Selected quad for the lemma: lord_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
lord_n	able_a	soul_n	zion_n	59	3	9.2668	4	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A51916	Sermons preach'd on several occasions by John March ..., the last of which was preach'd the twenty seventh of November, 1692, being the Sunday before he died ; with a preface by Dr. John Scot ; to which is added, A sermon preach'd at the assizes, in New-Castle upon Tine, in the reign of the late King James.	March, John, 1640-1692.; Scott, John, 1639-1695.	1699 (1699)	Wing M583; ESTC R18158	123,796	330

sermon_n preach_v on_o several_a occasion_n by_o john_n march_n b._n d._n late_a vicar_n of_o newcastle_n upon_o tine_n the_o last_o of_o which_o be_v preach_v the_o twenty_o seven_o of_o november_n 1692._o be_v the_o sunday_n before_o he_o died._n with_o a_o preface_n by_o dr._n john_n scot._n the_o second_o edition_n to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o assize_n in_o newcastle_n upon_o tine_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o late_a king_n james._n london_n print_v for_o robert_n clavell_n at_o the_o peacock_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1699._o imprimatur_fw-la c._n alston_n r._n p._n d._n hen._n episc._n lond._n à_fw-la sacris_fw-la julii_n 3._o 1693._o the_o preface_n the_o reverend_a author_n of_o the_o follow_a sermon_n be_v a_o person_n of_o that_o great_a worth_n and_o excellency_n that_o among_o those_o who_o know_v he_o they_o need_v no_o other_o recommendation_n than_o his_o own_o name_n for_o beside_o that_o they_o carry_v in_o they_o a_o certain_a strain_n of_o serious_a and_o unaffected_a piety_n and_o this_o embellish_v with_o such_o clearness_n and_o perspicuity_n such_o strength_n and_o vigour_n of_o expression_n such_o solidity_n of_o argument_n and_o discourse_n as_o must_v have_v render_v the_o perusal_n of_o they_o very_o pleasant_a and_o profitable_a to_o all_o well-disposed_a reader_n though_o their_o author_n have_v be_v anonymous_n beside_o which_o i_o say_v the_o true_o pious_a and_o learned_a author_n of_o they_o be_v a_o person_n of_o such_o great_a accomplishment_n both_o moral_a and_o intellectual_a as_o will_v have_v just_o give_v credit_n with_o all_o that_o know_v his_o personal_a excellency_n to_o much_o mean_a performance_n than_o these_o the_o main_a objection_n this_o degenerous_a age_n have_v against_o he_o be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o faithful_a son_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o a_o zealous_a asserter_n of_o its_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n and_o one_o will_v think_v for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v true_a to_o his_o profession_n to_o that_o which_o he_o have_v ex_fw-la animo_fw-la subscribe_v his_o judgement_n and_o declare_v his_o unfeigned_a assent_n and_o consent_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v repute_v a_o fault_n in_o he_o by_o those_o who_o pretend_v either_o to_o common_a honesty_n or_o modesty_n that_o it_o shall_v rather_o be_v esteem_v his_o glory_n and_o excellency_n as_o for_o his_o conversation_n it_o be_v in_o all_o respect_n so_o sober_a and_o regular_a so_o pure_a and_o uncorrupt_a as_o that_o though_o he_o have_v but_o little_a reason_n to_o apprehend_v himself_o concern_v in_o that_o denunciation_n woe_n be_v to_o you_o when_o all_o man_n speak_v well_o of_o you_o yet_o so_o far_o as_o i_o ever_o hear_v even_o those_o who_o speak_v worst_a of_o he_o dare_v never_o bespatter_v he_o with_o a_o immorality_n he_o be_v a_o very_a diligent_a pastor_n of_o the_o flock_n commit_v to_o his_o charge_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o public_a ministry_n from_o which_o without_o some_o necessary_a occasion_n he_o very_o rare_o absent_v himself_o but_o also_o in_o his_o private_a converse_v for_o beside_o that_o every_o lord_n day_n in_o the_o evening_n he_o general_o spend_v a_o considerable_a portion_n of_o time_n in_o instruct_v the_o youth_n of_o his_o parish_n from_o which_o pious_a and_o charitable_a exercise_n he_o very_o rare_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v divert_v even_o by_o the_o visit_n of_o his_o best_a and_o great_a friend_n beside_o which_o i_o say_v his_o know_a ability_n in_o resolve_v case_n of_o conscience_n draw_v after_o he_o a_o great_a many_o good_a people_n not_o only_o of_o his_o own_o flock_n but_o from_o remote_a distance_n who_o resort_v to_o he_o as_o to_o a_o common_a oracle_n and_o common_o go_v away_o from_o he_o entire_o satisfy_v in_o his_o wise_a and_o judicious_a resolution_n and_o by_o these_o his_o excellent_a quality_n and_o labour_n he_o have_v not_o only_o purchase_v to_o himself_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n in_o heaven_n but_o also_o so_o endear_v his_o memory_n upon_o earth_n to_o all_o that_o be_v virtuous_a and_o good_a that_o like_o the_o leave_v of_o rose_n still_o retain_v their_o fragrancy_n though_o the_o rose_n itself_o be_v wither_v and_o dead_a and_o that_o be_v dead_a he_o may_v yet_o speak_v to_o his_o survive_a auditor_n and_o that_o the_o memory_n of_o his_o good_a example_n and_o doctrine_n may_v ever_o flourish_v among_o they_o it_o be_v the_o earnest_a desire_n of_o his_o friend_n that_o these_o sermon_n of_o he_o may_v be_v make_v public_a which_o though_o they_o have_v not_o that_o accomplish_a accuracy_n as_o they_o will_v have_v have_v have_v they_o have_v his_o last_o hand_n to_o they_o and_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o press_n by_o his_o own_o skilful_a pen_n yet_o as_o they_o be_v they_o be_v right_o worthy_a the_o christian_a reader_n perusal_n and_o as_o such_o i_o recommend_v they_o to_o his_o view_n and_o remain_v his_o affectionate_a and_o humble_a servant_n john_n scot._n sermon_n i._n psalm_n lxxvi_o 7._o thou_o even_o thou_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v and_o who_o may_v stand_v in_o thy_o sight_n when_o once_o thou_o be_v angry_a i_o know_v no_o motive_n nor_o argument_n more_o likely_a to_o awaken_v sinner_n to_o their_o duty_n than_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o god_n infinite_a goodness_n and_o almighty_a power_n know_v thou_o not_o say_v st._n paul_n that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v thou_o to_o repentance_n transcendent_o great_a be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o poor_a sinner_n he_o free_o give_v we_o his_o son_n to_o purchase_v heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n for_o we_o he_o send_v down_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o dwell_v with_o we_o that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v our_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o make_v we_o meet_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o vast_a inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n and_o he_o excite_v we_o to_o a_o due_a improvement_n of_o these_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o propose_v the_o most_o glorious_a reward_n of_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n thus_o god_n draw_v sinner_n to_o their_o duty_n by_o the_o band_n of_o love_n and_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n that_o be_v by_o argument_n of_o such_o a_o oblige_a nature_n as_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o prevail_v with_o man_n who_o he_o have_v endow_v with_o reason_n and_o understanding_n but_o how_o few_o be_v there_o who_o have_v so_o much_o ingenuity_n as_o to_o be_v win_v by_o kindness_n the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n must_v be_v treat_v with_o severe_a method_n according_a to_o the_o observation_n of_o st._n austin_n plures_fw-la sunt_fw-la quos_fw-la terror_fw-la corrigit_fw-la pauciores_fw-la quos_fw-la allicit_fw-la amor_fw-la such_o say_v he_o be_v the_o corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o very_o few_o be_v draw_v to_o their_o duty_n by_o the_o band_n of_o love_n the_o generality_n of_o man_n must_v be_v drive_v to_o it_o by_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n for_o this_o reason_n the_o wise_a heathen_n make_v hercules_n their_o god_n of_o power_n their_o god_n of_o eloquence_n too_o intimate_v that_o no_o argument_n be_v more_o forcible_a or_o more_o prevalent_a than_o those_o which_o alarm_n our_o fear_n now_o god_n who_o be_v never_o want_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v conduce_v to_o our_o salvation_n be_v observe_v in_o scripture_n frequent_o to_o urge_v these_o powerful_a argument_n upon_o we_o fear-not_a they_o say_v our_o saviour_n who_o can_v do_v no_o more_o than_o destroy_v the_o body_n but_o fear_v he_o who_o be_v able_a to_o destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n know_v therefore_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o persuade_v man_n say_v st._n paul_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 11._o to_o the_o same_o end_n and_o purpose_n we_o find_v asaph_n the_o author_n of_o this_o psalm_n magnify_v the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o the_o defeat_n of_o sennacherib_n army_n thou_o have_v break_v the_o arrow_n of_o the_o bow_n the_o shield_n and_o the_o sword_n and_o the_o battle_n ver_fw-la 3._o the_o stout_a heart_a be_v spoil_a they_o have_v sleep_v their_o sleep_n and_o none_o of_o the_o man_n of_o may_v have_v find_v their_o hand_n ver_fw-la 5._o at_o thy_o rebuke_n o_o god_n of_o jacob_n both_o the_o chariot_n and_o horse_n be_v cast_v into_o a_o deep_a sleep_n ver_fw-la 6._o those_o expression_n of_o our_o psalmist_n relate_v unto_o sennacherib_n king_n of_o the_o assyrian_n this_o monarchy_n in_o daniel_n vision_n be_v for_o its_o strength_n compare_v unto_o the_o lion_n and_o it_o be_v at_o its_o zenith_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o sennacherib_n who_o very_a name_n signify_v a_o fierce_a warrior_n and_o who_o subject_n the_o assyrian_n be_v deserve_o style_v by_o our_o psalmist_n the_o stouthearted_n because_o be_v flush_v by_o many_o victory_n they_o fear_v neither_o man_n nor_o god_n himself_o who_o

2_o we_o shall_v find_v yet_o more_o reason_n to_o fear_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n if_o we_o consider_v serious_o that_o great_a power_n he_o exercise_n over_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n it_o be_v a_o true_a say_v of_o seneca_n if_o understand_v with_o respect_n to_o man_n in_o corpore_fw-la exercentur_fw-la supplicia_fw-la animus_n ipse_fw-la sacer_fw-la &_o aeternus_fw-la est_fw-la cui_fw-la nequeat_fw-la injici_fw-la manus_fw-la the_o sword_n of_o justice_n which_o earthly_a potentate_n carry_v before_o they_o as_o the_o ensign_n of_o their_o power_n can_v only_o hurt_v the_o shell_n of_o man_n insomuch_o that_o the_o great_a tyrant_n be_v honour_v in_o scripture_n with_o no_o high_a title_n than_o those_o of_o master_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n for_o the_o soul_n or_o spirit_n be_v far_o enough_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o their_o power_n the_o conscience_n be_v secure_a from_o their_o rage_n and_o fury_n and_o it_o be_v the_o prerogative_n royal_a of_o god_n as_o by_o his_o omniscience_n to_o know_v the_o most_o inward_a thought_n so_o by_o his_o omnipotence_n to_o be_v able_a to_o punish_v they_o when_o the_o almighty_a please_v he_o break_v into_o the_o solitary_a recess_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o lodge_v his_o revenge_a fury_n in_o the_o inner_a man._n and_o now_o can_v we_o set_v a_o casement_n upon_o the_o breast_n of_o a_o orestes_n or_o some_o despair_a sinner_n and_o there_o see_v those_o ictus_fw-la and_o laniatus_fw-la those_o gnawing_n of_o the_o worm_n which_o prey_n upon_o all_o the_o vital_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o shall_v easy_o grant_v with_o tertullian_n that_o a_o enrage_a conscience_n be_v praejudicium_fw-la judicii_fw-la the_o antedate_n of_o the_o last_o judgement_n we_o may_v then_o see_v hell_n seize_v the_o wretched_a sinner_n here_o upon_o earth_n at_o least_o inflict_v some_o part_n of_o its_o torment_n on_o this_o side_n the_o grave_a such_o a_o dreadful_a monument_n of_o vengeance_n be_v curse_v cain_n no_o soon_o do_v he_o kill_v his_o brother_n abel_n but_o he_o become_v a_o wretched_a vagabond_n he_o tremble_v at_o the_o sight_n of_o every_o beast_n say_v josephus_n and_o be_v force_v to_o bear_v such_o incredible_a torment_n as_o he_o himself_o confess_v be_v great_a than_o he_o can_v bear_v it_o be_v sad_a enough_o for_o the_o sinner_n to_o have_v god_n almighty_a and_o the_o whole_a world_n against_o he_o but_o his_o condition_n must_v needs_o be_v sad_a when_o he_o become_v a_o traitor_n to_o himself_o nay_o more_o his_o own_o tormentor_n so_o much_o of_o truth_n there_o be_v in_o that_o say_v of_o seneca_n nemini_fw-la gravius_fw-la imprecari_fw-la potes_fw-la quam_fw-la ut_fw-la seipsum_fw-la habeat_fw-la iratum_fw-la thou_o can_v not_o say_v he_o lay_v a_o heavy_a curse_n or_o imprecation_n upon_o any_o person_n than_o to_o wish_v he_o angry_a or_o at_o enmity_n with_o himself_o and_o now_o i_o hope_v we_o will_v join_v with_o the_o psalmist_n in_o the_o text_n and_o say_v thou_o even_o thou_o o_o lord_n be_v to_o be_v fear_v and_o who_o may_v stand_v in_o thy_o sight_n when_o once_o thou_o be_v angry_a fearful_a we_o be_v to_o offend_v a_o earthly_a king_n how_o careful_a of_o our_o word_n and_o behaviour_n lest_o by_o treason_n or_o any_o misdemeanour_n we_o fall_v under_o his_o displeasure_n but_o what_o i_o pray_v be_v gibbet_n rack_n or_o the_o most_o ingenious_a torment_n they_o can_v invent_v to_o the_o sullen_a lash_n and_o silent_a gird_n of_o a_o enrage_a conscience_n let_v solomon_n if_o you_o please_v determine_v this_o matter_n prov._n 18._o 14._o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n say_v he_o can_v bear_v all_o his_o infirmity_n but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v how_o many_o noble_a martyr_n have_v sing_v and_o dance_v amid_o the_o devour_a flame_n but_o what_o judas_n what_o spira_n what_o dare_v sinner_n be_v ever_o yet_o able_a to_o bear_v the_o sting_n of_o a_o wound_a spirit_n what_o reason_n then_o have_v we_o to_o fear_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n who_o can_v when_o he_o please_v wound_v our_o spirit_n and_o fill_v our_o soul_n with_o the_o ineffable_a torment_n of_o black_a despair_n but_o three_o we_o shall_v find_v yet_o more_o reason_n to_o fear_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n if_o we_o consider_v those_o most_o exquisite_a and_o eternal_a punishment_n he_o be_v able_a to_o inflict_v both_o on_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o sinner_n in_o the_o lake_n below_o if_o the_o bold_a sinner_n have_v but_o courage_n enough_o to_o look_v beyond_o the_o grave_a he_o will_v find_v prepare_v for_o he_o the_o eternal_a tophet_n such_o a_o dreadful_a place_n of_o torment_n as_o be_v most_o tragical_o describe_v by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chap._n 30._o 33._o tophet_n be_v prepare_v of_o old_a say_v he_o the_o pile_n thereof_o be_v fire_n and_o much_o wood_n and_o the_o breath_n of_o the_o lord_n like_o a_o stream_n of_o brimstone_n do_v kindle_v it_o continual_o see_v how_o each_o word_n be_v arm_v with_o thunder_n it_o seem_v there_o be_v fire_n in_o this_o eternal_a tophet_n yea_o there_o be_v a_o great_a pile_n of_o fire_n now_o how_o dreadful_a how_o terrible_a be_v fire_n which_o the_o persian_n of_o old_a be_v wont_a to_o call_v immanissima_fw-la bellua_fw-la a_o most_o fierce_a and_o devour_a monster_n and_o yet_o this_o fire_n of_o tophet_n be_v no_o ordinary_a fire_n it_o be_v no_o such_o material_a fire_n as_o we_o have_v in_o our_o chimney_n for_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v original_o prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n now_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n be_v spiritual_a being_n can_v be_v torment_v by_o any_o material_a or_o corporeal_a fire_n the_o fire_n therefore_o of_o tophet_n must_v be_v some_o strange_a metaphorical_a fire_n such_o as_o the_o fire_n we_o use_v be_v only_o fit_a to_o be_v make_v a_o cold_a and_o faint_a emblem_n of_o it_o and_o we_o will_v the_o rather_o believe_v this_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v kindle_v by_o the_o breath_n of_o almighty_a god_n the_o fiery_a furnace_n of_o babylon_n be_v dreadful_a enough_o though_o kindle_v only_o by_o the_o finite_a power_n of_o a_o earthly_a king_n how_o dreadful_a then_o must_v the_o furnace_n of_o hell_n be_v which_o have_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o torment_n infinite_a wisdom_n can_v invent_v if_o all_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v these_o torment_v dreadful_a remember_v that_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n we_o know_v these_o infernal_a fiend_n be_v the_o most_o inveterate_a and_o most_o malicious_a enemy_n of_o heaven_n such_o as_o do_v not_o only_o at_o first_o endeavour_n to_o dethrone_v their_o almighty_a creator_n but_o have_v ever_o since_o employ_v all_o their_o malice_n and_o subilty_a to_o affront_v god_n and_o draw_v mankind_n into_o a_o conspiracy_n against_o he_o sure_o then_o that_o fire_n which_o be_v at_o first_o prepare_v for_o these_o inveterate_a and_o malicious_a enemy_n of_o heaven_n can_v possible_o want_v any_o ingredient_n of_o torture_n either_o infinite_a wisdom_n can_v invent_v or_o infinite_a power_n inflict_v and_o yet_o such_o devour_a flame_n as_o these_o be_v not_o only_o prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n but_o likewise_o for_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n how_o fearful_a a_o thing_n than_o will_v it_o be_v to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v more_o fearful_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o eternity_n of_o all_o these_o torment_n for_o in_o hell_n the_o worm_n never_o die_v and_o the_o fire_n shall_v never_o be_v quench_v when_o the_o sinner_n have_v lie_v in_o hell_n as_o many_o million_o of_o age_n as_o there_o be_v star_n in_o heaven_n or_o sands_n on_o the_o seashore_n he_o will_v be_v no_o near_o a_o end_n of_o his_o torment_n than_o he_o be_v the_o first_o moment_n he_o enter_v into_o that_o place_n of_o torment_n who_o then_o will_v not_o fear_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n who_o may_v stand_v in_o his_o sight_n when_o once_o he_o be_v angry_a but_o it_o seem_v our_o psalmist_n meet_v with_o some_o in_o his_o day_n who_o have_v no_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o their_o eye_n who_o do_v set_v their_o mouth_n against_o heaven_n and_o bid_v defiance_n to_o the_o almighty_a and_o be_v there_o not_o still_o too_o many_o in_o the_o world_n who_o discover_v little_a or_o no_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n such_o i_o mean_v as_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o spit_v in_o the_o face_n of_o heaven_n by_o their_o drunken_a vomit_n who_o profane_a his_o tremendous_a name_n by_o oath_n and_o blasphemy_n deride_v his_o ordinance_n and_o break_v his_o holy_a law_n by_o their_o notorious_a debauchery_n but_o sure_a these_o man_n have_v other_o apprehension_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n than_o

come_v now_o four_o in_o the_o four_o place_n to_o show_v you_o what_o reason_n and_o encouragement_n we_o have_v to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o grace_n and_o one_a our_o serious_a endeavour_n after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o grace_n will_v be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o preserve_v that_o save_a growth_n in_o grace_n the_o pious_a christian_a have_v already_o attain_v to_o there_o be_v a_o dangerous_a opinion_n in_o the_o world_n that_o a_o man_n can_v total_o and_o final_o fall_v away_o from_o grace_n according_a to_o these_o man_n sentiment_n he_o that_o be_v once_o sincere_o righteous_a will_v infallible_o hold_v on_o and_o persevere_v unto_o the_o end_n now_o if_o this_o opinion_n be_v true_a this_o exhortation_n will_v be_v vain_a but_o certain_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n hear_v what_o st._n peter_n say_v chap._n 1._o of_o this_o epistle_n vers_fw-la 10._o give_v all_o diligence_n say_v he_o to_o make_v your_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a for_o if_o you_o do_v these_o thing_n you_o shall_v never_o fall_v you_o see_v he_o put_v a_o if_o in_o the_o case_n such_o as_o fair_o imply_v that_o we_o may_v neglect_v our_o duty_n and_o fall_v from_o our_o own_o steadfastness_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n st._n paul_n give_v this_o necessary_a caution_n rom._n 11._o 20._o etc._n etc._n be_v not_o high-minded_a but_o fear_v for_o if_o god_n spare_v not_o the_o natural_a branch_n take_v heed_n lest_o he_o also_o spare_v not_o thou_o behold_v therefore_o the_o goodness_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n on_o they_o which_o fall_v severity_n but_o towards_o thou_o goodness_n if_o thou_o continue_v in_o his_o goodness_n otherwise_o thou_o also_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o but_o a_o full_a confutation_n of_o this_o dangerous_a opinion_n we_o can_v desire_v than_o what_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n ezek._n 18._o 24._o when_o the_o righteous_a man_n turn_v away_o from_o his_o righteousness_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n and_o do_v according_a to_o all_o the_o abomination_n that_o the_o wicked_a man_n do_v shall_v he_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n no_o all_o his_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v shall_v not_o be_v mention_v in_o his_o trespass_n that_o he_o have_v trespass_v and_o in_o his_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v sin_v in_o they_o shall_v he_o die_v thus_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o a_o christian_n may_v fall_v away_o from_o that_o save_a state_n of_o grace_n he_o have_v attain_v to_o and_o what_o i_o pray_v be_v more_o likely_a to_o secure_v his_o steadfastness_n than_o serious_a endeavour_n after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n our_o apostle_n it_o seem_v think_v so_o for_o have_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n give_v this_o necessary_a caution_n beware_v brethren_n lest_o you_o fall_v from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n he_o present_o subjoin_v in_o the_o text_n as_o the_o proper_a mean_n to_o secure_v they_o from_o fall_v but_o grow_v in_o grace_n it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o spiritual_a growth_n that_o it_o be_v in_o natural_n for_o as_o a_o man_n by_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o other_o natural_a action_n preserve_v his_o natural_a life_n so_o the_o christian_a by_o serious_a endeavour_n after_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n preserve_v his_o spiritual_a life_n the_o musician_n screw_v up_o his_o peg_n to_o a_o high_a pitch_n that_o he_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o will_v not_o fall_v low_o than_o the_o true_a note_n even_o so_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n we_o aspire_v to_o the_o less_o danger_n shall_v we_o be_v in_o of_o fall_v low_o than_o what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o this_o certain_o be_v sufficient_a encouragement_n to_o continue_v these_o our_o serious_a endeavour_n 2_o these_o serious_a endeavour_n after_o a_o further_a growth_n in_o grace_n than_o what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n will_v give_v the_o pious_a christian_a a_o more_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n it_o be_v no_o doubt_n a_o kind_n of_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o heaven_n whilst_o we_o be_v here_o upon_o earth_n this_o be_v that_o hide_a manna_n mention_v in_o the_o revelation_n which_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o all_o variety_n of_o delight_n now_o nothing_o beside_o a_o particular_a revelation_n from_o heaven_n can_v be_v more_o likely_a to_o create_v this_o full_a assurance_n in_o the_o soul_n than_o these_o heroic_a attainment_n of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n grace_n be_v that_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o we_o be_v mark_v and_o seal_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n and_o certain_o the_o bright_a and_o more_o evident_a that_o grace_n be_v the_o more_o evident_a will_v it_o be_v to_o our_o own_o self_n and_o the_o full_a our_o assurance_n of_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n many_o good_a christian_n be_v in_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o yet_o their_o condition_n be_v not_o so_o comfortable_a by_o reason_n of_o those_o fear_n and_o doubt_n which_o do_v often_o accompany_v these_o low_a degree_n of_o grace_n but_o the_o more_o we_o abound_v in_o good_a work_n and_o the_o more_o eminent_o our_o grace_n shine_n the_o more_o comfortable_a will_v our_o assurance_n be_v and_o the_o clear_a our_o title_n to_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n read_v st._n paul_n 11_o chap._n to_o the_o hebrew_n where_o he_o set_v down_o a_o large_a calendar_n of_o god_n eminent_a saint_n such_o as_o advance_v into_o the_o high_a form_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o you_o will_v find_v their_o faith_n as_o great_a as_o be_v their_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o their_o assurance_n of_o heaven_n bear_v a_o just_a proportion_n to_o their_o improvement_n in_o holiness_n for_o st._n paul_n describe_v their_o faith_n ver_fw-la 1._o call_v it_o the_o substance_n or_o subsistence_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o the_o evidence_n or_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v 3_o these_o serious_a endeavour_n after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o grace_n as_o they_o will_v secure_v our_o title_n to_o heaven_n and_o give_v we_o a_o more_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o it_o for_o the_o present_a so_o they_o will_v hereafter_o advance_v we_o to_o high_a degree_n of_o glory_n in_o heaven_n we_o know_v there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o glory_n in_o heaven_n even_o as_o one_o star_n differ_v from_o another_o star_n in_o glory_n so_o also_o say_v st._n paul_n shall_v be_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a as_o st._n austin_n speak_v splendour_n dispar_fw-la caelum_fw-la common_a the_o saint_n shall_v dwell_v together_o in_o the_o same_o heaven_n but_o yet_o like_a star_n they_o shall_v shine_v with_o different_a ray_n of_o glory_n now_o these_o high_a degree_n of_o glory_n will_v be_v confer_v on_o such_o who_o arrive_v at_o high_a degree_n of_o grace_n hence_o when_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n john_n 14._o 2._o in_o my_o father_n house_n be_v many_o mansion_n tertullian_n remark_n thus_o upon_o the_o place_n quomodo_fw-la multae_fw-la mansiones_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la pro_fw-la varietate_fw-la meritorum_fw-la wherefore_o say_v he_o shall_v our_o saviour_n mention_v many_o mansion_n in_o his_o father_n house_n if_o there_o be_v not_o several_a room_n of_o different_a size_n and_o glory_n provide_v for_o his_o saint_n according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o their_o desert_n indeed_o heaven_n have_v room_n enough_o to_o lodge_v all_o the_o godly_a but_o as_o in_o other_o magnificent_a palace_n so_o in_o this_o of_o heaven_n there_o be_v high_a and_o low_o large_a and_o lesser_a mansion_n in_o which_o god_n saint_n shall_v be_v dispose_v of_o according_a to_o those_o service_n they_o have_v perform_v upon_o earth_n their_o reward_n hereafter_o shall_v be_v answerable_a to_o their_o obedience_n here_o see_v then_o what_o encouragement_n there_o be_v to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o glory_n these_o it_o seem_v will_v create_v a_o heaven_n in_o our_o soul_n whilst_o we_o live_v here_o on_o earth_n these_o will_n at_o our_o death_n carry_v our_o soul_n as_o high_a as_o heaven_n nay_o which_o be_v more_o they_o will_v lodge_v they_o in_o the_o best_a mansion_n there_o hence_o be_v that_o of_o our_o apostle_n chap._n 1._o 11._o if_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o you_o and_o abound_v then_o shall_v a_o entrance_n be_v minister_v unto_o you_o abundant_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n let_v we_o go_v from_o strength_n to_o strength_n and_o grow_v from_o one_o degree_n of_o grace_n unto_o another_o until_o we_o appear_v before_o our_o god_n in_o zion_n i_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o st._n paul_n exhortation_n

text_n for_o it_o seem_v he_o believe_v christ_n to_o have_v be_v both_o able_a and_o willing_a to_o save_v he_o which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o own_v he_o for_o a_o mediator_n hence_o we_o find_v he_o make_v solemn_a and_o earnest_a address_n to_o he_o for_o mercy_n lord_n say_v he_o remember_v i_o when_o thou_o come_v into_o thy_o kingdom_n one_o will_v think_v these_o circumstance_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v namely_o his_o deep_a sense_n of_o his_o sin_n his_o humble_a confession_n of_o they_o his_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o fellow_n thief_n and_o his_o strange_a and_o prodigious_a faith_n i_o say_v one_o will_v think_v these_o circumstance_n so_o wonderful_a and_o so_o extraordinary_a that_o they_o be_v sufficient_a of_o themselves_o to_o evidence_n the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o repentance_n how_o short_a soever_o it_o be_v and_o yet_o by_o way_n of_o overplus_n we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o concern_v it_o this_o day_n say_v our_o saviour_n thou_o shall_v be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n sure_o that_o repentance_n must_v be_v sincere_a and_o perfect_a which_o enter_v into_o heaven_n pass_v into_o paradise_n and_o make_v so_o notorious_a a_o thief_n all_o on_o a_o sudden_a so_o fit_a a_o companion_n for_o the_o holy_a jesus_n and_o now_o let_v we_o inquire_v what_o matter_n of_o comfort_n here_o can_v be_v for_o the_o bold_a dare_a sinner_n of_o the_o time_n have_v they_o any_o reason_n to_o expect_v such_o a_o lively_a vigorous_a and_o extraordinary_a faith_n or_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v be_v so_o well_o assure_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n the_o age_n of_o miracle_n do_v expire_v long_o ago_o and_o god_n have_v abundant_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o mighty_a sign_n and_o wonder_n do_v resolve_v to_o leave_v the_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o grace_n how_o then_o can_v we_o expect_v at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n to_o find_v such_o a_o wonderful_a faith_n wrought_v in_o those_o profligate_v wretch_n who_o have_v all_o their_o life_n time_n despise_a god_n minister_n quench_v all_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n trample_v on_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o shameful_o abuse_v all_o the_o ordinary_a method_n and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o we_o can_v expect_v to_o find_v in_o the_o clinic_n of_o the_o age_n such_o a_o prodigious_a and_o extraordinary_a faith_n as_o be_v in_o this_o penitent_a thief_n so_o neither_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v be_v so_o well_o assure_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n as_o he_o be_v i_o be_o willing_a to_o be_v as_o charitable_a to_o these_o penitent_n as_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n will_v allow_v i_o to_o be_v and_o therefore_o let_v we_o suppose_v such_o presumptuous_a sinner_n to_o be_v deep_o sensible_a of_o their_o sin_n and_o willing_a to_o confess_v they_o let_v we_o suppose_v they_o send_v for_o their_o debauch_a companion_n to_o remind_v they_o of_o eternity_n and_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o delay_v their_o repentance_n nay_o far_o let_v we_o suppose_v they_o water_v their_o couch_n with_o their_o tear_n and_o make_v most_o solemn_a protestation_n of_o better_a obedience_n if_o god_n shall_v restore_v they_o to_o their_o former_a health_n suppose_v all_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o clinic_n of_o the_o age_n be_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o minister_n to_o afford_v they_o a_o cordial_n or_o any_o solid_a comfort_n from_o this_o example_n of_o the_o text_n for_o my_o part_n i_o must_v declare_v that_o i_o think_v it_o impossible_a we_o may_v hope_v well_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n but_o to_o give_v they_o any_o such_o assurance_n as_o this_o penitent_a thief_n be_v beyond_o the_o power_n and_o skill_n of_o the_o wise_a minister_n for_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o since_o minister_n be_v not_o omniscious_a as_o our_o saviour_n be_v they_o can_v pass_v a_o infallible_a judgement_n upon_o the_o sincerity_n of_o such_o a_o late_a repentance_n when_o esau_n have_v lose_v his_o birthright_n for_o a_o mess_n of_o pottage_n do_v not_o he_o shed_v as_o hearty_a and_o unfeigned_a tear_n as_o these_o suppose_a penitent_n can_v do_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v say_v find_v no_o place_n for_o repentance_n do_v not_o judas_n run_v to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n do_v he_o not_o confess_v public_o that_o he_o have_v betray_v the_o innocent_a blood_n nay_o do_v he_o not_o throw_v down_o the_o thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n and_o sure_a if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v in_o earnest_n such_o a_o covetous_a wretch_n will_v never_o have_v part_v with_o his_o money_n and_o yet_o we_o know_v his_o repentance_n be_v not_o right_a alas_o the_o horror_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o ghastly_a apparition_n of_o death_n will_v force_v man_n to_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o god_n will_v not_o accept_v of_o because_o they_o proceed_v from_o fear_n of_o punishment_n and_o not_o from_o the_o love_n of_o he_o nay_o let_v i_o add_v yet_o far_o that_o sad_a experience_n have_v set_v its_o seal_n to_o this_o observation_n that_o many_o such_o penitent_n who_o have_v make_v the_o most_o solemn_a protestation_n of_o better_a obedience_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o sickness_n when_o god_n have_v restore_v they_o in_o mercy_n to_o their_o former_a health_n they_o have_v with_o the_o dog_n return_v to_o their_o vomit_n and_o with_o the_o sow_n to_o their_o wallowing_n in_o the_o mire_n thus_o you_o see_v that_o repentance_n of_o the_o thief_n in_o the_o text_n be_v so_o remarkable_a so_o wonderful_a so_o extraordinary_a in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o as_o will_v afford_v little_a solid_a comfort_n to_o repent_v sinner_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n 4_o this_o repentance_n of_o the_o thief_n will_v be_v find_v yet_o far_a extraordinary_a and_o such_o as_o can_v afford_v little_a comfort_n to_o the_o clinic_n of_o the_o age_n if_o we_o consider_v those_o great_a and_o extraordinary_a temptation_n he_o have_v to_o grapple_v with_o christ_n be_v now_o in_o his_o worst_a estate_n in_o the_o very_o low_a degree_n of_o his_o humiliation_n there_o be_v no_o beauty_n no_o form_n no_o comeliness_n in_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v desire_v the_o chief_a priest_n the_o scribes_z and_o the_o elder_n mock_v he_o all_o that_o pass_v by_o revile_v he_o wag_v their_o head_n of_o his_o own_o disciple_n some_o deny_v he_o and_o all_o of_o they_o shameful_o and_o most_o ungrateful_o forsake_v he_o this_o poor_a penitent_a thief_n be_v the_o only_a confessor_n he_o have_v and_o what_o inducement_n have_v he_o at_o this_o time_n to_o own_v he_o he_o can_v expect_v no_o worldly_a advantage_n all_o that_o he_o can_v promise_v himself_o be_v only_o this_o that_o as_o he_o be_v now_o crucify_a as_o a_o malefactor_n only_o so_o for_o such_o his_o confession_n his_o torment_n will_v have_v be_v enhance_v and_o he_o persecute_v as_o a_o martyr_n and_o can_v now_o the_o clinic_n of_o the_o age_n show_v we_o any_o such_o extraordinary_a repentance_n be_v christ_n now_o under_o the_o same_o circumstance_n of_o pain_n and_o ignominy_n that_o he_o be_v then_o do_v not_o all_o our_o creed_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v now_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v make_v the_o head_n of_o all_o thing_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n and_o will_v it_o be_v any_o such_o heroic_a act_n of_o faith_n now_o to_o seek_v unto_o such_o a_o glorious_a and_o triumphant_a saviour_n sure_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o case_n of_o the_o thief_n and_o the_o case_n of_o the_o presumptuous_a sinner_n the_o thief_n have_v no_o inducement_n to_o fly_v to_o christ_n for_o succour_n and_o these_o have_v none_o to_o fly_v to_o but_o their_o saviour_n there_o be_v therefore_o but_o little_a solid_a comfort_n for_o such_o penitent_n in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o text._n 5_o the_o case_n of_o the_o thief_n will_v yet_o further_o be_v find_v extraordinary_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o time_n when_o he_o obtain_v mercy_n it_o be_v no_o ordinary_a time_n but_o a_o time_n when_o god_n be_v show_v a_o public_a act_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o the_o world_n god_n at_o this_o time_n be_v give_v his_o own_o son_n out_o of_o great_a love_n to_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v seem_v proper_a and_o well_o become_v so_o solemn_a a_o time_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o monument_n of_o this_o infinite_a mercy_n it_o may_v possible_o deserve_v your_o serious_a observation_n that_o god_n almighty_n do_v always_o something_o extraordinary_a to_o grace_v the_o several_a passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n mediatorship_n we_o know_v at_o his_o nativity_n a_o glorious_a star_n shine_v in_o the_o air_n