the_o time_n before_o they_o and_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o not_o to_o have_v be_v yet_o seduce_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n consider_v these_o thing_n let_v they_o consider_v what_o a_o prize_n they_o have_v in_o their_o hand_n and_o let_v they_o be_v zealous_a that_o no_o man_n take_v their_o crown_n let_v they_o consider_v that_o if_o god_n and_o angel_n rejoice_v at_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o old_a and_o great_a sinner_n much_o more_o must_v they_o be_v please_v to_o see_v a_o young_a person_n amid_o the_o allure_a glory_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n brave_o resist_v all_o its_o temptation_n let_v they_o consider_v that_o that_o time_n which_o a_o die_a sinner_n will_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a give_v million_o of_o world_n to_o redeem_v be_v now_o in_o their_o hand_n and_o they_o may_v make_v a_o glorious_a use_n of_o it_o let_v they_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v yet_o clothe_v with_o the_o white_a robe_n of_o innocence_n and_o if_o they_o be_v careful_a never_o to_o defile_v that_o garment_n they_o may_v attain_v to_o a_o portion_n among_o those_o few_o who_o shall_v walk_v 4._o with_o christ_n in_o white_a for_o they_o be_v worthy_a let_v they_o consider_v that_o if_o they_o zealous_o continue_v to_o maintain_v their_o innocence_n and_o their_o good_a work_n for_o a_o few_o year_n they_o will_v soon_o be_v almost_o out_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o temptation_n they_o will_v escape_v the_o bitter_a pang_n of_o remorse_n and_o repentance_n they_o will_v be_v whole_o above_o that_o great_a of_o human_a misery_n the_o dread_a and_o horror_n of_o death_n and_o may_v not_o only_o without_o fear_n but_o even_o with_o exceed_a joy_n expect_v the_o appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n at_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n and_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v last_o let_v they_o consider_v that_o if_o they_o hold_v fast_o the_o confidence_n and_o rejoice_v of_o their_o hope_n firm_a unto_o the_o end_n they_o shall_v be_v entitle_v to_o all_o those_o great_a and_o inconceivable_a promise_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v make_v to_o those_o who_o shall_v overcome_v to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o give_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n rev._n 2._o 7._o he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v not_o be_v hurt_v of_o the_o second_o death_n ver_fw-la 11._o he_o that_o overcome_v the_o same_o shall_v be_v clothe_v in_o white_a raiment_n and_o i_o will_v not_o blot_v his_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n but_o i_o will_v confess_v his_o name_n before_o my_o father_n and_o before_o his_o angel_n rev._n 3._o 5._o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o make_v a_o pillar_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o my_o god_n and_o he_o shall_v go_v no_o more_o out_o and_o i_o will_v write_v upon_o he_o the_o name_n of_o my_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o city_n of_o my_o god_n which_o be_v new_a jerusalem_n ver_fw-la 12._o and_o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o grant_v to_o sit_v with_o i_o in_o my_o throne_n even_o as_o i_o also_o overcome_v and_o be_o sit_v down_o with_o my_o father_n in_o his_o throne_n v._o 21._o chap._n x._o of_o make_v religion_n the_o principal_a business_n of_o our_o life_n 1._o three_o resolve_v to_o make_v religion_n the_o main_a scope_n of_o all_o your_o action_n and_o the_o principal_a business_n of_o your_o life_n one_o great_a reason_n why_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o reign_a principle_n that_o whole_o govern_v the_o life_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v now_o so_o little_a influence_n upon_o the_o action_n of_o man_n be_v because_o those_o holy_a man_n seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o rely_v upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o have_v all_o other_o thing_n add_v unto_o they_o whereas_o now_o man_n make_v religion_n not_o their_o first_o but_o their_o last_o care_n and_o while_o their_o whole_a heart_n and_o affection_n be_v set_v upon_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o present_a world_n they_o think_v themselves_o sufficient_o religious_a if_o they_o spend_v but_o some_o small_a portion_n of_o their_o time_n in_o the_o outward_a and_o ceremonious_a act_n of_o religion_n but_o if_o religion_n be_v the_o same_o now_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n if_o the_o happiness_n propose_v to_o we_o be_v the_o same_o for_o which_o they_o so_o painful_o contend_v if_o our_o obligation_n except_v perhaps_o some_o few_o particular_a case_n be_v the_o same_o with_o they_o this_o slight_a careless_a and_o superficial_a religion_n will_v not_o serve_v our_o turn_n he_o that_o will_v obtain_v that_o crown_n of_o immortality_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o those_o who_o love_n and_o obey_v he_o must_v be_v effectual_o and_o substantial_o religious_a in_o the_o main_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o he_o that_o will_v be_v so_o true_o and_o sincere_o religious_a must_v make_v that_o religion_n his_o principal_a and_o his_o first_o care_n 2._o by_o make_v religion_n the_o principal_a care_n and_o study_n of_o our_o life_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o man_n shall_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o their_o business_n and_o employment_n in_o the_o world_n to_o spend_v their_o time_n anxious_o in_o read_v pray_v meditate_v &_o the_o like_a i_o hese_n thing_n be_v not_o the_o whole_a nor_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v a_o ancient_n and_o notorious_a error_n to_o think_v that_o man_n can_v become_v more_o true_o religious_a by_o the_o continue_a exercise_n of_o a_o private_a retirement_n than_o by_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o the_o world_n the_o life_n and_o substance_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o have_v our_o mind_n habitual_o possess_v with_o the_o profound_a veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o with_o a_o desire_n of_o express_v at_o all_o proper_a opportunity_n our_o devotion_n to_o he_o and_o our_o zeal_n for_o his_o honour_n to_o endeavour_v constant_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n to_o promote_v the_o good_a and_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o man_n and_o to_o be_v temperate_a in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o earthly_a enjoyment_n as_o those_o who_o expect_v their_o happiness_n not_o in_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o next_o this_o be_v the_o essence_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o these_o thing_n a_o man_n may_v make_v his_o principal_n nay_o even_o his_o whole_a care_n without_o any_o way_n neglect_v or_o in_o the_o least_o withdraw_a himself_o from_o his_o secular_a and_o worldly_a business_n there_o be_v no_o employment_n wherein_o a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v always_o do_v something_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n for_o the_o good_a of_o man_n or_o for_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n there_o be_v no_o business_n wherein_o a_o man_n may_v not_o make_v it_o his_o main_a care_n to_o act_v always_o like_o a_o good_a man_n and_o a_o christian_a there_o be_v no_o state_n of_o life_n wherein_o a_o man_n may_v not_o keep_v a_o constant_a eye_n upon_o a_o future_a state_n and_o so_o use_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o present_a world_n as_o that_o the_o great_a and_o ultimate_a scope_n of_o all_o his_o action_n may_v always_o respect_v that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v 3._o and_o to_o make_v religion_n thus_o far_o the_o principal_a business_n of_o our_o life_n be_v absolute_o and_o indispensable_o necessary_a no_o man_n can_v overcome_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o word_n no_o man_n can_v be_v true_o and_o effectual_o religious_a unless_o he_o steadfast_o propose_v to_o himself_o one_o great_a design_n of_o his_o life_n and_o endeavour_n to_o act_n always_o regular_o upon_o that_o design_n he_o must_v 72._o constant_o keep_v a_o eye_n upon_o his_o main_a end_n and_o in_o every_o thing_n he_o do_v must_v be_v careful_a always_o to_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o that_o every_o thing_n he_o undertake_v must_v be_v either_o direct_o conducive_a to_o that_o end_n or_o at_o least_o not_o contrary_a to_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o in_o a_o word_n he_o must_v be_v true_a to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o own_o happiness_n and_o be_v resolute_a never_o to_o be_v tempt_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o know_v he_o shall_v afterward_o wish_v undo_v for_o otherwise_o if_o a_o man_n act_v only_o uncertain_o according_a to_o the_o present_a appearance_n of_o thing_n and_o without_o any_o fix_a design_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o every_o violent_a temptation_n will_v either_o surprise_v or_o overpower_v he_o and_o his_o religion_n will_v be_v as_o inconstant_a as_o his_o resolution_n his_o life_n will_v be_v at_o best_a no_n other_o than_o a_o continue_a circle_n of_o sin_v and_o repent_v and_o his_o end_n will_v be_v in_o
to_o live_v with_o all_o the_o strictness_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o every_o one_o of_o those_o duty_n of_o which_o i_o have_v brief_o set_v down_o the_o head_n in_o the_o former_a chapter_n 3._o and_o consider_v that_o you_o promise_v all_o this_o most_o solemn_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o before_o the_o whole_a congregation_n consider_v that_o you_o enter_v into_o this_o promise_n with_o such_o solemnity_n as_o lay_v upon_o you_o the_o strong_a possible_a obligation_n to_o virtue_n consider_v that_o you_o so_o enter_v into_o this_o promise_n with_o knowledge_n and_o deliberation_n that_o if_o you_o shall_v afterward_o fall_v into_o any_o course_n of_o sin_n in_o contempt_n of_o such_o repeat_v obligation_n to_o the_o contrary_a the_o gild_n thereof_o will_v be_v extreme_o increase_v and_o that_o therefore_o you_o ought_v now_o to_o affect_v your_o mind_n deep_o with_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o heinousness_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o strengthen_v mighty_o your_o good_a resolution_n ancient_o every_o one_o that_o be_v baptize_v be_v teach_v to_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o enter_v into_o so_o solemn_a a_o obligation_n of_o religion_n that_o if_o after_o that_o great_a and_o sacred_a vow_n he_o shall_v fall_v into_o any_o wilful_a and_o know_a sin_n it_o can_v not_o be_v forgive_v he_o but_o upon_o a_o proportionable_o great_a and_o long_a repentance_n and_o the_o same_o reason_n there_o be_v now_o why_o every_o one_o that_o by_o confirmation_n dedicate_v himself_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o make_v public_a profession_n of_o his_o be_v a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n shall_v look_v upon_o himself_o as_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o solemn_a obligation_n as_o shall_v make_v he_o exceed_o fearful_a of_o fall_v for_o the_o future_a into_o any_o great_a sin_n the_o gild_n of_o which_o will_v be_v extreme_o increase_v by_o be_v commit_v after_o such_o repeat_v vow_n and_o promise_v to_o the_o contrary_n 4._o yet_o be_v this_o no_o reason_n why_o any_o one_o shall_v defer_v be_v confirm_v as_o if_o by_o omit_v to_o bind_v himself_o by_o this_o new_a and_o solemn_a promise_n he_o may_v continue_v to_o sin_n with_o less_o guilt_n and_o less_o danger_n for_o though_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n be_v indeed_o mighty_o increase_v by_o be_v commit_v after_o repeat_v obligation_n to_o the_o contrary_a yet_o if_o any_o one_o omit_v to_o renew_v his_o obligation_n only_o for_o that_o reason_n that_o he_o may_v continue_v in_o sin_n his_o sin_n be_v then_o equal_o heinous_a and_o against_o knowledge_n as_o if_o he_o have_v renew_v his_o obligation_n baptism_n be_v a_o solemn_a obligation_n to_o be_v religious_a and_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_n because_o they_o think_v sin_n will_v be_v more_o heinous_a after_o so_o solemn_a a_o obligation_n do_v therefore_o defer_v to_o be_v baptise_a till_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n the_o lord_n supper_n be_v also_o a_o solemn_a obligation_n to_o be_v religious_a and_o many_o in_o our_o day_n because_o they_o think_v sin_n will_v be_v more_o heinous_a after_o so_o solemn_a a_o obligation_n do_v therefore_o defer_v receive_v the_o communion_n all_o their_o life_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a these_o man_n run_v into_o a_o very_a great_a error_n for_o the_o reason_n why_o sin_n after_o repeat_v obligation_n to_o the_o contrary_a become_v more_o heinous_a be_v because_o it_o be_v commit_v with_o great_a deliberation_n &_o against_o clear_a conviction_n when_o therefore_o a_o man_n who_o believe_v religion_n and_o understand_v its_o obligation_n omit_v these_o duty_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o that_o he_o may_v sin_v as_o he_o think_v with_o less_o danger_n his_o sin_n be_v then_o equal_o deliberate_a and_o against_o equal_o clear_a knowledge_n and_o he_o moreover_o add_v to_o they_o a_o contemptuous_a neglect_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o become_v more_o religious_a chap._n vii_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n 1._o second_o consider_v that_o you_o come_v now_o to_o have_v seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o you_o all_o the_o privilege_n which_o the_o condition_n of_o your_o baptismal_a covenant_n entitle_v you_o to_o receive_v at_o baptism_n we_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o have_v a_o title_n to_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o at_o confirmation_n this_o grace_n be_v seal_v and_o assure_v to_o we_o by_o the_o external_a sign_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n when_o therefore_o you_o come_v in_o this_o solemn_a manner_n to_o make_v profession_n of_o your_o religion_n and_o to_o dedicate_v yourself_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v sure_a to_o come_v with_o earnest_a desire_n and_o a_o long_a soul_n with_o firm_a faith_n and_o a_o well-assured_n hope_n with_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o a_o mind_n prepare_v for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o god_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o pour_v down_o upon_o you_o the_o abundance_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o give_v you_o strength_n from_o thenceforward_o to_o overcome_v both_o the_o inward_a corruption_n of_o your_o nature_n and_o the_o outward_a temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n to_o enable_v you_o to_o continue_v firm_a in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o command_n to_o preserve_v you_o always_o from_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o bring_v you_o safe_a unto_o his_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n 2._o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o pernicious_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n than_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v not_o be_v annex_v constant_o to_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n if_o we_o imagine_v that_o our_o nature_n be_v so_o utter_o corrupt_v that_o we_o can_v no_o more_o do_v or_o will_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a than_o a_o dead_a body_n can_v move_v or_o bring_v itself_o to_o life_n till_o we_o be_v act_v by_o such_o a_o mighty_a and_o extraordinary_a grace_n of_o god_n as_o nothing_o that_o we_o can_v do_v can_v in_o the_o least_o prepare_v we_o to_o receive_v if_o we_o imagine_v that_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o we_o can_v possible_o overcome_v they_o without_o such_o a_o powerful_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o god_n have_v not_o annex_v to_o the_o use_n of_o any_o ordinance_n or_o mean_n of_o religion_n if_o we_o imagine_v that_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v so_o impossible_a to_o be_v keep_v that_o after_o all_o we_o can_v do_v we_o must_v sit_v still_o in_o expectation_n of_o be_v convert_v sudden_o by_o a_o irresistible_a grace_n this_o must_v needs_o make_v all_o our_o endeavour_n weak_a and_o faint_a dead_a and_o without_o heart_n and_o we_o shall_v certain_o never_o be_v able_a to_o overcome_v our_o temptation_n and_o to_o persevere_v in_o welldoing_a 3._o it_o must_v indeed_o be_v confess_v that_o the_o â—_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v real_o so_o great_a that_o we_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n as_o of_o ourselves_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v real_o so_o strong_a that_o we_o can_v never_o mere_o by_o our_o own_o strength_n be_v able_a to_o stand_v and_o persevere_v unto_o the_o end_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v so_o exceed_v broad_a that_o by_o all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v by_o our_o own_o power_n we_o can_v never_o be_v justify_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n but_o then_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v deliver_v we_o from_o this_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o have_v break_v all_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n if_o christ_n by_o his_o death_n have_v purchase_v this_o grace_n for_o we_o that_o upon_o our_o attend_v the_o ordinance_n and_o mean_n of_o religion_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v god_n will_v as_o certain_o bestow_v upon_o we_o the_o sufficient_a assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n as_o a_o tender_a father_n can_v deny_v his_o child_n any_o reasonable_a request_n if_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o we_o be_v able_a but_o will_v with_o the_o temptation_n 13_o also_o make_v a_o way_n to_o escape_v and_o whenever_o he_o require_v more_o of_o we_o than_o we_o be_v natural_o able_a to_o perform_v will_v certain_o afford_v we_o a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n proportionable_a to_o the_o difficulty_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o encounter_v as_o he_o constant_o do_v to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o through_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v enable_v to_o bear_v all_o the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n that_o either_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n or_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n can_v invent_v with_o less_o concern_n than_o we_o can_v even_o
steady_a course_n of_o piety_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n and_o again_o heb._n 3._o 14._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o hold_v the_o begin_n of_o our_o confidence_n steadfast_a unto_o the_o end_n the_o hebrew_n to_o who_o this_o epistle_n be_v write_v be_v certain_o sincere_a christian_n they_o have_v be_v enlighten_v by_o baptism_n and_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n they_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n tell_v they_o that_o all_o this_o will_v not_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o christ_n i._n e._n will_v not_o entitle_v they_o to_o the_o promise_n which_o the_o gospel_n make_v to_o obedience_n unless_o they_o persevere_v in_o this_o state_n to_o the_o end_n nay_o so_o far_o will_v all_o these_o glorious_a thing_n be_v from_o ascertain_v they_o of_o happiness_n that_o if_o they_o fall_v away_o the_o have_v former_o be_v partaker_n of_o so_o great_a privilege_n will_v but_o 9_o increase_v their_o condemnation_n and_o make_v their_o state_n more_o desperate_a 6._o terrible_a be_v the_o threaten_n which_o the_o scripture_n make_v to_o those_o who_o have_v know_v their_o duty_n and_o begin_v to_o obey_v it_o shall_v again_o return_v to_o a_o course_n of_o wickedness_n if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n they_o shall_v be_v again_o entangle_v therein_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n for_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o 2_o pet._n 2._o 20._o i_o will_v therefore_o put_v you_o in_o remembrance_n though_o you_o once_o know_v this_o how_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v save_v the_o people_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n afterward_o destroy_v they_o that_o believe_v not_o and_o the_o angel_n which_o keep_v not_o their_o first_o estate_n but_o leave_v their_o own_o habitation_n he_o have_v reserve_v in_o everlasting_a chain_n under_o darkness_n unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n judas_n 5_o &_o 6._o lest_o there_o be_v any_o fornicator_n or_o profane_a person_n as_o esau_n who_o for_o one_o morsel_n of_o meat_n sell_v his_o birthright_n for_o you_o know_v how_o that_o afterward_o when_o he_o will_v have_v inherit_v the_o blessing_n he_o be_v reject_v for_o he_o find_v no_o place_n of_o repentance_n though_o he_o seek_v it_o careful_o with_o tear_n heb._n 12._o 16._o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n heb._n 10._o 26._o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o they_o shall_v fall_v away_o to_o renew_v they_o again_o unto_o repentance_n see_v they_o crucify_v to_o themselves_o the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n heb._n 6._o 4._o the_o meaning_n of_o all_o which_o place_n be_v plain_o this_o not_o indeed_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o obtain_v forgiveness_n but_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o baptism_n no_o more_o baptismal_a remission_n and_o that_o therefore_o if_o man_n after_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n relapse_n any_o more_o into_o a_o state_n of_o gross_a wickedness_n they_o can_v be_v forgive_v but_o upon_o such_o a_o great_a and_o active_a repentance_n as_o it_o be_v exceed_o difficult_a to_o renew_v such_o person_n unto_o 7._o for_o this_o reason_n our_o saviour_n warn_v we_o to_o watch_v and_o to_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o have_v our_o loin_n gird_v about_o and_o our_o light_n burn_v and_o to_o be_v like_o man_n that_o wait_v for_o their_o lord_n when_o he_o shall_v return_v from_o the_o wedding_n that_o when_o he_o come_v and_o knock_v they_o may_v open_v unto_o he_o immediate_o luke_n 12._o 35._o and_o again_o take_v heed_n to_o yourselves_o lest_o at_o any_o time_n your_o heart_n be_v overcharge_v with_o surfeit_v and_o drunkenness_n and_o the_o care_n of_o this_o life_n and_o so_o that_o day_n come_v upon_o you_o unaware_o for_o as_o a_o snare_n shall_v it_o come_v on_o all_o they_o that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n watch_v you_o therefore_o and_o pray_v always_o that_o you_o may_v be_v account_v worthy_a to_o escape_v all_o these_o thing_n that_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o to_o stand_v before_o the_o son_n of_o man_n luke_n 21._o 34._o and_o the_o apostle_n also_o in_o their_o epistle_n be_v perpetual_o warn_v we_o to_o watch_v and_o to_o be_v solicitous_a to_o take_v great_a heed_n as_o of_o a_o thing_n of_o most_o extreme_a danger_n lest_o at_o any_o time_n we_o fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o leave_v any_o root_n of_o bitterness_n spring_v up_o trouble_v we_o and_o thereby_o we_o be_v defile_v 8._o and_o indeed_o the_o ancient_a church_n think_v they_o can_v never_o carry_v this_o point_n too_o far_o to_o the_o convert_v who_o have_v new_o enter_v into_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n they_o always_o urge_v the_o necessity_n of_o perseverance_n with_o the_o utmost_a rigour_n and_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v the_o most_o severe_o to_o threaten_v apostate_n that_o be_v such_o as_o after_o their_o embrace_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n wilful_o relapse_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o notorious_a wickedness_n they_o always_o interpret_v to_o they_o in_o the_o most_o 12._o strict_a sense_n that_o by_o those_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n they_o may_v preserve_v they_o if_o possible_a in_o their_o innocence_n though_o those_o who_o have_v already_o sin_v they_o treat_v more_o mild_o that_o they_o may_v encourage_v repentance_n and_o prevent_v despair_n chap._n ix_o of_o innocence_n and_o a_o early_a piety_n 1._o second_o consider_v the_o inestimable_a advantage_n of_o innocence_n and_o of_o a_o early_a piety_n innocence_n be_v a_o jewel_n which_o no_o man_n understand_v the_o value_n of_o and_o no_o man_n know_v what_o he_o do_v when_o he_o first_o part_n with_o it_o when_o a_o man_n be_v first_o beat_v from_o his_o good_a resolution_n and_o seduce_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n and_o folly_n he_o be_v then_o drive_v from_o his_o best_a strong-hold_a his_o strength_n his_o courage_n his_o assistance_n be_v diminish_v and_o when_o or_o how_o far_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o recover_v they_o he_o can_v tell_v when_o a_o man_n be_v first_o entice_v to_o sin_v wilful_o and_o against_o knowledge_n he_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o part_n with_o that_o peace_n of_o mind_n which_o how_o far_o he_o shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o recover_v he_o can_v know_v when_o a_o man_n be_v first_o vanquish_v by_o the_o enemy_n of_o his_o salvation_n the_o world_n the_o flesh_n or_o the_o devil_n and_o prefer_v any_o pleasure_n or_o any_o interest_n to_o his_o duty_n he_o than_o forfeit_v his_o title_n to_o the_o crown_n promise_v to_o those_o who_o shall_v overcome_v and_o how_o far_o his_o endeavour_n will_v afterward_o be_v accept_v he_o can_v tell_v 2._o while_o a_o person_n who_o have_v enter_v early_o into_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n be_v yet_o innocent_a and_o uncorrupted_a with_o vice_n he_o begin_v his_o christian_a warfare_n with_o firm_a and_o unbroken_a resolution_n with_o a_o free_a and_o undistracted_a mind_n and_o with_o the_o certain_a assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n but_o when_o once_o he_o have_v forfeit_v this_o happy_a innocence_n and_o be_v fall_v from_o his_o first_o love_n his_o zeal_n for_o virtue_n grow_v less_o strict_a and_o his_o hatred_n against_o vice_n less_o severe_a his_o resolution_n become_v weak_a and_o more_o inconstant_a his_o passion_n strong_a and_o his_o mind_n more_o unsettled_a and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v proportionable_o withdraw_v from_o he_o so_o that_o it_o become_v much_o more_o difficult_a to_o recover_v his_o first_o state_n than_o it_o have_v be_v to_o preserve_v it_o think_v not_o therefore_o when_o first_o temptation_n offer_v themselves_o that_o you_o can_v now_o yield_v to_o they_o and_o afterward_o
return_v to_o your_o duty_n for_o if_o your_o resolution_n when_o firm_a be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v much_o less_o will_v they_o do_v it_o when_o they_o have_v once_o be_v break_v if_o you_o can_v withstand_v the_o temptation_n of_o vice_n while_o it_o be_v yet_o at_o a_o distance_n much_o less_o will_v you_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o when_o it_o have_v interest_v your_o passion_n and_o insinuate_v itself_o into_o your_o affection_n if_o you_o can_v maintain_v your_o ground_n while_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v ready_a constant_o to_o assist_v you_o much_o less_o will_v you_o do_v it_o when_o he_o have_v withdraw_v himself_o from_o you_o but_o resolve_v brave_o now_o while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n while_o you_o have_v time_n and_o may_v do_v it_o with_o the_o great_a advantage_n to_o make_v your_o religion_n easy_a and_o your_o happiness_n secure_a set_v out_o with_o a_o mighty_a resolution_n in_o the_o christian_a race_n and_o press_v forward_o towards_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_v despise_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n and_o resist_v the_o devil_n and_o he_o will_v flee_v from_o you_o 3._o again_o while_o one_o who_o have_v early_o enter_v into_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n maintain_v his_o integrity_n and_o stand_v firm_a against_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n he_o carry_v with_o he_o not_o only_o a_o quiet_a conscience_n and_o a_o undisturbed_a mind_n but_o such_o a_o full_a assurance_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o enable_v he_o to_o perform_v his_o duty_n not_o only_o willing_o but_o cheerful_o and_o to_o despise_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o present_a world_n as_o vanity_n and_o nothing_o but_o when_o once_o he_o have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o be_v overcome_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n to_o sin_n in_o any_o gross_a and_o notorious_a instance_n then_o fear_n and_o doubt_n anxiety_n and_o scruple_n must_v be_v his_o portion_n and_o though_o by_o repentance_n he_o may_v recover_v a_o well_o ground_a hope_n and_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n a_o certain_a expectation_n of_o pardon_n yet_o not_o easy_o the_o assurance_n and_o joy_n of_o innocence_n think_v not_o therefore_o when_o you_o be_v tempt_v by_o sin_n that_o you_o may_v now_o yield_v to_o its_o solicitation_n and_o afterward_o by_o repentance_n recover_v your_o first_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o conscience_n for_o when_o once_o the_o support_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v lose_v obedience_n will_v be_v much_o more_o difficult_a and_o peace_n will_v not_o return_v but_o after_o much_o labour_n and_o many_o fear_n after_o great_a sorrow_n and_o long_a doubt_n but_o resolve_v now_o to_o resist_v the_o very_a first_o motion_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v convince_v there_o be_v no_o pleasure_n but_o in_o a_o good_a conscience_n nor_o any_o joy_n but_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n command_n 4._o last_o while_o one_o who_o have_v enter_v betimes_o into_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n continue_v resolute_o to_o preserve_v his_o innocence_n and_o conquer_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n he_o have_v a_o certain_a title_n to_o that_o exceed_a weight_n of_o glory_n that_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o god_n have_v lay_v up_o for_o those_o who_o shall_v keep_v the_o faith_n and_o patient_o continue_v in_o well-doing_n but_o when_o once_o he_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o he_o and_o be_v overcome_v by_o the_o enticement_n and_o allurement_n of_o sin_n he_o forfeit_v his_o title_n to_o that_o crown_n of_o glory_n and_o to_o what_o degree_n his_o after-endeavour_n will_v restore_v he_o he_o can_v tell_v that_o repentance_n will_v procure_v he_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n be_v certain_a but_o to_o recover_v the_o reward_n and_o the_o crown_n of_o innocence_n it_o must_v be_v very_o early_a and_o very_a effectual_a all_o that_o a_o late_a penitent_n can_v hope_v for_o be_v to_o obtain_v forgiveness_n and_o be_v admit_v to_o heaven_n the_o bright_a crown_n will_v be_v reserve_v for_o those_o who_o have_v fight_v the_o good_a fight_n and_o overcome_v the_o world_n think_v not_o therefore_o when_o you_o be_v assault_v by_o temptation_n that_o you_o may_v now_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o afterward_o by_o repentance_n attain_v to_o the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n also_o for_o though_o god_n have_v indeed_o promise_v that_o those_o who_o be_v hire_v into_o the_o vineyard_n at_o the_o eleven_o hour_n that_o be_v those_o who_o be_v late_o instruct_v in_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n or_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n shall_v have_v the_o same_o reward_n with_o those_o who_o have_v bear_v the_o burden_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n yet_o he_o have_v no_o where_o promise_v that_o those_o who_o stand_v idle_a in_o the_o vineyard_n till_o the_o 11_o hour_n that_o be_v who_o notwithstanding_o they_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o know_v their_o duty_n yet_o defer_v their_o repentance_n to_o the_o last_o shall_v receive_v likewise_o the_o same_o reward_n but_o resolve_v now_o as_o a_o faithful_a soldier_n of_o christ_n to_o resist_v resolute_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o despise_v the_o glory_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n to_o get_v above_o the_o pleasure_n and_o deceit_n of_o sense_n and_o then_o your_o labour_n will_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n 5._o it_o be_v to_o those_o who_o thus_o overcome_v that_o those_o great_a and_o glorious_a promise_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v make_v rev._n 21._o 7._o he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v inherit_v all_o thing_n and_o rev._n 3_o 21._o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o grant_v to_o sit_v with_o i_o in_o my_o throne_n even_o as_o i_o also_o overcome_v and_o be_o set_v down_o with_o my_o father_n in_o his_o throne_n and_o the_o like_a he_o that_o overcome_v that_o be_v he_o that_o have_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n continue_v steadfast_a in_o this_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n to_o the_o contrary_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n the_o great_a temptation_n with_o which_o christian_n be_v assault_v be_v persecution_n by_o which_o they_o be_v tempt_v to_o deny_v their_o saviour_n and_o to_o renounce_v that_o faith_n which_o they_o have_v once_o embrace_v by_o return_v again_o to_o the_o idolatrous_a worship_n of_o the_o heathen_a god_n this_o be_v their_o peculiar_a conflict_n and_o trial_n and_o he_o that_o in_o that_o great_a trial_n resist_v unto_o blood_n choose_v rather_o to_o endure_v the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n and_o to_o die_v the_o most_o cruel_a death_n than_o to_o deny_v christ_n be_v say_v in_o a_o peculiar_a and_o more_o emphatical_a sense_n to_o have_v overcome_v and_o to_o those_o person_n we_o must_v understand_v these_o great_a promise_n to_o be_v primary_o and_o more_o immediate_o make_v but_o that_o they_o proportionable_o belong_v to_o all_o other_o christian_n also_o who_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o any_o other_o temptation_n shall_v keep_v the_o work_n of_o christ_n and_o victorious_o persevere_v in_o their_o integrity_n to_o the_o end_n be_v evident_a for_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o make_v to_o he_o that_o overcome_v for_o that_o reason_n because_o it_o be_v this_o or_o that_o particular_a temptation_n that_o he_o overcome_v but_o because_o he_o maintain_v his_o integritry_n inviolable_a to_o the_o last_o notwithstanding_o the_o force_n of_o any_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_n and_o perhaps_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o matter_n close_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o determine_v which_o be_v more_o difficult_a and_o show_v a_o great_a constancy_n of_o mind_n to_o die_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n or_o to_o live_v in_o the_o constant_a contempt_n of_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o life_n to_o part_v actual_o with_o all_o our_o temporal_a good_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n or_o to_o keep_v they_o with_o such_o indifferency_n as_o if_o we_o enjoy_v they_o not_o those_o person_n therefore_o who_o enter_v early_o into_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n when_o their_o temptation_n to_o sin_n be_v most_o numerous_a and_o most_o powerful_a continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o virtue_n unmoved_a amid_o the_o perpetual_a allurement_n of_o pleasure_n the_o dazzle_a vanity_n of_o worldly_a glory_n and_o the_o manifold_a deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n be_v by_o the_o ancient_n look_v upon_o with_o 9_o no_o less_o esteem_n than_o those_o who_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v think_v to_o have_v a_o title_n to_o as_o great_a a_o reward_n 6._o let_v those_o who_o have_v still_o
particular_o and_o endeavour_n to_o amend_v they_o will_v be_v able_a to_o avoid_v and_o overcome_v many_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v by_o other_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o unavoidable_a frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o nature_n 7._o and_o in_o proportion_n as_o a_o man_n arrive_v near_a to_o this_o perfect_a state_n of_o virtue_n so_o will_v that_o peace_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a reward_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o world_n grow_v up_o by_o degree_n to_o a_o settle_a joy_n and_o assurance_n of_o mind_n one_o who_o life_n be_v void_a of_o great_a and_o scandalous_a crime_n but_o otherwise_o not_o strict_a and_o diligent_a will_v be_v free_a indeed_o from_o the_o terror_n and_o amazement_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o because_o he_o have_v take_v no_o great_a pain_n nor_o do_v any_o thing_n considerable_a for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n his_o mind_n will_v yet_o be_v disturb_v with_o many_o scrupulous_a doubt_n and_o uncertain_a fear_n but_o when_o a_o man_n have_v be_v true_o diligent_a to_o improve_v himself_o to_o the_o utmost_a and_o have_v with_o zeal_n and_o earnestness_n press_v forward_o towards_o perfection_n then_o be_v it_o that_o he_o attain_v to_o that_o tranquillity_n and_o assurance_n which_o wise_a man_n have_v compare_v to_o a_o continual_a feast_n the_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n which_o 36._o some_o have_v find_v upon_o the_o careful_a and_o strict_a examination_n of_o one_o past_a day_n action_n have_v be_v very_o great_a but_o that_o complete_a assurance_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o a_o man_n life_n have_v be_v spend_v in_o the_o strictness_n and_o in_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o pleasure_n infinite_o surpass_v all_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sense_n be_v indeed_o a_o fore-taste_a of_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o a_o rejoice_v beforehand_o in_o christ_n with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n such_o a_o 8._o one_o as_o have_v arrive_v to_o this_o pitch_n live_v in_o peace_n and_o die_v with_o assurance_n and_o at_o the_o appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n shall_v be_v present_v fault_n less_o before_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o glory_n with_o 24._o exceed_v joy_n the_o end_n essay_n the_o three_o of_o repentance_n chap._n i._o of_o repentance_n in_o general_n 1._o the_o plain_a and_o express_a condition_n upon_o which_o the_o gospel_n promise_v salvation_n to_o all_o man_n be_v obedience_n or_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o time_n from_o which_o this_o holy_a life_n be_v to_o begin_v be_v either_o baptism_n or_o confirmation_n that_o be_v the_o time_n when_o those_o who_o be_v either_o at_o ripe_a year_n convert_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o have_v from_o their_o infancy_n be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o come_v to_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o from_o this_o period_n every_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o persevere_v in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v in_o a_o continual_a and_o sincere_a though_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n the_o gospel_n plain_o declare_v to_o we_o and_o that_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o heaven_n shall_v be_v at_o all_o promise_v to_o so_o small_a a_o service_n as_o the_o imperfect_a obedience_n which_o weak_a sinful_a degenerate_a man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o perform_v be_v the_o purchase_n of_o the_o price_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o infinite_a riches_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o christ._n have_v god_n therefore_o to_o those_o who_o have_v once_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v once_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o 6._o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v allow_v no_o more_o remission_n for_o wilful_a and_o presumptuous_a sin_n but_o accept_v those_o only_a who_o have_v once_o wash_v their_o garment_n 14._o in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n shall_v from_o thenceforward_o keep_v themselves_o in_o a_o gospel_n sense_n pure_a and_o undefiled_a yet_o have_v his_o mercy_n be_v infinite_o great_a than_o sinful_a man_n can_v have_v deserve_v or_o expect_v but_o such_o be_v the_o earnestness_n of_o god_n desire_n to_o make_v his_o creature_n happy_a and_o such_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o grace_n make_v know_v by_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n that_o even_o to_o those_o who_o have_v be_v already_o admit_v to_o the_o mercy_n and_o favour_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n of_o a_o great_a and_o glorious_a reward_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o easy_a and_o most_o reasonable_a obedience_n and_o have_v be_v endue_v with_o the_o earnest_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v notwithstanding_o relapse_n after_o all_o this_o into_o wilful_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n even_o to_o these_o i_o say_v he_o have_v yet_o further_o grant_v that_o if_o by_o a_o solemn_a repentance_n they_o shall_v again_o unfeigned_o renew_v their_o obedience_n and_o from_o that_o period_n persevere_v in_o well-doing_n to_o the_o end_n they_o shall_v yet_o attain_v to_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o shall_v be_v save_v as_o firebrand_n pluck_v out_o of_o the_o fire_n or_o as_o man_n escape_v upon_o a_o plank_n after_o shipwreck_n 2._o by_o repentance_n therefore_o i_o will_v all_o along_o in_o this_o essay_n be_v understand_v to_o mean_v not_o that_o repentance_n which_o be_v the_o constant_a duty_n of_o all_o christian_n who_o be_v indeed_o continual_o bind_v to_o repent_v in_o general_n of_o all_o those_o slip_v and_o infirmity_n those_o defect_n and_o surprise_v which_o by_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n be_v most_o ready_o pardon_v for_o this_o repentance_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o new_a period_n or_o beginning_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o a_o necessary_a and_o continue_a part_n of_o that_o imperfect_a obedience_n which_o man_n in_o this_o degenerate_a state_n be_v capable_a of_o perform_v and_o which_o god_n have_v in_o his_o gospel_n declare_v that_o he_o will_v always_o accept_v instead_o of_o perfect_a innocence_n but_o by_o repentance_n i_o here_o understand_v that_o repentance_n which_o be_v a_o entire_a change_n of_o heart_n and_o mind_n a_o turn_n from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n whereby_o those_o who_o by_o wilful_a and_o deadly_a sin_n have_v leave_v their_o first_o estate_n and_o forfeit_v their_o title_n to_o the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n be_v to_o begin_v anew_o their_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o recover_v the_o mercy_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o that_o no_o one_o may_v be_v perplex_v with_o vain_a scruple_n and_o unreasonable_a fear_n this_o repentance_n be_v such_o as_o plain_o no_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o but_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o great_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n of_o blasphemy_n perjury_n open_a profaneness_n or_o contempt_n of_o religion_n of_o murder_n sedition_n theft_n manifest_a and_o design_a injustice_n hatred_n fraud_n wrong_v or_o oppression_n of_o adultery_n fornication_n uncleanness_n or_o habitual_a drunkenness_n and_o intemperance_n or_o of_o some_o other_o sin_n either_o malicious_o wilful_a or_o notorious_o habitual_a chap._n ii_o that_o god_n allow_v repentance_n even_o to_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n 1._o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n there_o be_v novatian_n a_o sect_n of_o man_n who_o upon_o a_o mistake_a interpretation_n of_o some_o passage_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o hebrew_n contend_v that_o there_o be_v 59_o no_o more_o place_n of_o repentance_n allow_v to_o those_o who_o after_o baptism_n shall_v fall_v into_o any_o of_o these_o wilful_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n they_o teach_v that_o in_o baptism_n indeed_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o blasphemy_n whatsoever_o be_v forgive_v man_n absolute_o and_o wash_v away_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n but_o that_o if_o after_o that_o great_a remission_n they_o sin_v again_o wilful_o and_o presumptuous_o they_o can_v no_o more_o obtain_v any_o further_a pardon_n than_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n that_o great_a sacrifice_n for_o sin_n can_v be_v repeat_v and_o that_o therefore_o however_o they_o shall_v sincere_o repent_v yet_o there_o now_o remain_v nothing_o 27._o more_o for_o they_o but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n but_o that_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n and_o that_o god_n do_v admit_v even_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n upon_o their_o true_a repentance_n to_o forgiveness_n and_o pardon_n be_v evident_a both_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n from_o the_o practice_n
himself_o shall_v obtain_v mercy_n matth._n 5._o 7._o only_o man_n must_v not_o hope_v by_o this_o or_o any_o other_o mean_n to_o obtain_v 13._o a_o liberty_n of_o continue_v in_o sin_n for_o charity_n shall_v procure_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n past_a repent_v of_o and_o forsake_v but_o not_o of_o sin_n commit_v upon_o presumption_n of_o their_o be_v expiate_v thereby_o chap._n v._o that_o true_a repentance_n must_v be_v constant_a and_o persevere_v in_o its_o effect_n and_o of_o the_o one_o repentance_n of_o the_o ancient_n 1._o three_o and_o last_o true_a repentance_n must_v be_v constant_a and_o persevere_v in_o its_o effect_n that_o be_v it_o must_v put_v a_o man_n into_o such_o a_o state_n as_o poenit._n that_o he_o will_v not_o any_o more_o return_v wilful_o unto_o sin_n till_o it_o arrive_v to_o this_o pitch_n repentance_n be_v not_o true_a and_o however_o man_n may_v deceive_v themselves_o with_o vain_a imagination_n about_o it_o can_v never_o be_v effectual_a to_o salvation_n the_o condition_n that_o our_o saviour_n express_o require_v in_o his_o gospel_n be_v a_o continue_a holy_a life_n from_o the_o time_n of_o our_o know_v and_o embrace_v the_o truth_n but_o certain_o he_o will_v never_o accept_v of_o any_o thing_n less_o than_o a_o life_n of_o holiness_n and_o persevere_v obedience_n from_o some_o period_n of_o reformation_n and_o repentance_n 2._o he_o therefore_o that_o repent_v aught_o to_o be_v infinite_o fearful_a of_o relapse_v into_o sin_n etc._n as_o one_o that_o be_v recover_v out_o of_o a_o dangerous_a and_o almost_o mortal_a sickness_n when_o ever_o he_o wilful_o relapse_n he_o make_v his_o case_n worse_o than_o it_o be_v at_o first_o and_o his_o disease_n more_o in_o danger_n of_o be_v mortal_a it_o become_v much_o hard_a for_o he_o to_o renew_v himself_o unto_o repentance_n and_o much_o more_o difficult_a to_o procure_v pardon_n 3._o it_o be_v true_a evil_a habit_n be_v not_o to_o be_v root_v out_o at_o once_o and_o vicious_a custom_n to_o be_v overcome_v in_o a_o moment_n so_o long_o therefore_o as_o a_o man_n do_v not_o return_v wilful_o and_o deliberate_o into_o the_o habit_n of_o sin_n many_o surprise_v and_o interruption_n in_o the_o struggle_n with_o a_o customary_a vice_n may_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o progress_n of_o repentance_n but_o it_o be_v then_o only_o that_o it_o become_v complete_a and_o effectual_a when_o ibid._n the_o evil_a habit_n be_v so_o entire_o root_v out_o that_o the_o man_n from_o thenceforward_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n without_o look_v back_o and_o return_v no_o more_o to_o the_o sin_n he_o have_v condemn_v 4._o let_v no_o man_n therefore_o think_v that_o he_o have_v true_o repent_v of_o any_o deadly_a sin_n so_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v to_o practice_v and_o repeat_v it_o he_o that_o wash_v himself_o after_o the_o touch_v of_o a_o dead_a body_n if_o he_o touch_v it_o again_o what_o avail_v his_o wash_n so_o be_v it_o with_o a_o man_n that_o fast_v for_o his_o sin_n and_o go_v again_o and_o do_v the_o same_o who_o will_v hear_v his_o prayer_n or_o what_o do_v his_o humble_v profit_v he_o ecclus._n 34._o 25._o he_o may_v fast_o and_o pray_v and_o lament_v and_o use_v all_o the_o apparent_a sign_n of_o repentance_n imaginable_a but_o 9_o god_n will_v never_o esteem_v his_o repentance_n true_a nor_o accept_v it_o as_o available_a to_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n till_o he_o see_v it_o pure_a and_o constant_a and_o persevere_v 12._o 2._o 5._o and_o this_o i_o understand_v to_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o ancient_a church_n never_o allow_v but_o one_o repentance_n after_o baptism_n they_o teach_v that_o 4._o if_o any_o one_o after_o that_o great_a and_o holy_a call_v shall_v be_v tempt_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o sin_n he_o have_v one_o space_n of_o repentance_n but_o if_o he_o shall_v often_o sin_n and_o repent_v it_o will_v not_o profit_v he_o for_o he_o shall_v hardly_o live_v unto_o god_n they_o teach_v that_o man_n covenant_v with_o god_n in_o baptism_n for_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o god_n foresee_v the_o weakness_n of_o man_n and_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o devil_n make_v provision_n integrâ—m_fw-la that_o if_o any_o one_o after_o that_o great_a and_o solemn_a covenant_n shall_v either_o by_o the_o violence_n or_o deceitfulness_n of_o temptation_n be_v draw_v into_o gross_a and_o deadly_a sin_n he_o shall_v still_o have_v another_o place_n of_o repentance_n but_o if_o after_o this_o he_o continue_v to_o go_v on_o in_o a_o circle_n of_o sin_v and_o repent_v that_o then_o he_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o no_o other_o than_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o infidel_n only_o as_o he_o differ_v in_o the_o wilfulness_n and_o in_o the_o guilt_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n do_v they_o constant_o deal_v with_o their_o penitent_n always_o admit_v those_o that_o repent_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n once_o but_o if_o afterward_o they_o sin_v often_o and_o pretend_v to_o repent_v exclude_v they_o utter_o 6._o now_o by_o this_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o do_v not_o mean_a that_o if_o any_o one_o sin_v and_o repent_v and_o after_o that_o sin_v again_o that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v utter_o lose_v and_o absolute_o exclude_v from_o all_o hope_n of_o find_v further_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n with_o god_n for_o augustinus_n though_o the_o church_n wise_o appoint_v that_o a_o place_n of_o public_a repentance_n for_o great_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n shall_v be_v allow_v but_o once_o lest_o the_o remedy_n by_o be_v make_v too_o easy_a shall_v grow_v useless_a and_o contemptible_a as_o afterward_o by_o experience_n it_o be_v find_v to_o do_v yet_o no_o man_n presume_v to_o set_v limit_n to_o the_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o always_o exhort_v and_o encourage_v man_n to_o repent_v so_o long_o as_o they_o have_v life_n and_o health_n let_v we_o repent_v say_v 2._o st._n clement_n whilst_o we_o be_v yet_o upon_o the_o earth_n for_o we_o be_v as_o clay_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o potter_n for_o as_o the_o potter_n if_o he_o make_v a_o vessel_n and_o it_o be_v misshape_a in_o his_o hand_n or_o break_a form_v it_o anew_o but_o if_o he_o have_v go_v so_o far_o as_o to_o throw_v it_o into_o the_o furnace_n of_o fire_n he_o can_v no_o more_o remedy_n it_o so_o we_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n let_v we_o repent_v with_o our_o whole_a heart_n of_o all_o the_o evil_a we_o have_v do_v in_o the_o flesh_n that_o we_o may_v be_v save_v by_o the_o lord_n for_o after_o we_o shall_v have_v depart_v out_o of_o this_o world_n we_o shall_v have_v no_o place_n to_o confess_v our_o sin_n or_o to_o repent_v any_o more_o 7._o the_o primitive_a church_n therefore_o i_o say_v by_o allow_v but_o one_o repentance_n for_o great_a crime_n commit_v after_o baptism_n do_v not_o mean_v that_o true_a repentance_n will_v at_o any_o time_n be_v in_o vain_a or_o unacceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n but_o because_o repentance_n 2._o never_o be_v true_a and_o effectual_a till_o it_o restore_v a_o man_n to_o such_o a_o state_n of_o new_a obedience_n that_o he_o will_v not_o wilful_o fall_v into_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n any_o more_o and_o because_o he_o that_o have_v once_o do_v long_o and_o public_a penance_n for_o a_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a crime_n do_v yet_o afterward_o fall_v into_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a again_o can_v not_o possible_o give_v any_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o repentance_n to_o the_o church_n than_o he_o have_v do_v before_o therefore_o they_o do_v 2._o not_o think_v fit_a to_o admit_v such_o relapsed_a criminal_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n any_o more_o lest_o they_o shall_v again_o give_v occasion_n to_o blaspheme_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a religion_n 8._o thus_o infinite_o solicitous_a be_v those_o holy_a man_n not_o to_o give_v man_n the_o least_o possible_a encouragement_n to_o continue_v in_o sin_n and_o yet_o very_o careful_a at_o the_o same_o time_n not_o to_o drive_v any_o man_n to_o despair_n let_v we_o consider_v these_o thing_n and_o while_o we_o right_o maintain_v that_o true_a repentance_n can_v at_o any_o time_n be_v in_o vain_a or_o ineffectual_a to_o procure_v pardon_n let_v we_o be_v careful_a not_o to_o entertain_v any_o such_o notion_n of_o repentance_n as_o will_v take_v away_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o that_o persevere_v obedience_n which_o be_v the_o express_a and_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n the_o end_n end_n see_v lightfoot'_v harm_n of_o evangel_n evangel_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d clem._n alex._n strom._n 6._o sed_fw-la enim_fw-la nationes_fw-la extraneae_fw-la sacris_fw-la quibusdam_fw-la per_fw-la lavacrum_fw-la initiantur_fw-la