the_o firm_a assurance_n of_o a_o supernatural_a power_n and_o help_v to_o subdue_v the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n ground_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n give_v those_o that_o real_o believe_v the_o gospel_n such_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o strength_n and_o courage_n which_o give_v they_o victory_n over_o the_o world_n and_o their_o own_o inordinate_a lust_n and_o appetite_n from_o all_o which_o instance_n it_o appear_v how_o many_o singular_a help_n and_o motive_n the_o gospel_n give_v we_o in_o order_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v give_v and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n over_o and_o above_o all_o the_o principle_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v discover_v 3._o add_v hereunto_o in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o as_o this_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o help_n and_o motive_n thereunto_o so_o likewise_o for_o our_o support_n and_o comfort_n under_o all_o the_o trial_n fear_n and_o trouble_v that_o assault_n we_o in_o the_o present_a world_n whether_o those_o arise_v from_o 1._o outward_a evil_n or_o 2._o from_o inward_a guilt_n and_o fear_n of_o punishment_n 1._o and_o for_o the_o former_a man_n say_v job_n be_v bear_v for_o trouble_n as_o the_o spark_n fly_v upward_o that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o state_n of_o man_n be_v natural_o troublesome_a in_o this_o world_n so_o many_o be_v the_o affliction_n and_o trial_n which_o fall_v upon_o we_o in_o this_o life_n so_o many_o the_o danger_n or_o disappointment_n so_o many_o loss_n and_o calamity_n in_o our_o name_n or_o person_n or_o estate_n or_o in_o the_o person_n relate_v to_o we_o which_o four_o and_o embitter_v the_o present_a world_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v support_v we_o and_o make_v our_o life_n easy_a to_o we_o but_o the_o firm_a assurance_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o bless_a and_o glorious_a immortality_n which_o as_o i_o have_v clear_o show_v before_o be_v never_o find_v among_o the_o heathen_a never_o clear_o know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v they_o then_o so_o enjoy_v themselves_o in_o all_o the_o confusion_n in_o all_o the_o calamity_n of_o this_o world_n they_o who_o have_v no_o assure_a hope_n of_o immortality_n as_o we_o may_v do_v that_o have_v that_o hope_n or_o as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v we_o be_v trouble_v say_v the_o apostle_n on_o every_o side_n yet_o not_o distress_v we_o be_v perplex_v but_o not_o in_o despair_n persecute_v but_o not_o forsake_v cast_v down_o but_o not_o destroy_v 2_o cor._n 4.8_o 9_o not_o destroy_v no_o we_o do_v not_o faint_a we_o do_v not_o languish_v under_o our_o trouble_n so_o he_o add_v at_o the_o 16._o verse_n and_o will_v you_o know_v how_o they_o be_v support_v how_o sustain_v under_o all_o their_o trial_n persecution_n that_o appear_v from_o the_o first_o word_n of_o the_o follow_a chapter_n we_o know_v that_o if_o our_o earthly_a house_n of_o this_o tabernacle_n be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o buildin_fw-fr with_o god_n a_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n and_o this_o it_o be_v this_o certain_a knowledge_n this_o which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n want_v which_o give_v support_v and_o comfort_n to_o they_o under_o all_o their_o suffering_n and_o affliction_n 2._o add_v hereunto_o in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v never_o give_v man_n that_o assurance_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o and_o the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n which_o the_o gospel_n most_o express_o give_v and_o therefore_o never_o so_o support_v we_o under_o the_o fear_n and_o sense_n of_o guilt_n as_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o gospel_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n send_v his_o belove_a son_n to_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n 1_o john_n 4.10_o the_o gospel_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o we_o heb._n 9.24_o that_o he_o intercee_v a_o priest_n for_o we_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o will_v continue_v so_o to_o do_v so_o to_o intercede_v for_o ever_o and_o that_o his_o intercession_n for_o we_o be_v most_o prevalent_a for_o our_o salvation_n that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v they_o to_o the_o uttermost_a that_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o see_v he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o heb._n 7.25_o and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o able_a only_o but_o also_o willing_a so_o to_o do_v as_o be_v a_o merciful_a and_o faithful_a high_a priest_n heb._n 2.17_o upon_o which_o account_n we_o be_v exhort_v to_o come_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o find_v grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n heb._n 4.16_o and_o be_v not_o these_o express_a declaration_n of_o the_o mighty_a efficacy_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n to_o make_v atonement_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o of_o his_o intercession_n for_o we_o to_o commend_v we_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n infinite_o great_a support_n to_o we_o under_o our_o fear_n of_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n or_o can_v the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n give_v such_o assurance_n of_o god_n mercy_n to_o mankind_n as_o god_n express_v promise_n give_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v never_o give_v we_o that_o assurance_n it_o do_v indeed_o convince_v man_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o guilt_n and_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o god_n displeasure_n thence_o arise_v and_o therefore_o labour_v to_o atone_v and_o to_o remove_v divine_a displeasure_n by_o many_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n yea_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o humane_a sacrifice_n but_o still_o alas_o leave_v the_o offerer_n under_o great_a confusion_n and_o uncertainty_n whereas_o god_n have_v clear_o and_o express_o declare_v himself_o reconcile_v to_o we_o by_o the_o spotless_a sacrifice_n of_o his_o son_n have_v thus_o show_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o believe_v what_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v over_o and_o above_o what_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v discover_v let_v we_o hence_o observe_v the_o sin_n and_o danger_n of_o those_o person_n who_o pretend_v indeed_o to_o believe_v in_o god_n but_o not_o in_o he_o who_o god_n have_v send_v to_o be_v the_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n 1._o they_o reject_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n who_o god_n have_v make_v the_o very_a judge_n of_o the_o quick_a and_o dead_a to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v all_o authority_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n they_o reject_v the_o head_n of_o that_o body_n to_o which_o alone_a salvation_n be_v promise_v for_o there_o be_v no_o name_n under_o heaven_n give_v among_o man_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v save_v but_o that_o of_o christ_n act_v 4.12_o and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o on_o the_o son_n full_a not_o see_v life_n but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o he_o john_n 3.36_o 2._o nor_o can_v it_o reasonable_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n afford_v the_o same_o help_n and_o motive_n to_o make_v man_n righteous_a good_a and_o holy_a which_o the_o very_a gospel_n itself_o afford_v there_o be_v nothing_o false_a nothing_o vain_a than_o that_o pretence_n as_o i_o have_v already_o clear_o show_v nor_o do_v those_o man_n who_o do_v pretend_v to_o believe_v in_o god_n but_o yet_o refuse_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n refuse_v this_o upon_o other_o reason_n but_o only_o because_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v too_o severe_a and_o holy_a for_o they_o they_o will_v not_o do_v what_o he_o command_v and_o therefore_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n nor_o will_v they_o pretend_v to_o obey_v the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n save_v only_o because_o by_o these_o mean_v they_o gain_v a_o liberty_n of_o do_v as_o little_a as_o they_o please_v for_o if_o you_o reprove_v they_o for_o any_o sin_n their_o answer_n be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n they_o make_v that_o light_n to_o be_v what_o they_o please_v and_o then_o do_v what_o they_o please_v also_o pretend_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n allow_v it_o but_o let_v all_o those_o who_o will_v not_o ruin_v their_o precious_a soul_n who_o do_v in_o deed_n and_o good_a earnest_n desire_v eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n full_o and_o faithful_o believe_v the_o gospel_n believe_v in_o he_o who_o have_v thereby_o bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n who_o have_v offer_v himself_o as_o a_o spotless_a sacrifice_n to_o make_v expiation_n of_o their_o sin_n who_o as_o he_o be_v now_o in_o god_n presence_n make_v intercession_n for_o his_o body_n so_o will_v appear_v to_o the_o world_n again_o at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o reward_v man_n according_a to_o their_o work_n let_v we_o all_o steadfast_o believe_v in_o he_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n for_o he_o that_o have_v the_o son_n have_v life_n and_o he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v not_o life_n 1_o john_n 5.12_o
and_o pleasure_n all_o the_o poor_a and_o mean_a advantage_n that_o any_o sin_n can_v offer_v to_o he_o in_o the_o steadfast_a view_n and_o hope_n of_o it_o will_v he_o think_v any_o loss_n or_o disadvantage_n that_o a_o holy_a life_n can_v bring_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o it_o will_v he_o think_v it_o much_o to_o suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o wealth_n or_o honour_n or_o life_n itself_o rather_o than_o that_o of_o eternal_a glory_n if_o he_o can_v retain_v the_o possession_n of_o one_o without_o plain_a forfeiture_n of_o all_o his_o title_n to_o the_o other_o if_o he_o must_v abandon_v one_o of_o these_o can_v he_o doubt_v whether_o he_o shall_v reject_v and_o that_o under_o full_a and_o clear_a conviction_n wrought_v by_o the_o very_a grace_n of_o god_n which_o we_o suppose_v in_o this_o hope_n that_o he_o can_v retain_v they_o both_o together_o i_o may_v bold_o say_v suppose_v the_o thing_n i_o have_v suppose_v in_o this_o hope_n he_o can_v no_o more_o refuse_v to_o do_v or_o yet_o suffer_v whatsoever_o can_v be_v propose_v unto_o he_o in_o this_o life_n rather_o than_o forfeit_v that_o to_o come_v than_o he_o can_v put_v off_o humane_a nature_n than_o he_o can_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o man_n and_o forbear_v to_o desire_v his_o own_o happiness_n the_o stable_a hope_n of_o eternal_a glory_n of_o the_o fruition_n of_o god_n presence_n in_o perfect_a purity_n and_o immortality_n will_v recommend_v that_o purity_n to_o he_o as_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o happiness_n and_o felicity_n it_o will_v also_o teach_v he_o to_o do_v and_o suffer_v whatsoever_o be_v requisite_a to_o obtain_v so_o great_a a_o happiness_n and_o felicity_n thus_o moses_n esteem_v the_o reproach_n of_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n for_o he_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o recompense_n of_o the_o reward_n heb._n 11.26_o so_o christ_n himself_o for_o that_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n heb._n 12.2_o so_o do_v s._n stephen_n part_n with_o his_o life_n in_o view_n of_o the_o glory_n which_o he_o see_v act_v 7.6_o and_o that_o with_o such_o content_a and_o charity_n that_o he_o pray_v for_o the_o very_a man_n that_o stone_v he_o lord_n lay_v not_o this_o sin_n to_o their_o charge_n so_o do_v the_o rest_n of_o christ_n follower_n in_o the_o primitive_a age_n of_o christianity_n rather_o choose_v to_o part_v with_o their_o very_a life_n as_o well_o as_o their_o other_o advantage_n in_o the_o world_n than_o with_o their_o title_n to_o future_a glory_n they_o all_o judge_v as_o s._n paul_n do_v the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o they_o rom._n 8.18_o which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n what_o strong_a endeavour_n to_o do_v and_o suffer_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o very_o great_a trial_n flow_v from_o the_o firm_a and_o stable_a hope_n of_o future_a bliss_n and_o immortality_n 2._o add_v hereunto_o in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o hope_n be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o do_v not_o only_o move_v to_o such_o endeavour_n but_o likewise_o carry_v that_o in_o it_o which_o can_v but_o render_v they_o efficacious_a in_o the_o subdue_a every_o lust_n in_o the_o produce_v of_o every_o grace_n in_o the_o accomplish_n every_o thing_n requisite_a unto_o life_n eternal_a for_o beside_o that_o the_o hope_v i_o have_v describe_v be_v always_o quicken_v and_o encourage_v by_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o make_v it_o powerful_a for_o the_o purify_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o life_n it_o take_v the_o very_a force_n and_o sting_v out_o of_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o world_n whether_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n in_o the_o hope_n or_o fear_n of_o thing_n below_o 1._o it_o destroy_v the_o force_n of_o those_o temptation_n that_o arise_v from_o wealth_n and_o power_n and_o honour_n from_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n by_o raise_v the_o thought_n and_o desire_n of_o man_n and_o transfer_v they_o to_o the_o thing_n above_o so_o it_o subdue_v those_o capital_a lust_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o pride_n of_o life_n sensuality_n avarice_n and_o ambition_n and_o all_o the_o spawn_n of_o these_o vice_n fraud_n oppression_n and_o revenge_n envy_n malice_n and_o animosity_n so_o it_o beget_v the_o grace_n contrary_a to_o all_o these_o vice_n charity_n purity_n and_o humility_n for_o no_o man_n that_o have_v place_v his_o hope_n upon_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n as_o his_o only_a happiness_n and_o felicity_n as_o his_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a good_a can_v so_o esteem_v the_o perish_a pleasure_n the_o fade_a profit_n of_o this_o world_n as_o to_o envy_v those_o that_o abound_v in_o they_o or_o despise_v those_o that_o have_v they_o not_o much_o less_o to_o deceive_v or_o to_o oppress_v to_o lie_v or_o flatter_v or_o dissemble_v to_o defame_v or_o reproach_v his_o neighbour_n to_o do_v a_o injury_n or_o deny_v a_o favour_n to_o attain_v they_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o this_o hope_n make_v man_n plain_a and_o simple_a heart_a make_v they_o merciful_a kind_a and_o gentle_a make_v they_o pure_a and_o heavenly_a mind_v it_o elevate_v the_o mind_n raise_v the_o thought_n enlarge_v the_o heart_n alter_v the_o frame_n of_o man_n nature_n and_o make_v he_o imitate_v that_o god_n in_o who_o he_o have_v settle_v all_o his_o trust_n and_o in_o conformity_n to_o who_o likeness_n with_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o presence_n he_o have_v place_v all_o his_o joy_n and_o happiness_n and_o thus_o do_v the_o hope_n of_o this_o happiness_n raise_v he_o above_o the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o those_o temptation_n that_o the_o profit_n or_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n can_v offer_v or_o suggest_v unto_o he_o 2._o nor_o be_v it_o any_o thing_n less_o effectual_a in_o secure_v he_o from_o the_o loss_n of_o innocence_n by_o those_o that_o arise_v from_o the_o evil_n of_o it_o reproach_n or_o poverty_n or_o death_n itself_o or_o any_o of_o those_o many_o calamity_n which_o may_v assault_v he_o in_o the_o world_n he_o know_v these_o thing_n can_v deprive_v he_o of_o that_o glory_n wherein_o he_o have_v place_v all_o his_o happiness_n he_o know_v they_o will_v short_o have_v a_o end_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o be_v content_a rather_o to_o suffer_v all_o the_o evil_n that_o the_o present_a world_n can_v bring_v upon_o he_o than_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o hope_n of_o life_n eternal_a this_o hope_n give_v he_o strength_n and_o courage_n it_o give_v he_o patience_n and_o resignation_n to_o his_o will_n from_o who_o he_o expect_v eternal_a glory_n and_o a_o increase_n of_o that_o glory_n as_o a_o reward_n for_o all_o his_o patience_n and_o perseverance_n in_o well_o do_v under_o all_o his_o suffering_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o that_o god_n never_o fail_v to_o bless_v and_o strengthen_v those_o person_n that_o patient_o suffer_v his_o will_n with_o the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o his_o spirit_n as_o the_o apostle_n himself_o assure_v we_o rom._n 5.2_o 3_o and_o follow_v verse_n we_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o not_o so_o only_o but_o we_o glory_n in_o tribulation_n also_o know_v that_o tribulation_n work_v patience_n and_o patience_n experience_n and_o experience_n hope_v and_o hope_n make_v not_o ashamed_a because_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o the_o sum_n be_v this_o the_o stable_a hope_n of_o eternal_a glory_n in_o the_o fruition_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o perfect_a purity_n and_o immortality_n render_v the_o man_n possess_v with_o it_o so_o indifferent_a to_o this_o world_n as_o to_o pursue_v and_o to_o enjoy_v the_o good_a of_o it_o with_o great_a sobriety_n and_o moderation_n without_o sensuality_n fraud_n or_o injury_n without_o animosity_n pride_n or_o envy_n with_o purity_n gentleness_n and_o christian_a charity_n it_o render_v he_o so_o indifferent_a to_o it_o as_o to_o endure_v the_o evil_n of_o it_o with_o constancy_n patience_n and_o perseverance_n in_o all_o simplicity_n and_o integrity_n by_o these_o he_o be_v so_o endear_v to_o god_n that_o as_o he_o before_o give_v he_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n so_o he_o give_v he_o now_o the_o joy_n thereof_o in_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o love_n to_o he_o which_o love_n still_o further_o excite_v a_o mutual_a have_v to_o god_n and_o also_o to_o man_n for_o his_o salâ—â—â—_n and_o by_o these_o mean_v further_a improve_v all_o his_o grace_n and_o purify_v he_o as_o god_n be_v pure_a which_o be_v the_o second_o of_o those_o general_n which_o i_o propound_v to_o consider_v
end_n wherein_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a man_n shall_v be_v esteem_v the_o very_o worst_a superstitious_a cold_a and_o formal_a man_n by_o those_o that_o be_v zealous_a in_o some_o faction_n and_o know_v no_o religion_n but_o that_o zeal_n because_o such_o time_n as_o these_o may_v be_v it_o be_v safe_a to_o content_v ourselves_o in_o gain_v those_o reward_n and_o blessing_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o religion_n the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o life_n eternal_a in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v 3._o and_o then_o last_o because_o hypocrisy_n be_v so_o deceitful_a and_o sly_a a_o sin_n as_o always_o serve_v worldly_a interest_n which_o be_v apt_a insensible_o to_o blind_v the_o eye_n and_o infatuate_a the_o mind_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n and_o yet_o hide_v itself_o from_o they_o themselves_o it_o will_v concern_v we_o to_o be_v very_o frequent_a and_o impartial_a in_o the_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o to_o weigh_v our_o counsel_n to_o try_v our_o end_n to_o prove_v our_o design_n in_o every_o action_n relate_v any_o way_n to_o religion_n it_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o consider_v whether_o we_o indeed_o design_v it_o real_o intend_v to_o promote_v and_o practice_v it_o wherever_o we_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o then_o because_o that_o god_n alone_o know_v the_o heart_n and_o because_o his_o grace_n be_v most_o needful_a to_o discover_v ourselves_o unto_o ourselves_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o many_o sin_n and_o passion_n that_o may_v infatuate_a and_o beguile_v we_o let_v we_o earnest_o pray_v for_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o deliver_v we_o from_o all_o the_o infatuation_n and_o all_o the_o seduction_n of_o our_o lust_n let_v we_o make_v the_o address_n which_o david_n do_v psal_n 139.22_o 24._o with_o who_o word_n i_o shall_v conclude_v search_v i_o o_o god_n and_o know_v my_o heart_n try_v i_o and_o know_v my_o thought_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o wicked_a way_n in_o i_o and_o lead_v i_o in_o the_o way_n everlasting_a the_o eleven_o sermon_n john_n 14.1_o you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o the_o whole_a verse_n be_v thus_o let_v not_o your_o heart_n be_v trouble_v you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o these_o word_n be_v a_o preface_n to_o a_o very_a large_a and_o kind_a discourse_n make_v by_o our_o lord_n unto_o his_o follower_n wherein_o he_o deliver_v the_o main_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n as_o well_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o practice_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o begin_v it_o with_o such_o word_n as_o may_v effectual_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o give_v both_o attention_n and_o belief_n to_o all_o that_o he_o shall_v deliver_v in_o it_o you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o in_o which_o word_n we_o have_v two_o part_n 1._o a_o concession_n or_o supposition_n you_o believe_v in_o god_n that_o be_v you_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o what_o be_v consequent_a hereupon_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v trust_v and_o obey_v although_o some_o other_o read_v the_o word_n not_o as_o a_o declaration_n you_o believe_v in_o god_n but_o as_o a_o command_n believe_v in_o god_n but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o depart_v from_o our_o own_o translation_n in_o this_o matter_n 2._o here_o be_v a_o precept_n also_o believe_v in_o i_o that_o be_v to_o say_v believe_v that_o i_o be_o the_o son_n of_o god_n send_v by_o he_o into_o the_o world_n to_o reveal_v the_o gospel_n of_o life_n eternal_a and_o therefore_o judge_v yourselves_o oblige_v to_o believe_v whatsoever_o i_o reveal_v and_o obey_v whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o now_o be_v that_o belief_n in_o christ_n in_o the_o sense_n i_o have_v now_o explain_v unto_o you_o be_v here_o require_v as_o a_o addition_n or_o further_a accession_n to_o the_o mere_a belief_n in_o god_n only_o as_o he_o may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o subject_n which_o the_o word_n before_o we_o offer_v to_o our_o consideration_n be_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n over_o and_o above_o that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n afford_v unto_o we_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o which_o point_n 1._o i_o must_v first_o consider_v that_o the_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v most_o express_o require_v by_o god_n and_o the_o denial_n of_o such_o belief_n forbid_v under_o no_o less_o a_o penalty_n than_o the_o utter_a loss_n of_o life_n eternal_a salvation_n be_v always_o promise_v to_o they_o who_o believe_v in_o he_o who_o have_v reveal_v it_o and_o become_v his_o follower_n and_o disciple_n to_o other_o person_n it_o be_v not_o promise_v as_o moses_n lift_v up_o the_o serpent_n in_o the_o wilderness_n so_o must_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v lift_v up_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n joh._n 3.14_o 15._o nor_o be_v it_o only_o promise_v to_o those_o and_o those_o only_a that_o so_o believe_v but_o deny_v to_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o to_o they_o that_o refuse_v to_o yield_v their_o belief_n to_o he_o who_o god_n have_v send_v and_o sanctify_v to_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n he_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o be_v not_o condemn_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o because_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n and_o so_o again_o omit_v several_a other_o place_n of_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o signification_n in_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o st_n john_n chap._n 5._o ver_fw-la 10._o he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n because_o he_o believe_v not_o the_o record_n that_o god_n give_v of_o his_o son_n thrice_o do_v god_n bear_v this_o record_n and_o own_o our_o lord_n to_o be_v send_v by_o he_o by_o a_o express_a voice_n from_o heaven_n once_o at_o his_o baptism_n in_o these_o word_n matt._n 3.17_o this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v a_o second_o time_n at_o his_o transfiguration_n upon_o the_o mount_n with_o some_o addition_n to_o those_o word_n matt._n 15.5_o this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v hear_v you_o he_o and_o yet_o again_o a_o three_o time_n a_o little_a before_o our_o saviour_n passion_n when_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o these_o word_n father_n glorify_v thy_o name_n he_o be_v answer_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v i_o have_v both_o glorify_v it_o and_o will_v glorify_v it_o again_o john_n 12.28_o to_o all_o which_o clear_a and_o express_v testimony_n give_v by_o the_o father_n to_o his_o son_n i_o may_v first_o add_v the_o glorious_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n during_o his_o life_n than_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o effusion_n of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o the_o apostle_n send_v by_o he_o and_o all_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o they_o and_o all_o his_o other_o follower_n also_o which_o be_v evident_a demonstration_n that_o he_o be_v the_o very_a son_n of_o god_n and_o send_v by_o he_o to_o save_v the_o world_n high_o aggravate_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o infidelity_n and_o unbelief_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o forbear_v to_o wonder_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v punish_v with_o death_n eternal_a and_o that_o christ_n himself_o shall_v thus_o pronounce_v mark_v 16.16_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v 2._o but_o than_o second_o lest_o you_o shall_v think_v that_o god_n will_v have_v we_o believe_v the_o gospel_n mere_o because_o he_o will_v have_v it_o so_o and_o that_o he_o have_v no_o further_a end_n in_o the_o truth_n therein_o reveal_v unto_o we_o than_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v they_o only_o i_o further_o add_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o truth_n be_v great_o necessary_a to_o several_a end_n of_o infinite_a moment_n and_o importance_n 1._o for_o the_o full_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o he_o require_v from_o we_o 2._o for_o the_o like_a knowledge_n of_o the_o great_a motion_n to_o those_o duty_n 3._o for_o our_o better_a support_n under_o all_o our_o trial_n fear_n and_o danger_n 1._o the_o belief_n of_o the_o great_a truth_n reveal_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v from_o we_o and_o that_o upon_o several_a consideration_n namely_o 1_o because_o that_o though_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n well_o improve_v may_v in_o some_o measure_n direct_v we_o to_o very_a many_o of_o they_o yet_o
such_o improvement_n of_o that_o light_n be_v no_o very_o easy_a or_o common_a thing_n and_o 2._o because_o there_o be_v now_o a_o high_a measure_n of_o natural_a duty_n require_v from_o we_o than_o be_v accept_v in_o former_a time_n that_o be_v the_o time_n before_o the_o gospel_n and_o 3._o yet_o again_o because_o there_o be_v now_o even_o other_o kind_n and_o sort_n of_o duty_n require_v from_o we_o than_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v discover_v 1_o therefore_o let_v it_o be_v well_o consider_v that_o although_o it_o be_v very_o true_a indeed_o that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n well_o improve_v may_v direct_v and_o guide_v we_o to_o many_o duty_n yet_o such_o improvement_n of_o that_o light_n be_v no_o such_o easy_a and_o common_a thing_n the_o strong_a affection_n that_o be_v in_o man_n to_o the_o gain_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n allow_v they_o but_o very_o little_a time_n to_o spend_v in_o the_o study_n of_o their_o duty_n much_o less_o do_v they_o prompt_v they_o to_o that_o study_n they_o press_v the_o gain_n of_o what_o be_v easy_a what_o be_v please_v to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n they_o press_v the_o please_a of_o themselves_o in_o the_o fruition_n of_o what_o they_o love_v and_o do_v so_o strange_o infatuate_a the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o render_v it_o infinite_o hard_a and_o difficult_a to_o excite_v those_o spark_n of_o natural_a light_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o their_o mind_n insomuch_o that_o we_o find_v by_o sad_a experience_n that_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n in_o all_o the_o age_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v much_o apt_a to_o extinguish_v than_o to_o improve_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n if_o you_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n before_o the_o flood_n you_o find_v that_o impurity_n and_o iniquity_n have_v strange_o spread_v and_o diffuse_v themselves_o through_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n god_n see_v say_v moses_n that_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n be_v great_a in_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o every_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v only_o evil_a continual_o gen._n 6.5_o every_o imagination_n evil_a and_o only_o evil_a and_o that_o continual_o if_o you_o descend_v below_o the_o flood_n how_o do_v the_o very_a same_o impiety_n and_o these_o with_o a_o very_a great_a accession_n namely_o with_o that_o of_o idolatry_n itself_o present_o deluge_n the_o world_n again_o how_o universal_a be_v these_o impiety_n and_o that_o idolatry_n insomuch_o that_o the_o very_a seed_n of_o abraham_n have_v learn_v the_o manner_n learn_v the_o idolatry_n use_v in_o egypt_n before_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o can_v not_o be_v so_o restrain_v from_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v ever_o and_o anon_o relapse_v after_o the_o very_a law_n be_v give_v during_o all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o temple_n and_o though_o we_o find_v they_o cure_v indeed_o of_o their_o idolatry_n after_o the_o babylonian_a captivity_n yet_o do_v they_o still_o pollute_v themselves_o with_o strange_a immorality_n and_o superstition_n insomuch_o that_o when_o our_o saviour_n come_v to_o reform_v the_o world_n he_o find_v it_o in_o such_o a_o deplorable_a state_n that_o st_n paul_n think_v fit_a to_o represent_v it_o in_o those_o word_n and_o many_o other_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n out_o of_o the_o psalm_n there_o be_v none_o righteous_a no_o not_o one_o there_o be_v none_o that_o understand_v none_o that_o seek_v after_o god_n they_o be_v all_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n they_o be_v together_o become_v unprofitable_a there_o be_v nome_fw-mi that_fw-mi do_v good_a no_o not_o one_o rom._n 3.10_o 11_o 12._o see_v here_o into_o what_o a_o wretched_a state_n the_o world_n be_v fall_v when_o our_o bless_a lord_n be_v send_v into_o it_o see_v how_o little_a success_n or_o influence_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n have_v upon_o it_o either_o to_o hinder_v or_o to_o reform_v the_o great_a impiety_n and_o profaneness_n and_o lest_o you_o shall_v think_v the_o very_a professor_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n the_o very_a philosopher_n among_o the_o greek_n to_o have_v be_v better_a than_o the_o people_n i_o must_v say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o general_o so_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o these_o person_n be_v as_o profane_v and_o as_o idolatrous_a as_o the_o people_n and_o more_o atheistical_a than_o they_o be_v and_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n st_n paul_n declare_v rom._n 1.22_o and_o the_o follow_a verse_n profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v wise_a they_o become_v fool_n and_o hang_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorruptible_a god_n into_o a_o image_n make_v like_a to_o corruptible_a man_n and_o to_o bird_n and_o fourfooted_a beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n the_o very_o vile_a of_o the_o creature_n for_o which_o cause_n god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o vile_a affection_n which_o he_o large_o describe_v in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o that_o chapter_n so_o far_o be_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n from_o restrain_v idiot_n and_o mean_a person_n that_o it_o do_v not_o restrain_v the_o very_a philosopher_n from_o great_a impiety_n and_o superstition_n no_o nor_o from_o gross_a and_o foul_a idolatry_n which_o yet_o be_v the_o great_a contradiction_n the_o greatly_a opposite_a to_o that_o light_n and_o it_o be_v worthy_a our_o observation_n that_o there_o be_v not_o now_o at_o this_o very_a day_n any_o heathen_a nation_n in_o all_o the_o world_n that_o do_v not_o worship_n dumb_a idol_n save_v only_o those_o that_o follow_v mahomet_n and_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o this_o very_a sect_n be_v not_o idolater_n be_v because_o that_o mahomet_n that_o great_a prophet_n take_v the_o belief_n of_o one_o true_a god_n from_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o because_o his_o follower_n live_v in_o the_o neighbourhood_n of_o christian_a nation_n and_o have_v christian_n general_o dwell_v with_o they_o from_o all_o which_o instance_n it_o appear_v how_o hard_o it_o be_v so_o to_o secure_v so_o to_o improve_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o gross_o fail_v even_o in_o the_o discovery_n of_o natural_a duty_n unless_o it_o be_v help_v by_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o how_o necessary_a how_o indispensable_o needful_a it_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n for_o the_o assist_v of_o that_o light_n in_o the_o knowledge_n even_o of_o natural_a duty_n 2._o add_v hereunto_o in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o there_o be_v now_o great_a degree_n high_a perfection_n in_o natural_a duty_n require_v from_o we_o since_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o be_v accept_v or_o require_v before_o the_o revelation_n of_o it_o now_o therefore_o allow_v that_o natural_a light_n can_v in_o a_o measure_n teach_v and_o prompt_v we_o to_o practice_v those_o two_o general_a duty_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o also_o in_o the_o distinct_a branch_n the_o several_a instance_n of_o those_o duty_n yet_o will_v it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o say_v that_o it_o can_v either_o teach_v or_o move_v we_o to_o practice_v all_o these_o several_a office_n in_o those_o degree_n which_o god_n do_v now_o require_v from_o we_o for_o god_n require_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o natural_a duty_n that_o be_v of_o love_n to_o himself_o and_o man_n as_o be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o help_n and_o motive_n which_o he_o afford_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o duty_n unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o much_o shall_v be_v require_v and_o to_o who_o man_n have_v commit_v much_o of_o he_o they_o will_v ask_v the_o more_o luk._n 12.48_o now_o natural_a light_n do_v not_o afford_v a_o equal_a measure_n of_o help_n and_o motive_n to_o natural_a duty_n with_o those_o that_o be_v give_v we_o by_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v but_o that_o god_n require_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o these_o duty_n namely_o of_o love_n to_o himself_o and_o man_n and_o of_o all_o the_o branch_n all_o the_o instance_n of_o that_o love_n than_o natural_a light_n can_v work_v in_o we_o than_o be_v accept_v or_o require_v where_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o publish_v and_o reveal_v will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o the_o very_a gospel_n afford_v no_o great_a help_n and_o motive_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n may_v suggest_v than_o this_o alone_a can_v offer_v to_o we_o be_v the_o clear_a relation_n of_o life_n immortal_a the_o express_a promise_n of_o that_o life_n and_o of_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o the_o unspeakable_a love_n of_o god_n in_o give_v his_o son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o nothing_o more_o nothing_o great_a nothing_o more_o powerful_a or_o efficacious_a to_o persuade_v the_o practice_n of_o natural_a duty_n than_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n only_o or_o do_v not_o god_n require_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o obedience_n where_o
member_n shall_v perish_v and_o not_o that_o thy_o whole_a body_n shall_v be_v cast_v into_o hell_n matt._n 5.29_o 30._o these_o man_n must_v find_v out_o some_o distinction_n whereby_o they_o may_v retain_v that_o eye_n whereby_o they_o may_v reserve_v that_o hand_n secure_v their_o dear_o belove_a lust_n and_o yet_o escape_v the_o flame_n of_o hell_n it_o shall_v be_v answer_v to_o these_o and_o all_o other_o like_o expression_n either_o that_o this_o be_v legal_a doctrine_n and_o that_o christ_n have_v so_o fulfil_v the_o law_n as_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o for_o they_o to_o do_v but_o to_o rely_v on_o his_o righteousness_n or_o else_o as_o it_o be_v on_o another_o hand_n that_o they_o will_v make_v satisfaction_n to_o god_n for_o those_o sin_n which_o they_o will_v not_o forsake_v they_o will_v confess_v they_o to_o the_o priest_n they_o will_v receive_v his_o absolution_n they_o will_v most_o due_o perform_v the_o penance_n which_o be_v prescribe_v they_o by_o the_o priest_n give_v so_o much_o alm_n say_v so_o many_o prayer_n pass_v through_o a_o course_n of_o so_o many_o fast_n and_o when_o they_o have_v find_v out_o these_o shift_n then_o will_v they_o believe_v their_o sin_n forgive_v although_o they_o wilful_o still_o retain_v they_o they_o will_v believe_v that_o this_o be_v so_o in_o spite_n of_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n in_o spite_n of_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n in_o spite_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n itself_o and_o the_o plain_a design_n of_o christianity_n they_o will_v have_v a_o creed_n which_o shall_v allow_v they_o in_o their_o lust_n though_o clear_o contrary_a to_o that_o gospel_n which_o our_o lord_n himself_o have_v reveal_v to_o we_o from_o whence_o observe_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v secure_a of_o truth_n who_o be_v no_o friend_n to_o real_a piety_n nor_o be_v he_o likely_a to_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o obey_v it_o 3._o hence_o we_o understand_v that_o the_o only_a safe_a and_o certain_a way_n to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n aright_o to_o know_v what_o true_a religion_n be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o way_n to_o life_n eternal_a be_v such_o a_o sincere_a disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o render_v we_o willing_a to_o obey_v whatsoever_o god_n prescribe_v unto_o we_o for_o so_o be_v the_o gospel_n propound_v to_o we_o that_o whosoever_o be_v so_o dispose_v will_v ready_o believe_v and_o entertain_v it_o upon_o the_o evidence_n which_o attend_v it_o see_v nothing_o obscure_v nothing_o eclipse_n this_o evidence_n but_o a_o aversation_n to_o the_o duty_n which_o be_v command_v in_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v no_o doctrine_n no_o precept_n no_o promise_n or_o threat_v in_o the_o whole_a gospel_n that_o contradict_v the_o hope_n or_o interest_n of_o any_o man_n that_o be_v real_o good_a it_o be_v no_o interest_n of_o good_a man_n that_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o christ_n shall_v not_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o judge_v it_o by_o these_o law_n which_o be_v prescribe_v we_o in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v no_o interest_n of_o good_a man_n that_o any_o thing_n shall_v not_o be_v command_v which_o be_v command_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o every_o thing_n shall_v not_o be_v forbid_v which_o the_o same_o gospel_n do_v forbid_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v most_o suitable_a not_o only_o to_o the_o judgement_n and_o reason_n but_o to_o the_o inclination_n of_o good_a man_n that_o god_n shall_v command_v we_o to_o love_v himself_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o that_o he_o shall_v command_v all_o the_o virtue_n that_o be_v command_v in_o the_o gospel_n truth_n justice_n temperance_n patience_n meekness_n humility_n and_o the_o like_a that_o he_o shall_v forbid_v what_o be_v forbid_v pride_n and_o covetousness_n and_o animosity_n fornication_n adultery_n and_o excess_n it_o be_v suitable_a to_o their_o reason_n and_o hope_n that_o he_o shall_v distribute_v reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n according_a to_o man_n behaviour_n here_o and_o whosoever_o be_v thus_o prepare_v to_o understand_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n will_v neither_o reject_v nor_o misbelieve_v it_o nor_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n especial_o see_v that_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o guide_v and_o assist_v they_o with_o his_o spirit_n who_o be_v resign_v unto_o his_o will_n and_o willing_a to_o do_v what_o he_o command_v they_o observe_v we_o then_o the_o great_a security_n that_o good_a man_n have_v of_o be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n which_o be_v needful_a unto_o their_o salvation_n observe_v what_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o be_v guide_v into_o all_o such_o truth_n it_o be_v to_o be_v upright_o and_o sincere_a it_o be_v to_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v god_n will_v willing_a to_o do_v whatsoever_o it_o be_v that_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o require_v of_o we_o if_o you_o find_v this_o willingness_n in_o yourselves_o suffer_v not_o yourselves_o to_o be_v overbear_v with_o their_o confidence_n who_o vain_o boast_v of_o infallibility_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o most_o pernicious_a error_n and_o in_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o the_o scripture_n truth_n be_v plain_a to_o they_o that_o love_v it_o to_o they_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o entertain_v it_o but_o as_o for_o they_o that_o be_v insincere_a that_o have_v no_o hearty_a love_n to_o it_o the_o plain_a thing_n be_v obscure_a to_o they_o shower_n and_o snare_n be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o froward_a prov._n 22.5_o which_o way_n soever_o they_o turn_v themselves_o because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n 2_o thes_n 10.11_o 4._o now_o therefore_o let_v the_o consideration_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o this_o point_n persuade_v sincerity_n towards_o god_n persuade_v to_o willingness_n to_o obedience_n in_o every_o instance_n whatsoever_o sincerity_n be_v that_o which_o do_v dispose_v we_o to_o know_v and_o believe_v all_o needful_a truth_n sincerity_n be_v that_o which_o god_n will_v bless_v with_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n sincerity_n be_v that_o which_o he_o will_v reward_v not_o only_o with_o his_o conduct_n here_o but_o also_o with_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o everlasting_a life_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v the_o fourteen_o sermon_n malach._n 1._o 6._o if_o then_o i_o be_v a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n and_o if_o i_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v my_o fear_n the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n be_v thus_o a_o son_n honour_v his_o father_n and_o a_o servant_n his_o master_n if_o then_o i_o be_v a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n and_o if_o i_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v my_o fear_n there_o be_v several_a relative_a name_n or_o title_n give_v to_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n among_o which_o be_v these_o of_o father_n and_o master_n he_o be_v style_v our_o father_n because_o we_o receive_v life_n from_o he_o he_o be_v call_v our_o master_n because_o he_o have_v a_o just_a dominion_n over_o we_o and_o because_o he_o be_v such_o a_o father_n to_o we_o as_o have_v create_v we_o out_o of_o nothing_o therefore_o be_v we_o entire_o he_o and_o because_o we_o be_v entire_o so_o therefore_o be_v he_o such_o a_o master_n as_o have_v most_o absolute_a and_o most_o sovereign_a dominion_n over_o we_o upon_o which_o account_n he_o may_v and_o do_v require_v the_o high_a love_n and_o fear_v and_o the_o most_o sincere_a obedience_n from_o we_o the_o neglect_n whereof_o in_o the_o person_n to_o who_o the_o prophet_n here_o apply_v himself_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o expostulation_n if_o then_o i_o be_v father_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n and_o if_o i_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v my_o fear_n i_o shall_v not_o insist_v on_o these_o two_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n that_o be_v to_o say_v honour_n and_o fear_v apart_o and_o distinct_o from_o one_o another_o but_o rather_o observe_v that_o such_o a_o honour_n be_v due_a to_o god_n as_o comprehend_v a_o fear_n in_o it_o and_o such_o a_o fear_n as_o also_o contain_v a_o honour_n in_o it_o from_o both_o which_o thing_n put_v together_o there_o result_v a_o filial_a awe_n or_o reverence_n which_o be_v compound_v of_o love_n and_o fear_n of_o love_n to_o god_n as_o he_o be_v our_o father_n and_o then_o of_o fear_n as_o he_o be_v our_o master_n this_o reverence_n than_o be_v the_o duty_n suggest_v in_o the_o word_n before_o we_o which_o i_o shall_v pursue_v in_o this_o method_n i_o shall_v show_v 1._o the_o degree_n of_o reverence_n which_o god_n require_v 2._o the_o proper_a effect_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o
which_o teach_v we_o further_a to_o consider_v how_o grievous_a a_o burden_n guilt_n become_v whensoever_o a_o lively_a sense_n thereof_o be_v move_v and_o excite_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n will_v bear_v his_o infirmity_n but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v prov._n 18.14_o while_o the_o spirit_n within_o be_v clear_a and_o vigorous_a it_o will_v support_v and_o sustain_v the_o soul_n under_o every_o outward_a loss_n or_o danger_n but_o if_o the_o spirit_n itself_o be_v break_v either_o by_o the_o calamity_n of_o the_o world_n or_o by_o the_o sense_n of_o its_o own_o guilt_n what_o shall_v support_v and_o sustain_v it_o but_o than_o it_o be_v here_o to_o be_v remember_v that_o although_o the_o calamity_n of_o this_o world_n may_v indeed_o break_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n yet_o that_o there_o be_v vast_a difference_n between_o the_o breach_n make_v by_o they_o and_o those_o that_o be_v make_v by_o their_o own_o guilt_n these_o may_v seize_v upon_o the_o soul_n but_o they_o can_v seize_v upon_o the_o conscience_n those_o may_v enter_v the_o outmost_a trench_n but_o they_o can_v enter_v the_o royal_a fort_n but_o guilt_n attache_n and_o arrest_n the_o conscience_n make_v a_o desolation_n there_o where_o our_o chief_a support_n and_o comfort_n dwell_v for_o it_o come_v arm_v with_o god_n displeasure_n and_o these_o be_v sharpen_v with_o such_o a_o force_n as_o nothing_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v the_o glorious_a majesty_n the_o almighty_a power_n the_o spotless_a purity_n the_o sovereign_a dominion_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o hence_o that_o observation_n of_o david_n psal_n 39.11_o when_o thou_o with_o rebuke_n do_v correct_v man_n for_o iniquity_n thou_o make_v his_o beauty_n to_o consume_v away_o like_o a_o moth_n where_o the_o original_a word_n that_o be_v render_v beauty_n signify_v all_o that_o be_v desirable_a all_o that_o be_v pleasant_a in_o any_o person_n that_o be_v not_o only_o noble_a stature_n excellent_a shape_n comely_a feature_n lively_a air_n pure_a complexion_n and_o the_o like_a but_o gay_a humour_n pleasant_a wit_n fine_a address_n mirth_n and_o briskness_n in_o entertainment_n and_o whatsoever_o else_o it_o be_v that_o may_v serve_v to_o render_v any_o one_o acceptable_a in_o common_a society_n and_o conversation_n all_o which_o beauty_n present_o wither_v fade_v and_o die_v as_o david_n here_o express_o tell_v we_o under_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n displeasure_n when_o he_o rebuke_n we_o for_o iniquity_n when_o thou_o with_o rebuke_n do_v correct_v man_n for_o iniquity_n thou_o make_v his_o beauty_n to_o consume_v away_o like_o a_o moth_n what_o then_o remain_v but_o that_o we_o reverence_v so_o great_a a_o god_n who_o can_v stain_v the_o beauty_n eclipse_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o flesh_n with_o a_o single_a frown_n of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o that_o we_o express_v that_o reverence_n in_o most_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o he_o fear_v he_o for_o he_o be_v your_o sovereign_a lord_n fear_v he_o for_o he_o be_v a_o mighty_a god_n the_o angel_n themselves_o so_o love_n god_n as_o that_o they_o fear_v and_o reverence_v his_o majesty_n the_o devil_n tremble_v under_o his_o displeasure_n and_o the_o great_a person_n can_v bear_v it_o no_o flesh_n no_o spirit_n can_v endure_v it_o it_o waste_v the_o one_o confound_v the_o other_o no_o creature_n be_v able_a to_o stand_v before_o it_o but_o after_o all_o although_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n almighty_n have_v a_o most_o astonish_a glory_n in_o it_o yet_o be_v the_o dread_n and_o terror_n of_o it_o allay_v and_o mitigate_v by_o his_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o as_o he_o demand_v our_o fear_n so_o do_v he_o also_o require_v our_o love_n and_o have_v he_o not_o reason_n so_o to_o do_v or_o do_v we_o want_v most_o powerful_a motive_n to_o excite_v and_o kindle_v our_o love_n to_o he_o he_o have_v give_v we_o life_n and_o breath_n and_o be_v he_o daily_o give_v we_o all_o the_o supply_n and_o support_v of_o life_n we_o eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o kindness_n to_o we_o we_o wear_v the_o livery_n of_o his_o bounty_n we_o lie_v down_o and_o rise_v we_o sleep_v and_o awake_v live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v under_o the_o shelter_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o to_o proceed_v to_o high_a thing_n he_o have_v give_v his_o own_o son_n for_o we_o and_o he_o that_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n but_o deliver_v he_o up_o for_o we_o all_o how_o shall_v he_o not_o with_o he_o also_o free_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n rom._n 8.32_o unless_o we_o deny_v they_o to_o ourselves_o by_o refuse_v the_o term_n whereupon_o he_o give_v they_o what_o have_v god_n by_o his_o prohibition_n deny_v to_o man_n none_o of_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o life_n none_o of_o the_o joy_n of_o that_o to_o come_v he_o have_v not_o forbid_v we_o wealth_n or_o power_n or_o reputation_n or_o peace_n or_o pleasure_n in_o this_o world_n much_o less_o deny_v we_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o the_o other_o there_o be_v but_o one_o thing_n in_o all_o the_o world_n which_o he_o have_v deny_v we_o and_o that_o be_v sin_n and_o this_o very_a thing_n he_o have_v refuse_v we_o because_o it_o be_v real_o hurtful_a to_o we_o and_o although_o he_o have_v not_o allow_v we_o this_o yet_o can_v he_o give_v we_o that_o very_a thing_n that_o very_a happiness_n we_o seek_v in_o it_o for_o this_o we_o seek_v in_o every_o thing_n this_o he_o can_v give_v without_o our_o sin_n and_o what_o be_v more_o will_v give_v to_o they_o that_o true_o love_v he_o whatsoever_o be_v real_o good_a for_o they_o he_o can_v give_v wealth_n without_o covetousness_n he_o can_v give_v power_n without_o oppression_n he_o can_v give_v honour_n without_o ambition_n and_o pleasure_n of_o life_n without_o any_o stain_n without_o any_o spot_n upon_o our_o innocence_n he_o need_v not_o our_o sin_n to_o make_v we_o happy_a no_o nor_o do_v we_o need_v it_o neither_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o true_a happiness_n in_o all_o the_o world_n be_v to_o love_n god_n as_o our_o lord_n command_v with_o all_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n and_o mind_n if_o we_o so_o love_v he_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v he_o and_o shall_v be_v eternal_o happy_a in_o he_o which_o he_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o only_a son_n grant_v unto_o we_o now_o to_o god_n the_o father_n etc._n etc._n the_o fifteen_o sermon_n matt._n 5.17_o think_v not_o that_o i_o be_o come_v to_o destroy_v the_o law_n or_o the_o prophet_n i_o be_o not_o come_v to_o destroy_v but_o to_o fulfil_v if_o you_o view_v the_o follow_a part_n of_o the_o chapter_n you_o shall_v find_v our_o lord_n prescribe_v several_a rule_n of_o virtue_n which_o be_v at_o the_o least_o in_o some_o instance_n far_o more_o perfect_a and_o exact_a than_o those_o that_o be_v give_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o by_o the_o prophet_n succeed_v he_o and_o all_o of_o they_o strict_a than_o those_o be_v in_o the_o sense_n receive_v among_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o oppose_v what_o he_o say_v to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o they_o of_o old_a now_o because_o this_o seem_a opposition_n between_o his_o precept_n and_o those_o of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n may_v create_v a_o suspicion_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o come_v to_o destroy_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n to_o contradict_v what_o they_o have_v say_v and_o to_o offer_v violence_n to_o their_o law_n he_o remove_v the_o occasion_n of_o that_o suspicion_n 1._o by_o a_o caution_n in_o these_o word_n think_v not_o that_o i_o be_o come_v to_o destroy_v the_o law_n or_o the_o prophet_n 2._o by_o a_o express_a declaration_n of_o the_o contrary_a i_o be_o not_o come_v to_o destroy_v but_o to_o fulfil_v the_o former_a i_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o because_o whatsoever_o be_v contain_v in_o that_o must_v be_v consider_v in_o the_o latter_a for_o the_o better_a understanding_n whereof_o it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o explain_v what_o be_v understand_v 1._o by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n 2._o what_o by_o destroy_v the_o law_n or_o the_o prophet_n 3._o and_o last_o what_o by_o fulfil_v they_o 1._o and_o for_o the_o first_o although_o it_o be_v very_o true_a indeed_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a contradict_v either_o any_o history_n or_o prediction_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o contrariwise_o confirm_v whatsoever_o be_v there_o relate_v and_o accomplish_v what_o be_v foretell_v of_o he_o yet_o i_o conceive_v that_o the_o law_n be_v take_v in_o this_o place_n for_o the_o law_n deliver_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n for_o those_o rule_n of_o life_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o other_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v receive_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o my_o
to_o add_v more_o evil_a to_o that_o heap_n which_o be_v so_o vast_o great_a already_o and_o to_o increase_v a_o heavy_a burden_n by_o further_a accumulation_n to_o it_o methinks_v the_o remembrance_n of_o that_o time_n which_o we_o have_v misspend_v to_o the_o great_a offence_n of_o almighty_a god_n to_o no_o true_a advantage_n to_o ourselves_o shall_v persuade_v the_o redemption_n of_o time_n to_o come_v by_o a_o singular_a diligence_n in_o obedience_n sure_o i_o be_o that_o this_o be_v the_o argument_n st_n peter_n use_v to_o this_o purpose_n i_o pet._n 4.3_o the_o time_n pass_v of_o our_o life_n may_v suffice_v we_o to_o have_v wrought_v the_o will_n of_o the_o gentile_n when_o we_o walk_v in_o lasciviousness_n lust_n excess_n of_o wine_n revel_n banquet_n and_o abominable_a idolatry_n it_o be_v enough_o and_o far_o too_o much_o to_o have_v spend_v a_o day_n a_o hour_n a_o minute_n much_o more_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o life_n in_o service_n and_o slavery_n to_o our_o lust_n nor_o shall_v we_o remember_v we_o have_v so_o do_v but_o with_o sad_a thought_n for_o have_v do_v it_o these_o thought_n be_v so_o proper_a to_o the_o remembrance_n of_o such_o miscarriage_n that_o god_n himself_o seem_v to_o represent_v they_o as_o the_o natural_a effect_n and_o issue_n of_o they_o for_o thus_o he_o speak_v to_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n ezek._n 36.31_o then_o shall_v you_o remember_v your_o own_o evil_a way_n and_o your_o do_n that_o be_v not_o good_a and_o shall_v loathe_v yourselves_o in_o your_o own_o sight_n for_o your_o iniquity_n and_o for_o your_o abomination_n so_o black_a and_o deform_a be_v that_o shape_n wherein_o man_n appear_v unto_o themselves_o upon_o a_o review_n of_o their_o many_o sin_n that_o then_o they_o abhor_v their_o own_o image_n much_o more_o the_o sin_n that_o have_v deform_v they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o of_o those_o motive_n which_o the_o thought_n of_o their_o way_n may_v suggest_v to_o man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o reformation_n of_o they_o namely_o the_o number_n of_o their_o sin_n with_o the_o many_o and_o great_a aggravation_n of_o they_o second_o the_o next_o to_o this_o be_v the_o ill_a effect_n which_o those_o sin_n have_v have_v or_o yet_o may_v have_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o very_a concernment_n of_o this_o world_n as_o well_o as_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o for_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o former_a i_o may_v appeal_v to_o the_o crazy_a body_n the_o feeble_a limb_n the_o decay_a sense_n of_o vicious_a person_n occasion_v whole_o by_o their_o vice_n i_o may_v appeal_v to_o their_o break_a fortune_n pitiful_a shift_n and_o mean_a device_n to_o gain_v the_o very_a support_n of_o life_n which_o be_v so_o evident_a in_o experience_n that_o christ_n himself_o represent_v the_o misery_n which_o sin_n produce_v in_o man_n soul_n by_o those_o wherewith_o it_o destroy_v their_o body_n and_o their_o prosperity_n in_o this_o world_n this_o he_o do_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o a_o young_a son_n luke_n 15._o who_o have_v request_v of_o his_o father_n that_o he_o will_v give_v he_o the_o portion_n of_o good_n that_o fall_v to_o he_o and_o be_v gratify_v in_o this_o request_n not_o many_o day_n after_o gather_v all_o he_o have_v together_o and_o take_v a_o journey_n into_o a_o far_a country_n and_o waste_v his_o substance_n in_o riotous_a live_n have_v do_v this_o and_o a_o mighty_a famine_n arise_v in_o the_o land_n he_o then_o begin_v to_o be_v in_o want_n and_o be_v present_o force_v to_o adjoin_v himself_o that_o be_v indeed_o to_o fell_v himself_o unto_o a_o citizen_n of_o that_o country_n who_o send_v he_o into_o the_o field_n to_o feed_v swine_n but_o it_o shall_v seem_v so_o ill_o provide_v that_o when_o he_o will_v fain_o have_v fill_v his_o belly_n with_o the_o very_a husk_n which_o the_o swine_n do_v eat_v he_o find_v not_o enough_o of_o they_o to_o do_v it_o and_o so_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v for_o hunger_n observe_v what_o a_o train_n of_o ill_a effect_n his_o pride_n and_o vanity_n draw_v upon_o he_o it_o make_v he_o riotous_a and_o luxurious_a his_o luxury_n bring_v he_o into_o want_n be_v in_o want_n he_o be_v constrain_v to_o sell_v his_o liberty_n and_o part_n with_o himself_o to_o another_o person_n be_v thus_o enslave_v he_o be_v thrust_v into_o a_o base_a employment_n and_o make_v not_o only_o a_o keeper_n of_o swine_n but_o like_a to_o one_o of_o the_o herd_n itself_o be_v force_v to_o eat_v as_o they_o do_v and_o yet_o still_o so_o pinch_v and_o straighten_v that_o he_o find_v not_o enough_o to_o sill_z his_o belly_n a_o very_a true_a and_o lively_a image_n of_o man_n abandon_v to_o vice_n and_o folly_n who_o by_o indulgence_n to_o their_o lust_n lose_v that_o very_a ease_n and_o liberty_n that_o satisfaction_n and_o pleasure_n of_o life_n which_o they_o endeavour_v to_o find_v in_o it_o but_o to_o leave_v this_o parable_n at_o the_o present_a and_o to_o proceed_v a_o step_n further_o i_o must_v not_o omit_v to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o many_o remorse_n and_o regret_v which_o always_o attend_v the_o first_o beginning_n if_o not_o the_o entire_a course_n and_o progress_n of_o apostasy_n from_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n for_o god_n have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v so_o faithful_a to_o we_o both_o in_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n and_o the_o suggestion_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o both_o these_o put_v many_o check_n upon_o we_o in_o our_o first_o adventure_n upon_o evil_n and_o although_o man_n conscience_n lose_v their_o edge_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n withdraw_v from_o they_o after_o long_a continuance_n in_o their_o sin_n yet_o be_v their_o condition_n much_o the_o worse_o for_o these_o effect_n though_o less_o uneasy_a at_o the_o present_a for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o think_v it_o better_a to_o be_v ready_o capable_a of_o a_o cure_n although_o by_o the_o very_o sharp_a remedy_n than_o to_o die_v of_o a_o stupid_a and_o dull_a disease_n beside_o it_o must_v not_o be_v omit_v that_o the_o ease_n that_o be_v gain_v by_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o rebuke_n and_o reproof_n of_o conscience_n be_v far_o overbalance_v by_o a_o loss_n which_o can_v be_v divide_v from_o it_o namely_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o innocence_n and_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o hope_v of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n which_o howsoever_o undervalue_v where_o they_o be_v not_o feel_v nor_o well_o consider_v be_v style_v unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n 1_o pet._n 1.8_o all_o this_o while_n i_o have_v say_v nothing_o of_o that_o effect_n of_o a_o vicious_a life_n which_o of_o all_o other_o be_v most_o dreadful_a and_o most_o certain_a if_o not_o prevent_v by_o repentance_n that_o be_v to_o say_v eternal_a death_n nor_o shall_v i_o venture_v my_o mean_a ability_n to_o represent_v so_o great_a a_o thing_n but_o rather_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o description_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o more_o particular_o in_o that_o we_o read_v mark_n 36.37_o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n to_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o to_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n now_o since_o the_o recollection_n of_o ourselves_o and_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o our_o way_n may_v first_o recall_v our_o sin_n to_o remembrance_n and_o then_o suggest_v that_o all_o the_o evil_n before_o mention_v have_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o sin_n in_o other_o and_o that_o we_o ourselves_o have_v have_v the_o experience_n of_o some_o degree_n of_o some_o of_o they_o methinks_v the_o very_a same_o thought_n that_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v powerful_o move_v we_o to_o retire_v out_o of_o all_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o vanity_n and_o reduce_v we_o into_o the_o path_n of_o wisdom_n sure_o i_o be_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o our_o saviour_n himself_o declare_v touch_v the_o forementioned_a prodigal_n who_o have_v by_o a_o luxurious_a life_n reduce_v himself_o to_o the_o utmost_a misery_n at_o last_o return_v unto_o himself_o and_o when_o he_o be_v come_v unto_o himself_o break_v out_o into_o these_o expression_n luk._n 15.17_o 18_o 19_o how_o many_o hire_a servant_n of_o my_o father_n have_v bread_n enough_o and_o to_o spare_v and_o i_o perish_v with_o hunger_n i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n and_o will_v say_v unto_o he_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n make_v i_o as_o one_o of_o thy_o hire_a servant_n observe_v the_o condition_n of_o those_o person_n who_o surrender_v themselves_o unto_o their_o lust_n and_o spend_v their_o day_n in_o vicious_a course_n they_o be_v
and_o glorious_a solomon_n give_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o world_n which_o he_o pronounce_v to_o be_v no_o better_o than_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n and_o that_o upon_o long_a and_o great_a experience_n and_o let_v the_o consideration_n of_o this_o teach_v we_o the_o emptiness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o all_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v to_o we_o and_o this_o we_o can_v not_o fail_v to_o learn_v do_v we_o often_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o serious_o meditate_v upon_o our_o way_n and_o consider_v how_o little_a of_o satisfaction_n arise_v even_o from_o lawful_a pleasure_n and_o how_o much_o less_o from_o those_o of_o sin_n which_o though_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v embitter_v yet_o can_v but_o be_v much_o abate_v by_o the_o very_a sin_n from_o whence_o they_o flow_v these_o thought_n will_v teach_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o god_n have_v form_v and_o design_v our_o soul_n for_o pleasure_n quite_o of_o another_o nature_n for_o spiritual_a and_o immortal_a joy_n for_o certain_o he_o that_o have_v be_v so_o liberal_a as_o to_o provide_v a_o proportionable_a food_n for_o all_o the_o creature_n below_o they_o for_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n for_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n for_o all_o thing_n creep_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o thing_n swim_v in_o the_o sea_n have_v not_o be_v so_o narrow_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o not_o to_o provide_v such_o joy_n for_o they_o as_o may_v give_v they_o plentiful_a satisfaction_n which_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o four_o particular_a which_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o way_n may_v suggest_v to_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o reformation_n of_o they_o which_o be_v four_o the_o happiness_n of_o that_o state_n we_o enter_v upon_o when_o we_o cast_v off_o and_o forsake_v our_o sin_n and_o turn_v out_o foot_n to_o god_n testimony_n then_o be_v our_o sin_n remit_v to_o we_o wilful_a sin_n as_o well_o as_o frailty_n and_o sinful_a action_n against_o god_n law_n as_o well_o as_o omission_n and_o neglect_n and_o bless_a be_v he_o who_o transgression_n be_v forgive_v who_o sin_n be_v cover_v bless_v be_v the_o man_n unto_o who_o the_o lord_n impute_v not_o sin_n psal_n 32.1_o 2._o then_o we_o become_v the_o child_n of_o god_n than_o we_o become_v the_o special_a concernment_n of_o his_o providence_n then_o be_v we_o adopt_v into_o his_o family_n and_o to_o a_o title_n to_o a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o we_o for_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joint_a heir_n with_o christ_n rom._n 8.17_o then_o be_v we_o renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n then_o bear_v of_o god_n and_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n then_o do_v we_o pass_v from_o darkness_n to_o light_n from_o bondage_n to_o liberty_n from_o death_n to_o life_n then_o be_v we_o make_v meet_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n then_o deliver_v by_o god_n from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o translate_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o expression_n whereby_o the_o scripture_n describe_v the_o repentance_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o the_o happy_a change_n which_o it_o make_v in_o he_o a_o change_n so_o happy_a in_o itself_o and_o of_o such_o concernment_n to_o he_o likewise_o that_o it_o create_v a_o joy_n in_o heaven_n and_o make_v the_o angel_n themselves_o rejoice_v for_o say_v our_o lord_n there_o be_v joy_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v luk._n 15.10_o and_o before_o that_o at_o the_o 7_o v._o there_o be_v joy_n in_o heaven_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v more_o than_o over_o ninety_o and_o nine_o just_a person_n that_o need_v no_o repentance_n no_o habitual_a change_n of_o life_n suppose_v we_o then_o that_o recollection_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o way_n bring_v all_o the_o thing_n i_o have_v now_o mention_v into_o our_o thought_n and_o they_o be_v real_o apt_a to_o do_v it_o suppose_v they_o fix_v upon_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o cooperation_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o he_o will_v not_o deny_v to_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o may_v it_o not_o reasonable_o be_v expect_v that_o these_o thought_n thus_o fix_v upon_o we_o shall_v touch_v our_o conscience_n move_v our_o affection_n and_o kindle_v good_a resolution_n in_o we_o and_o provoke_v we_o to_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o future_a government_n of_o our_o life_n if_o we_o do_v full_o convince_v ourselves_o of_o the_o infinite_a hazard_n and_o inconvenience_n that_o attend_v a_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n of_o the_o vanity_n and_o emptiness_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n whereof_o we_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o all_o those_o hazard_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o that_o state_n whereunto_o we_o enter_v by_o true_a repentance_n i_o persuade_v myself_o we_o can_v no_o more_o content_v ourselves_o still_o to_o continue_v in_o our_o sin_n than_o willing_o choose_v our_o own_o misery_n which_o god_n have_v make_v a_o impossible_a thing_n and_o that_o out_o of_o very_a faithfulness_n to_o we_o nor_o can_v we_o answer_v it_o to_o ourselves_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o the_o great_a advantage_n that_o attend_v the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n do_v we_o represent_v they_o to_o ourselves_o in_o serious_a thought_n and_o meditation_n these_o thought_n assist_v by_o that_o grace_n which_o suggest_v they_o to_o we_o will_v move_v we_o to_o choose_v immortal_a happiness_n and_o the_o joy_n that_o attend_v the_o firm_a and_o stable_a hope_n of_o it_o rather_o than_o the_o very_o high_a pleasure_n which_o the_o wild_a and_o most_o extravagant_a mind_n can_v possible_o fancy_n to_o be_v in_o evil_a 2._o have_v thus_o give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o several_a thing_n which_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o way_n may_v suggest_v to_o we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o reformation_n of_o they_o which_o be_v the_o former_a of_o the_o two_o general_n before_o propound_v i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v unto_o the_o second_o where_o i_o be_o to_o show_v what_o the_o like_a thought_n may_v offer_v to_o we_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o do_v it_o without_o delay_n as_o it_o appear_v they_o do_v in_o david_n who_o have_v serious_o think_v on_o his_o way_n delay_v not_o to_o keep_v god_n commandment_n where_o in_o my_o way_n to_o more_o particular_a consideration_n i_o can_v but_o note_v this_o in_o general_a that_o evil_a be_v a_o most_o indefensible_a thing_n no_o soon_o consider_v and_o understand_v but_o present_o reject_v and_o forsake_v i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n say_v the_o psalmist_n here_o and_o what_o then_o and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n i_o make_v have_v and_o delay_v not_o to_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n no_o soon_o do_v he_o consider_v his_o way_n and_o make_v a_o discovery_n of_o his_o sin_n but_o he_o quick_o retire_v and_o flee_v from_o they_o as_o from_o the_o brow_n of_o a_o dangerous_a precipice_n where_o he_o dare_v not_o stand_v a_o moment_n long_o sin_n will_v not_o abide_v a_o serious_a thought_n it_o will_v not_o endure_v a_o impartial_a trial_n it_o be_v a_o imposture_n it_o be_v a_o cheat_n it_o be_v a_o lie_n and_o so_o be_v every_o temptation_n to_o it_o confute_v as_o soon_o as_o understand_v but_o the_o more_o particular_a meditation_n which_o recommend_v a_o speedy_a repentance_n be_v the_o consideration_n of_o god_n design_n in_o all_o his_o patience_n towards_o sinner_n serious_a reflection_n upon_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o life_n in_o this_o so_o corruptible_a and_o frail_a a_o state_n and_o likewise_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o several_a difficulty_n and_o inconvenience_n that_o attend_v the_o delay_n of_o reformation_n 1._o therefore_o let_v it_o be_v well_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o pursue_v and_o follow_v our_o sin_n with_o speedy_a and_o destructive_a punishment_n but_o give_v we_o time_n and_o opportunity_n to_o recollect_v and_o reform_v our_o life_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v not_o that_o the_o high_a and_o lofty_a one_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o thing_n below_o that_o he_o be_v indifferent_a to_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o unconcern_v in_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o in_o what_o they_o do_v and_o suffer_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o as_o those_o scoffer_n imagine_v who_o walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n cavil_v the_o delay_n of_o god_n judgement_n and_o mock_v that_o patience_n whereby_o they_o live_v say_v as_o st_n peter_n have_v observe_v 2_o ep._n cap._n 3._o v._n 4._o where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n for_o since_o the_o father_n fall_v asleep_a all_o thing_n continue_v