v thou_o by_o a_o general_a proposition_n set_v god_n for_o the_o end_n of_o all_o thy_o do_n have_v thou_o frequent_o mind_v consider_v and_o think_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o thy_o do_n and_o make_v it_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o thou_o have_v order_v the_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o they_o these_o interrogatory_n be_v all_o draw_v out_o of_o the_o main_a part_n of_o that_o explication_n of_o this_o rule_n which_o have_v be_v premise_v be_v necessary_a to_o be_v put_v upon_o the_o examination_n by_o every_o conscience_n that_o acknowledge_v this_o duty_n will_v right_o censure_v itself_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o practice_n thereof_o the_o issue_n of_o such_o a_o examination_n sincere_o make_v may_v be_v of_o good_a effect_n to_o the_o foul_a whatever_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o conscience_n shall_v prove_v to_o be_v for_o either_o it_o will_v tend_v to_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o conscience_n which_o shall_v be_v able_a before_o god_n to_o testify_v its_o own_o performance_n of_o these_o thing_n though_o with_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n or_o it_o will_v be_v useful_a towards_o a_o profitable_a effect_n of_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n upon_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o neglect_n of_o so_o main_a a_o duty_n there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a comfort_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_a than_o that_o which_o due_o arise_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o premise_n because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a evidence_n of_o sincerity_n in_o the_o heart_n than_o that_o of_o such_o a_o practice_n for_o this_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v real_o and_o true_o godly_a upright_a and_o faithful_a before_o god_n such_o a_o one_o be_v the_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n who_o be_v or_o can_v be_v a_o more_o faithful_a servant_n than_o he_o that_o aim_v at_o his_o master_n honour_n and_o service_n in_o all_o that_o he_o do_v i_o may_v therefore_o with_o great_a confidence_n say_v to_o such_o a_o soul_n well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n enter_z thou_o into_o thy_o master_n joy_n the_o utmost_a