of_o temptation_n if_o we_o be_v not_o continual_o vigilant_a and_o upon_o our_o guard_n not_o confident_a in_o ourselves_o because_o we_o stand_v by_o faith_n and_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n infer_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v high-minded_a but_o fear_v man_n may_v have_v go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o christianity_n and_o have_v be_v sincere_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o afterward_o may_v apostatise_v in_o the_o foul_a manner_n not_o only_o fall_v off_o to_o a_o vicious_a life_n but_o even_o desert_a the_o profession_n of_o their_o religion_n i_o will_v to_o god_n the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o give_v we_o too_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o possibility_n of_o this_o when_o we_o see_v so_o many_o revolt_n from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n to_o the_o corruption_n and_o superstition_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o from_o a_o religious_a and_o sober_a life_n to_o plunge_v themselves_o into_o all_o kind_n of_o lewdness_n and_o debauchery_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v into_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n can_v we_o doubt_v any_o long_a whether_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o christian_n to_o fall_v away_o i_o wish_v we_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o the_o possibility_n of_o their_o recovery_n as_o we_o be_v of_o their_o fall_v and_o that_o we_o have_v as_o many_o example_n of_o the_o one_o as_o of_o the_o other_o let_v we_o then_o be_v very_o vigilant_a over_o ourselves_o and_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n 2_o pet._n 3.17_o see_v we_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v lest_o we_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o our_o own_o steadfastness_n 2_o dly_z this_o show_v we_o how_o great_a a_o aggravation_n it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o sin_n against_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n which_o the_o gospel_n afford_v and_o the_o mercy_n which_o it_o offer_v unto_o they_o that_o which_o aggravate_v the_o sin_n of_o these_o person_n be_v that_o after_o they_o be_v once_o enlighten_v that_o be_v at_o their_o baptism_n be_v instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n the_o clear_a and_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v of_o god_n will_n to_o mankind_n that_o after_o they_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o god_n grace_n and_o have_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o have_v many_o other_o benefit_n confer_v upon_o they_o that_o after_o all_o this_o they_o shall_v fall_v off_o from_o this_o holy_a religion_n this_o be_v that_o which_o do_v so_o heighten_v and_o inflame_v their_o gild_n and_o make_v their_o case_n so_o near_o desperate_a the_o two_o great_a aggravation_n of_o crime_n be_v wilfulness_n and_o ingratitude_n if_o a_o crime_n be_v wilful_o commit_v and_o commit_v against_o one_o that_o have_v oblige_v we_o by_o the_o great_a favour_n and_o benefit_n now_o he_o commit_v a_o fault_n wilful_o who_o do_v it_o against_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o his_o duty_n ignorance_n excuse_v for_o so_o far_o as_o a_o man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o evil_n he_o do_v so_o far_o the_o action_n be_v involuntary_a but_o knowledge_n make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o wilful_a fault_n and_o this_o be_v a_o more_o peculiar_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o christian_n because_o god_n have_v afford_v they_o the_o great_a mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n that_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v the_o clear_a light_n that_o ever_o mankind_n have_v and_o the_o mercy_n which_o the_o gospel_n bring_v be_v the_o great_a that_o ever_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o free_a pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o help_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v what_o god_n require_v of_o we_o so_o that_o we_o who_o sin_n after_o baptism_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christianity_n and_o those_o great_a blessing_n which_o the_o gospel_n bestow_v on_o mankind_n be_v of_o all_o person_n in_o the_o world_n the_o most_o inexcusable_a the_o sin_n of_o heathen_n bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o we_o because_o they_o never_o enjoy_v those_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n never_o have_v those_o blessing_n confer_v upon_o they_o which_o christian_n be_v partaker_n of_o so_o that_o we_o may_v apply_v to_o ourselves_o those_o severe_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o epistle_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n hear_v how_o our_o saviour_n aggravate_v the_o fault_n of_o man_n upon_o this_o account_n of_o the_o wilfulness_n of_o they_o and_o their_o be_v commit_v against_o the_o express_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n luke_o 12.47_o 48._o the_o servant_n which_o know_v his_o lord_n will_n and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neither_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n for_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v much_o 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 the_o mean_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o many_o talent_n commit_v to_o our_o trust_n of_o the_o neglect_n whereof_o a_o severe_a account_n will_v be_v take_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n if_o we_o be_v wilful_a offender_n there_o be_v no_o excuse_n for_o we_o and_o little_a hope_n of_o pardon_n 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 say_v the_o apostle_n in_o this_o epistle_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n i_o know_v the_o apostle_n speak_v this_o particular_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n but_o it_o be_v in_o proportion_n true_a of_o all_o other_o sin_n which_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v guilty_a of_o they_o who_o after_o they_o have_v entertain_v christianity_n and_o make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o and_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n reform_v by_o it_o do_v again_o relapse_n into_o any_o vicious_a course_n do_v thereby_o render_v their_o condition_n very_o dangerous_a so_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 2_o pet._n 2.20_o 21._o 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 the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n they_o 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 therefore_o we_o may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v serious_o what_o we_o do_v when_o under_o the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n which_o the_o gospel_n afford_v we_o and_o the_o inestimable_a blessing_n and_o favour_n which_o it_o confer_v upon_o we_o we_o live_v in_o any_o wicked_a and_o vicious_a course_n our_o sin_n be_v not_o of_o a_o common_a rate_n when_o they_o have_v so_o much_o of_o wilfulness_n and_o unworthiness_n in_o they_o if_o man_n shall_v be_v severe_o punish_v for_o live_v against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n what_o vengeance_n shall_v be_v pour_v on_o those_o who_o offend_v against_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v etc._n etc._n 3_o dly_z the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o those_o who_o upon_o every_o failing_n and_o infirmity_n be_v afraid_a they_o have_v commit_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v restore_v by_o repentance_n there_o be_v many_o who_o be_v of_o a_o dark_a and_o melancholy_a temper_n be_v apt_a to_o represent_v thing_n worse_o to_o themselves_o than_o there_o be_v reason_n for_o and_o do_v many_o time_n fancy_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o great_a crime_n in_o the_o do_n or_o neglect_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o in_o their_o nature_n be_v indifferent_a and_o be_v apt_a to_o aggravate_v and_o blow_v up_o every_o little_a infirmity_n into_o a_o unpardonable_a sin_n most_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o extenuate_v their_o sin_n and_o not_o to_o be_v sensible_a enough_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o heinousness_n of_o they_o but_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a infelicity_n of_o melancholy_a person_n to_o look_v upon_o their_o fault_n as_o black_a and_o great_a than_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v and_o whatsoever_o they_o hear_v and_o read_v in_o scripture_n that_o be_v speak_v against_o the_o gross_a and_o most_o enormous_a offender_n they_o apply_v to_o themselves_o and_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n
and_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n and_o afterward_o fall_v off_o from_o it_o and_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o he_o his_o latter_a end_n will_v be_v worse_o than_o his_o beginning_n all_o his_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v will_v not_o be_v remember_v he_o shall_v die_v in_o his_o iniquity_n for_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o god_n soul_n will_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o this_o be_v so_o very_o clear_a and_o plain_a from_o scripture_n that_o no_o man_n can_v entertain_v a_o contrary_a persuasion_n without_o contradict_v the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o bible_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v this_o that_o a_o virtual_a obedience_n and_o sincere_a faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v sufficient_a where_o there_o be_v no_o time_n and_o opportunity_n for_o actual_a obedience_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o where_o there_o be_v opportunity_n for_o actual_a obedience_n and_o the_o continue_a practice_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o perseverance_n therein_o they_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o a_o well_o ground_a hope_n and_o assurance_n of_o it_o 2_o dly_z there_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o there_o be_v a_o sincere_a obedience_n perfect_a obedience_n consist_v in_o the_o exact_a conformity_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n without_o the_o least_o imperfection_n and_o without_o fail_v in_o any_o point_n or_o degree_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o this_o obedience_n as_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o present_a state_n so_o neither_o do_v god_n require_v it_o of_o we_o as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o eternal_a life_n we_o be_v indeed_o command_v to_o be_v perfect_a as_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a but_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v this_o strict_o and_o rigorous_o for_o that_o be_v not_o only_o impossible_a to_o man_n in_o this_o present_a state_n of_o imperfection_n but_o absolute_o impossible_a to_o human_a nature_n for_o man_n to_o be_v perfect_a as_o god_n be_v perfect_a but_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o this_o precept_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v imitate_v those_o divine_a perfection_n of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n and_o purity_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v as_o like_o god_n in_o all_o these_o as_o we_o can_v and_o be_v still_o aspire_v after_o a_o near_a resemblance_n of_o he_o as_o may_v be_v evident_a to_o any_o one_o who_o consider_v the_o connexion_n and_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n by_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n i_o mean_v such_o a_o conformity_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o to_o the_o general_a course_n and_o tenor_n of_o they_o that_o we_o do_v not_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n or_o in_o the_o customary_a neglect_n of_o any_o material_a and_o considerable_a part_n of_o our_o know_a duty_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o wilful_o and_o deliberate_o guilty_a of_o the_o single_a act_n of_o heinous_a and_o notorious_a sin_n as_o i_o have_v former_o explain_v this_o matter_n more_o at_o large_a in_o another_o discourse_n and_o this_o obedience_n even_o in_o the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v mix_v with_o great_a frailty_n and_o imperfection_n but_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v the_o utmost_a that_o we_o can_v do_v in_o this_o state_n of_o infirmity_n and_o imperfection_n the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o merciful_a and_o gracious_a as_o that_o god_n be_v please_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o meritorious_a obedience_n and_o suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o accept_v this_o sincere_a though_o imperfect_a obedience_n and_o to_o reward_v it_o with_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o i_o doubt_v not_o after_o all_o the_o intricate_a dispute_n and_o infinite_a controversy_n about_o this_o business_n be_v the_o true_a and_o clear_a state_n of_o this_o matter_n and_o this_o sincere_a obedience_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o we_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o our_o happiness_n though_o it_o be_v sometime_o call_v by_o divine_n evangelical_n perfection_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o very_o improper_o so_o call_v for_o nothing_o be_v proper_o perfect_a to_o which_o any_o thing_n be_v want_v and_o great_a defect_n and_o imperfection_n must_v needs_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o best_a and_o holy_a man_n upon_o earth_n and_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o perfection_n in_o this_o life_n do_v neither_o understand_v the_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o themselves_o but_o as_o st._n john_n say_v of_o such_o person_n they_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o they_o and_o beside_o other_o imperfection_n these_o two_o be_v evident_a in_o they_o ignorance_n and_o pride_n and_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o this_o second_o particular_a namely_o what_o obedience_n the_o gospel_n require_v as_o a_o condition_n and_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v as_o a_o qualification_n for_o eternal_a life_n sermon_n vii_o the_o possibility_n and_o necessity_n of_o gospel-obedience_n and_o its_o consistence_n with_o free_a grace_n heb._n v._n 9_o and_o be_v make_v perfect_a he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n unto_o all_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o these_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v these_o five_o thing_n 1_o st_o how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n 2_o dly_z what_o obedience_n the_o gospel_n require_v as_o a_o condition_n and_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v as_o a_o qualification_n in_o those_o who_o hope_v for_o eternal_a salvation_n 3_o dly_z the_o possibility_n of_o our_o perform_v this_o condition_n by_o that_o grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v offer_v v._n vol._n v._n and_o ready_a to_o be_v afford_v to_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n 4_o thly_a the_o necessity_n of_o this_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n 5_o thly_a the_o consistency_n of_o this_o method_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n with_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n i_o have_v handle_v the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o and_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v viz._n the_o possibility_n of_o our_o perform_v this_o condition_n by_o that_o grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v offer_v and_o ready_a to_o be_v afford_v to_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n only_o to_o those_o who_o obey_v he_o then_o those_o who_o live_v in_o disobedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n but_o there_o can_v be_v the_o guilt_n of_o disobedience_n where_o obedience_n be_v impossible_a no_o man_n be_v guilty_a or_o just_o liable_a to_o punishment_n for_o the_o not_o do_v of_o that_o which_o it_o be_v no_o way_n possible_a for_o he_o to_o do_v therefore_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n into_o which_o god_n be_v enter_v with_o mankind_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v the_o possibility_n of_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o otherwise_o it_o leave_v they_o in_o as_o bad_a a_o condition_n as_o they_o be_v in_o before_o because_o it_o only_o offer_v new_a blessing_n and_o benefit_n to_o we_o 7._o ser._n 7._o but_o set_v we_o never_o the_o near_o the_o obtain_n of_o they_o if_o so_o be_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v grant_v be_v altogether_o impossible_a to_o we_o nay_o it_o render_v our_o state_n many_o degree_n worse_o if_o our_o not_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o such_o gracious_a offer_v bring_v we_o under_o new_a and_o great_a guilt_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o some_o few_o person_n have_v great_a benefit_n by_o it_o because_o they_o by_o a_o especial_a and_o effectual_a grace_n shall_v be_v enable_v to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v not_o this_o a_o mighty_a straighten_n to_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o confine_v it_o within_o so_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o still_o to_o leave_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o if_o salvation_n have_v never_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o as_o it_o certain_o do_v if_o as_o this_o doctrine_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v the_o gild_n and_o punishment_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v great_o increase_v and_o heighten_v by_o their_o contempt_n of_o and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o those_o man_n to_o obey_v it_o for_o want_v of_o that_o special_a and_o effectual_a grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o enable_v they_o thereto_o i_o
do_v not_o love_v to_o handle_v these_o point_n contentious_o but_o this_o in_o my_o apprehension_n do_v as_o much_o derogate_a from_o the_o amplitude_n and_o riches_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o the_o gospel_n as_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v easy_o be_v say_v and_o therefore_o for_o the_o right_n state_v and_o clear_v of_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o and_o by_o any_o power_n in_o we_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o enable_v and_o assist_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o condition_n if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o 3._o that_o what_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o that_o may_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v possible_a to_o we_o and_o in_o some_o sense_n in_o our_o power_n 1._o that_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o and_o by_o any_o power_n in_o we_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v clear_o appear_v in_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v say_v the_o apostle_n and_o that_o not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v repentance_n it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o goodness_n that_o be_v who_o both_o incline_v and_o excite_v we_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v it_o without_o i_o say_v christ_n you_o can_v do_v nothing_o and_o through_o christ_n strengthen_v i_o say_v st._n paul_n i_o be_o able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n all_o thing_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o and_o expect_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n without_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v without_o strength_n and_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o as_o of_o ourselves_o to_o think_v a_o good_a thought_n that_o be_v we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o to_o design_n or_o resolve_v upon_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a but_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n the_o depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n have_v bring_v a_o great_a impotency_n and_o disability_n upon_o we_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o we_o have_v make_v ourselves_o much_o weak_a by_o evil_a practice_n by_o the_o power_n of_o evil_a habit_n we_o be_v enslave_v to_o our_o lust_n and_o sell_v under_o sin_n so_o that_o if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o be_v convince_v of_o our_o duty_n and_o from_o that_o conviction_n have_v a_o inclination_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a evil_a be_v present_a to_o we_o when_o the_o law_n of_o god_n give_v we_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o stare_v our_o conscience_n in_o the_o face_n there_o be_v another_o law_n in_o our_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o bring_v we_o into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v in_o our_o member_n sin_n bring_v we_o under_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o give_v he_o dominion_n over_o we_o for_o his_o servant_n you_o be_v who_o you_o obey_v so_o that_o he_o rule_v and_o bear_v sway_n in_o we_o and_o we_o be_v lead_v captive_a by_o he_o at_o his_o pleasure_n evil_a and_o vicious_a habit_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o second_o nature_n superinduce_v upon_o we_o which_o take_v away_o our_o power_n and_o liberty_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o render_v it_o impossible_a to_o we_o to_o raise_v and_o rescue_v ourselves_o so_o that_o we_o be_v prisoner_n and_o captive_n till_o the_o son_n of_o god_n set_v we_o free_a and_o dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n till_o he_o give_v we_o life_n and_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n represent_v the_o recovery_n of_o ourselves_o from_o the_o bondage_n of_o sin_n by_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v natural_o impossible_a to_o show_v how_o great_a our_o weakness_n and_o impotency_n be_v jer._n 13.23_o can_v the_o ethiopian_a cleanse_v his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n then_o may_v you_o also_o do_v good_a who_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o by_o how_o much_o strong_a the_o chain_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v and_o the_o more_o unable_a we_o be_v to_o break_v loose_a from_o they_o by_o so_o much_o the_o great_a and_o more_o evident_a be_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o divine_a assistance_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o knock_v off_o those_o fetter_n and_o to_o rescue_v we_o from_o this_o bondage_n and_o slavery_n 2._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v and_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o condition_n that_o be_v to_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o and_o do_v not_o reject_v or_o neglect_v to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o god_n offer_v we_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o afford_v to_o we_o in_o a_o very_a plentiful_a manner_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o render_v all_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n effectual_a if_o it_o be_v not_o our_o own_o fault_n and_o wilful_a neglect_n to_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o without_o this_o all_o the_o gracious_a offer_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v signify_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o our_o advantage_n and_o this_o likewise_o be_v that_o which_o render_v the_o unbelief_n and_o impenitency_n and_o disobedience_n of_o man_n utter_o inexcusable_a because_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o do_v proceed_v from_o want_n of_o power_n but_o of_o will_n to_o do_v better_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v so_o necessary_a a_o encouragement_n to_o all_o the_o endeavour_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o good_a life_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v assure_v of_o god_n readiness_n to_o assist_v and_o help_v they_o in_o the_o do_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o without_o this_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o never_o so_o clear_a will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o we_o all_o the_o precept_n and_o direction_n for_o a_o good_a life_n and_o the_o most_o vehement_a persuasion_n and_o exhortation_n to_o obedience_n will_v have_v no_o force_n and_o life_n in_o they_o for_o what_o signify_v it_o to_o direct_v the_o dead_a and_o speak_v to_o they_o that_o can_v hear_v and_o to_o persuade_v man_n though_o it_o be_v with_o all_o the_o earnestness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o do_v therefore_o our_o bless_a saviour_n when_o he_o have_v lay_v down_o and_o explain_v the_o precept_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n in_o his_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n to_o encourage_v they_o to_o what_o he_o have_v be_v direct_v and_o propose_v to_o they_o he_o assure_v they_o that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o afford_v his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o all_o those_o that_o be_v sincere_o desirous_a to_o do_v his_o will_n and_o do_v earnest_o implore_v his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o that_o purpose_n matth._n 7.7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o ask_v say_v he_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o you_o for_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v receive_v and_o he_o that_o seek_v find_v and_o to_o he_o that_o knock_v it_o shall_v be_v open_v so_o that_o if_o any_o man_n want_v the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v his_o own_o fault_n it_o be_v either_o for_o want_v of_o seek_v or_o for_o want_n of_o earnestness_n in_o ask_v for_o our_o saviour_n express_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o deny_v it_o to_o none_o for_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v receive_v and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o more_o lively_a and_o sensible_a assurance_n of_o this_o he_o represent_v the_o care_n and_o kindness_n of_o god_n to_o man_n by_o the_o affection_n of_o earthly_a parent_n to_o their_o child_n who_o though_o they_o be_v many_o time_n evil_a themselves_o yet_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o deny_v their_o child_n necessary_a good_a thing_n when_o they_o decent_o and_o dutiful_o beg_v they_o at_o their_o hand_n what_o man_n be_v there_o of_o you_o who_o if_o his_o son_n ask_v bread_n will_v he_o give_v he_o a_o stone_n or_o if_o he_o ask_v a_o fish_n will_v he_o give_v he_o a_o serpent_n if_o you_o then_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n unto_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n give_v good_a thing_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o here_o be_v a_o general_a promise_n and_o declaration_n that_o upon_o our_o humble_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n he_o
liar_n for_o he_o that_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n who_o he_o have_v see_v how_o can_v he_o love_v god_n who_o he_o have_v not_o see_v this_o deserve_v to_o be_v serious_o consider_v by_o those_o who_o make_v a_o great_a show_n of_o devotion_n and_o be_v at_o great_a pain_n in_o prayer_n and_o fast_v and_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o all_o other_o frugal_a exercise_n of_o religion_n which_o stand_v they_o in_o no_o money_n lest_o all_o their_o labour_n be_v lose_v for_o want_v of_o this_o one_o necessary_a and_o essential_a part_n lest_o with_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n after_o they_o have_v keep_v all_o other_o commandment_n they_o be_v reject_v by_o christ_n for_o lack_v of_o this_o one_o thing_n i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o observation_n that_o unmercifulness_n be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o 2_o do_v that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o sin_n as_o alone_o and_o without_o any_o other_o gild_n be_v sufficient_a to_o ruin_v a_o man_n for_o ever_o the_o parable_n lay_v the_o rich_a man_n condemnation_n upon_o this_o it_o be_v the_o guilt_n of_o this_o sin_n that_o torment_v he_o when_o he_o be_v in_o hell_n the_o scripture_n be_v full_a of_o severe_a threaten_n against_o this_o sin_n prov._n 21.13_o whoso_o stop_v his_o ear_n at_o the_o cry_n of_o the_o poor_a he_o also_o shall_v cry_v himself_o but_o shall_v not_o be_v hear_v god_n will_v have_v no_o regard_n or_o pity_n for_o the_o man_n that_o regard_v not_o the_o poor_a that_o be_v a_o terrible_a text_n jam._n 2.13_o he_o shall_v have_v judgement_n without_o mercy_n that_o have_v show_v no_o mercy_n our_o saviour_n have_v two_o parable_n to_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o danger_n of_o this_o sin_n this_o here_o in_o the_o text_n and_o that_o in_o luke_n 12._o concern_v the_o covetous_a man_n that_o enlarge_v his_o barn_n and_o be_v still_o lay_v up_o but_o lay_v nothing_o out_o upon_o the_o poor_a upon_o which_o our_o saviour_n make_v this_o observation_n which_o be_v the_o moral_a of_o the_o parable_n v._o 21._o so_o be_v he_o that_o lay_v up_o treasure_n for_o himself_o and_o be_v not_o rich_a towards_o god_n so_o shall_v he_o be_v such_o a_o issue_n of_o his_o folly_n may_v every_o one_o expect_v who_o lay_v up_o treasure_n for_o himself_o but_o do_v not_o lay_v up_o riches_n with_o god_n how_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o by_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n this_o our_o saviour_n call_v lay_v up_o for_o ourselves_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n matth._n 6.20_o and_o luke_n 12.33_o he_o call_v give_v of_o alm_n provide_v for_o ourselves_o bag_n that_o wax_v not_o old_a a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n that_o fail_v not_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a grace_n and_o virtue_n to_o which_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n be_v so_o frequent_o make_v in_o scripture_n as_o to_o this_o of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a matth._n 5.7_o bless_a be_v the_o merciful_a for_o they_o shall_v find_v mercy_n which_o promise_n as_o it_o do_v not_o exclude_v a_o reward_n in_o this_o world_n so_o it_o seem_v principal_o to_o respect_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n at_o the_o great_a day_n luke_n 14.12_o 13_o 14_o when_o thou_o make_v a_o feast_n invite_v not_o the_o rich_a for_o they_o will_v recompense_v thou_o again_o but_o invite_v the_o poor_a and_o the_o maim_a and_o the_o lame_a and_o the_o blind_a for_o they_o can_v recompense_v thou_o but_o thou_o shall_v be_v recompense_v at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a luke_n 16.9_o make_v therefore_o to_o yourselves_o friend_n of_o the_o mammon_n of_o vnrighteousness_n that_o when_o you_o shall_v fail_v they_o may_v receive_v you_o into_o everlasting_a habitation_n 1_o tim._n 6.17_o 18_o 19_o charge_v they_o that_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o do_v good_a that_o they_o be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n ready_a to_o distribute_v willing_a to_o communicate_v lay_v up_o in_o store_n for_o themselves_o a_o good_a foundation_n as_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v sometime_o use_v a_o good_a treasure_n against_o the_o time_n which_o be_v to_o come_v that_o they_o may_v lay_v hold_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o the_o most_o considerable_a text_n of_o all_o other_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v in_o matth._n 25._o where_o our_o saviour_n give_v we_o a_o description_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n and_o if_o that_o be_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a representation_n of_o the_o process_n of_o that_o day_n than_o the_o grand_a enquiry_n will_v be_v what_o work_v of_o charity_n have_v be_v do_v or_o neglect_v by_o we_o and_o according_o sentence_n shall_v be_v pass_v upon_o we_o the_o proper_a result_n from_o all_o this_o discourse_n be_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o this_o necessary_a duty_n our_o eternal_a happiness_n do_v not_o so_o much_o depend_v upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o any_o one_o single_a grace_n or_o virtue_n as_o this_o of_o charity_n and_o mercy_n faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v more_o general_a and_o fundamental_a grace_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o parent_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o of_o all_o single_a virtue_n the_o scripture_n lay_v the_o great_a weight_n upon_o this_o of_o charity_n and_o if_o we_o do_v true_o believe_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o it_o we_o can_v but_o have_v a_o principal_a regard_n to_o it_o i_o know_v how_o averse_a man_n general_o be_v to_o this_o duty_n which_o make_v they_o so_o full_a of_o excuse_n and_o objection_n against_o it_o 1._o they_o have_v child_n to_o provide_v for_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o all_o and_o they_o who_o case_n it_o be_v may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o leave_v a_o blessing_n as_o well_o as_o a_o inheritance_n to_o their_o child_n 2._o they_o tell_v we_o they_o intend_v to_o do_v something_o when_o they_o die_v i_o doubt_v that_o very_o much_o but_o grant_v their_o intention_n to_o be_v real_a why_o shall_v man_n choose_v to_o spoil_v a_o good_a work_n and_o to_o take_v away_o the_o grace_n and_o acceptableness_n of_o it_o by_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o show_v a_o great_a backwardness_n to_o the_o work_n when_o we_o defer_v it_o as_o long_o as_o we_o can_v he_o that_o will_v not_o do_v good_a till_o he_o be_v enforce_v by_o the_o last_o necessity_n diu_fw-la noluit_fw-la be_v long_o unwilling_a it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o worst_a compliment_n we_o can_v put_v upon_o god_n to_o give_v a_o thing_n to_o he_o when_o we_o can_v keep_v it_o no_o long_o 3._o other_o say_v they_o may_v come_v to_o want_v themselves_o and_o it_o be_v prudence_n to_o provide_v against_o that_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o i_o believe_v that_o no_o man_n ever_o come_v the_o soon_o to_o want_v for_o his_o charity_n david_n have_v a_o express_a observatinn_n to_o the_o contrary_a psa_n 37.25_o i_o have_v be_v young_a and_o now_o be_o old_a yet_o have_v i_o not_o see_v the_o righteous_a forsake_v nor_o his_o seed_n beg_v bread_n and_o though_o he_o use_v a_o general_a word_n yet_o that_o by_o the_o righteous_a here_o he_o intend_v the_o merciful_a man_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o next_o word_n he_o be_v ever_o merciful_a and_o dare_v and_o beside_o david_n observation_n we_o have_v express_v promise_n of_o god_n to_o secure_v we_o against_o this_o fear_n psal_n 41.1_o 2._o bless_a be_v he_o that_o consider_v the_o poor_a the_o lord_n will_v deliver_v he_o in_o time_n of_o trouble_n the_o lord_n will_v preserve_v he_o and_o keep_v he_o alive_a and_o he_o shall_v be_v bless_v upon_o the_o earth_n pro._n 28.27_o he_o that_o give_v unto_o the_o poor_a shall_v not_o lack_v 2._o thou_o may_v come_v to_o want_v though_o thou_o give_v nothing_o thou_o may_v lose_v that_o which_o thou_o have_v spare_v in_o this_o kind_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n thou_o may_v lose_v all_o and_o then_o thou_o be_v no_o better_o secure_v against_o want_n than_o if_o thou_o have_v be_v charitable_a beside_o that_o when_o thou_o be_v bring_v to_o poverty_n thou_o will_v want_v the_o comfort_n of_o have_v do_v this_o duty_n and_o may_v just_o look_v upon_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n as_o one_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o thy_o poverty_n 3._o after_o all_o our_o care_n to_o provide_v for_o ourselves_o we_o must_v trust_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o a_o man_n can_v in_o no_o case_n so_o safe_o commit_v himself_o to_o god_n as_o in_o well_o do_v if_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n as_o we_o all_o believe_v be_v peculiar_o concern_v to_o bless_v one_o man_n more_o than_o another_o i_o dare_v say_v the_o charitable_a man_n will_v not_o have_v the_o least_o portion_n 4
he_o to_o show_v they_o a_o sign_n from_o heaven_n it_o seem_v they_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v give_v some_o immediate_a testimony_n to_o he_o from_o heaven_n as_o he_o do_v to_o elias_n when_o fire_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o consume_v his_o enemy_n and_o particular_o they_o expect_v that_o when_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o cross_n if_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n he_o shall_v have_v come_v down_o and_o save_v himself_o and_o because_o he_o do_v not_o answer_v their_o expectation_n in_o this_o they_o conclude_v he_o a_o impostor_n now_o what_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a when_o he_o have_v wrought_v so_o many_o other_o and_o great_a miracle_n perverse_o to_o insist_v upon_o some_o particular_a kind_n of_o miracle_n which_o they_o fancy_v as_o if_o god_n be_v bind_v to_o gratify_v the_o curiosity_n of_o man_n and_o as_o if_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o as_o much_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a as_o if_o he_o have_v come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n four_o as_o to_o his_o conversation_n they_o have_v these_o three_o exception_n 1._o that_o he_o use_v no_o severity_n in_o his_o habit_n or_o diet_n take_v too_o much_o freedom_n as_o they_o think_v come_v eat_v and_o drink_v that_o be_v he_o free_o use_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n for_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v give_v with_o temperance_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o do_v not_o lay_v those_o rigorous_a restraint_n upon_o himself_o in_o these_o matter_n which_o many_o that_o be_v esteem_v the_o most_o religious_a among_o they_o use_v to_o do_v but_o he_o plain_o show_v they_o that_o this_o exception_n be_v mere_o out_o of_o their_o prejudice_n against_o he_o for_o if_o he_o have_v come_v in_o the_o way_n of_o austerity_n they_o will_v have_v reject_v he_o as_o well_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o find_v fault_n with_o he_o whatever_o he_o do_v matth._n 11.16_o whereunto_o shall_v i_o liken_v this_o generation_n john_n the_o baptist_n come_v neither_o eat_n nor_o drink_v and_o they_o say_v he_o have_v a_o devil_n he_o live_v in_o a_o more_o austere_a and_o melancholy_a way_n he_o come_v in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n use_v great_a strictness_n and_o severity_n in_o his_o habit_n and_o diet_n and_o this_o they_o take_v exception_n at_o our_o saviour_n be_v of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a temper_n and_o that_o do_v not_o please_v they_o neither_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v eat_v and_o drink_v and_o they_o say_v behold_v a_o wine-bibber_n and_o a_o glutton_n so_o that_o let_v our_o saviour_n have_v do_v what_o he_o will_v he_o can_v not_o have_v carry_v himself_o so_o as_o to_o have_v escape_v the_o censure_n of_o man_n so_o peevish_o and_o perverse_o dispose_v 2._o that_o he_o keep_v company_n with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n to_o which_o exception_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o our_o saviour_n own_o answer_n that_o he_o be_v send_v to_o be_v a_o physician_n to_o the_o world_n to_o call_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v angry_a or_o think_v it_o strange_a if_o he_o converse_v with_o his_o patient_n among_o who_o his_o proper_a employment_n lay_v 3._o they_o object_v to_o he_o profaneness_n in_o break_v the_o sabbath_n and_o that_o sure_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v of_o god_n if_o he_o keep_v not_o the_o sabbath-day_n the_o truth_n be_v he_o have_v heal_v one_o on_o the_o sabbath-day_n to_o this_o our_o saviour_n give_v a_o most_o reasonable_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n that_o sure_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o do_v good_a on_o the_o sabbath-day_n that_o that_o be_v but_o a_o positive_a institution_n but_o work_v of_o mercy_n be_v natural_a and_o moral_a duty_n and_o god_n himself_o have_v declare_v that_o he_o will_v have_v even_o his_o own_o institution_n to_o give_v way_n to_o those_o great_a duty_n that_o be_v of_o natural_a and_o eternal_a obligation_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n and_o then_o from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o sabbath_n the_o sabbath_n be_v make_v for_o the_o rest_n and_o refreshment_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v intend_v to_o his_o prejudice_n the_o sabbath_n be_v make_v for_o man_n and_o not_o man_n for_o the_o sabbath_n five_o another_o great_a prejudice_n against_o he_o be_v that_o person_n of_o the_o great_a knowledge_n and_o authority_n among_o they_o do_v not_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n john_n 7.48_o have_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o pharisee_n believe_v on_o he_o so_o that_o here_o be_v the_o infallible_a rule_n and_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n against_o he_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o example_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o guide_n ought_v to_o sway_v very_o much_o with_o we_o and_o over-rule_v we_o in_o doubtful_a case_n but_o not_o against_o plain_a and_o convince_a evidence_n there_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v and_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o men._n there_o be_v sometime_o a_o visible_a and_o palpable_a corruption_n in_o those_o who_o be_v to_o lead_v we_o they_o may_v have_v a_o interest_n to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o pharisee_n and_o ruler_n at_o that_o time_n and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v among_o christian_n in_o the_o great_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n the_o christian_a religion_n be_v never_o more_o endanger_v nor_o never_o more_o corrupt_v than_o by_o those_o who_o have_v be_v in_o great_a authority_n in_o that_o church_n who_o ought_v to_o have_v understand_v relegion_n best_o and_o have_v be_v the_o principal_a support_n of_o it_o man_n may_v err_v but_o god_n can_v so_o that_o when_o god_n send_v a_o prophet_n or_o by_o his_o word_n do_v plain_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o we_o human_a example_n and_o authority_n cease_v and_o be_v of_o no_o force_n the_o last_o prejudice_n i_o shall_v mention_v which_o the_o jew_n have_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n be_v that_o it_o do_v abolish_v and_o supercede_v their_o religion_n as_o of_o no_o long_a use_n and_o continuance_n though_o it_o be_v plain_a it_o be_v institute_v by_o god_n this_o have_v be_v a_o very_a specious_a pretence_n indeed_o have_v not_o this_o be_v part_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o have_v not_o their_o own_o prophet_n foretell_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v and_o perfect_v what_o be_v want_v and_o defective_a in_o their_o institution_n it_o be_v express_o say_v in_o their_o law_n that_o god_n will_v raise_v unto_o they_o another_o prophet_n like_v to_o moses_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v hear_v he_o when_o he_o come_v so_o that_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o those_o revelation_n which_o be_v make_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o do_v not_o reprove_v the_o jewish_a religion_n as_o false_a but_o as_o imperfect_a and_o do_v not_o contradict_v and_o overthrow_v but_o perfect_a and_o fulfil_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v go_v over_o the_o chief_a exception_n and_o offence_n which_o the_o jew_n take_v at_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n and_o i_o hope_v sufficient_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o i_o have_v not_o now_o time_n to_o proceed_v to_o what_o remain_v but_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v you_o may_v easy_o see_v upon_o what_o slight_a and_o unreasonable_a ground_n man_n may_v be_v prejudice_v against_o the_o best_a person_n and_o thing_n and_o yet_o be_v very_o confident_a all_o the_o while_n that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n for_o so_o no_o doubt_n many_o of_o the_o jew_n who_o oppose_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n think_v themselves_o to_o be_v therefore_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o put_v on_o meekness_n and_o humility_n and_o modesty_n that_o we_o may_v able_a to_o judge_v impartial_o of_o thing_n and_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v preserve_v free_a and_o indifferent_a to_o receive_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v offer_v to_o we_o otherwise_o self-conceit_n and_o passion_n will_v so_o blind_v our_o mind_n and_o bias_n our_o judgement_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v unable_a to_o discern_v and_o unwilling_a to_o entertain_v the_o plain_a est_z and_z most_o evident_a truth_n we_o see_v here_o by_o the_o sad_a example_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o by_o give_v way_n to_o passion_n and_o cherish_v pride_n and_o self-conceit_n man_n may_v be_v so_o deep_o prejudice_v against_o the_o truth_n as_o to_o resist_v the_o clear_a light_n and_o reject_v even_o salvation_n itself_o when_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a that_o the_o scripture_n say_v let_v every_o man_n be_v swift_a to_o hear_v and_o slow_a to_o wrath_n for_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o exhort_v we_o so_o earnest_o to_o receive_v with_o
of_o the_o apostle_n immediate_o after_o the_o text_n the_o earth_n which_o drink_v in_o the_o rain_n that_o come_v oft_o upon_o it_o and_o bring_v forth_o herb_n meet_v for_o they_o by_o who_o it_o be_v dress_v receive_v blessing_n from_o god_n but_o that_o which_o bear_v thorn_n and_o brier_n be_v reject_v and_o be_v nigh_o unto_o curse_v who_o end_n be_v to_o be_v burn_v and_o how_o glad_o will_v i_o add_v the_o next_o word_n but_o belove_v we_o be_v persuade_v better_a thing_n of_o you_o and_o thing_n that_o accompany_v salvation_n though_o we_o thus_o speak_v sermon_n vi_o christ_n the_o author_n and_o obedience_n the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n heb._n v._n 9_o and_o be_v make_v perfect_a he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n unto_o all_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o this_o be_v speak_v of_o christ_n our_o great_a high_a priest_n under_o the_o gospel_n upon_o the_o excellency_n of_o who_o person_n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o eternal_a benefit_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o apostle_n insist_o so_o large_o in_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a chapter_n but_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v brief_o comprehend_v in_o the_o text_n that_o our_o high_a priest_n be_v make_v perfect_a become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o v._n vol._n v._n in_o which_o word_n we_o have_v these_o four_o thing_n considerable_a 1_o st_o the_o great_a blessing_n and_o benefit_n here_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o be_v eternal_a salvation_n and_o this_o imply_v in_o it_o not_o only_o our_o deliverance_n from_o hell_n and_o redemption_n from_o eternal_a misery_n but_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n for_o we_o 2_o dly_z the_o author_n of_o this_o great_a blessing_n and_o benefit_n to_o mankind_n and_o that_o be_v jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v here_o represent_v to_o we_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o our_o high_a priest_n who_o by_o make_v atonement_n for_o we_o and_o reconcile_a we_o to_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o mankind_n 3_o dly_z the_o way_n and_o means_n whereby_o he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v make_v perfect_a he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v consummate_v his_o work_n and_o finish_v his_o course_n and_o receive_v the_o reward_n of_o it_o for_o this_o word_n have_v a_o allusion_n to_o those_o that_o run_v in_o a_o race_n where_o he_o that_o win_v receive_v the_o crown_n and_o to_o this_o the_o apostle_n plain_o allude_v phil._n 3.12_o where_o he_o say_v not_o as_o though_o i_o have_v already_o attain_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o as_o if_o i_o have_v already_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o prize_n but_o i_o be_o press_v 6._o ser._n 6._o or_o reach_v forward_o towards_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o be_v already_o perfect_a that_o be_v not_o as_o if_o i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n or_o have_v the_o prize_n or_o crown_n in_o my_o hand_n but_o i_o be_o press_v forward_o towards_o it_o in_o like_a manner_n our_o bless_a saviour_n when_o he_o have_v finish_v the_o course_n of_o his_o humiliation_n and_o obedience_n which_o be_v accomplish_v in_o his_o suffering_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o reward_n of_o they_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o exalt_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o crown_v with_o glory_n and_o honour_n he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d make_v perfect_a and_o therefore_o when_o he_o be_v give_v up_o the_o ghost_n upon_o the_o cross_n he_o say_v john_n 19.30_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v finish_v or_o perfect_v that_o be_v he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v by_o way_n of_o suffering_n for_o our_o redemption_n and_o the_o same_o word_n be_v likewise_o use_v luke_n 13.32_o concernine_v our_o saviour_n suffering_n i_o do_v cure_n to_o day_n and_o to_o morrow_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o three_o day_n i_o shall_v be_v perfect_v this_o he_o speak_v concern_v his_o own_o death_n and_o therefore_o ch._n 2.10_o god_n be_v say_v to_o make_v the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n perfect_a through_o suffering_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o thus_o our_o high_a priest_n be_v make_v perfect_a in_o this_o sense_n that_o be_v have_v finish_v his_o course_n which_o be_v accomplish_v in_o his_o suffering_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o reward_n of_o they_o in_o be_v exalt_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o we_o 4_o thly_a you_o have_v here_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n who_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o this_o great_a benefit_n or_o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v suspend_v and_o that_o be_v obedience_n he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o these_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n contain_v in_o the_o text._n for_o the_o full_a explication_n whereof_o i_o shall_v take_v into_o consideration_n these_o five_o thing_n 1_o st_o how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n 2_o dly_z what_o obedience_n the_o gospel_n require_v as_o a_o condition_n and_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v as_o a_o qualification_n in_o those_o who_o hope_v for_o eternal_a salvation_n 3_o dly_z we_o will_v consider_v the_o possibility_n of_o perform_v this_o condition_n by_o that_o grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v offer_v and_o ready_a to_o be_v afford_v to_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n 4_o thly_a the_o necessity_n of_o this_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o 5_o thly_a i_o shall_v show_v that_o this_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n 1_o st_o we_o will_v consider_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o this_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o word_n be_v make_v perfect_a he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n that_o be_v as_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o have_v finish_v his_o course_n which_o be_v accomplish_v in_o his_o last_o suffering_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o reward_n of_o they_o be_v exalt_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o we_o so_o that_o by_o all_o that_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o his_o humiliation_n and_o by_o all_o that_o he_o still_o continue_v to_o do_v for_o we_o now_o that_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n he_o have_v effect_v and_o bring_v about_o the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o salvation_n his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o life_n his_o death_n and_o suffering_n his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o his_o powerful_a intercession_n for_o we_o at_o the_o right_a 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not_o bring_v to_o repentance_n and_o effectual_o persuade_v by_o this_o clear_a and_o public_a revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o will_n to_o man_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v reason_n to_o look_v upon_o their_o case_n as_o desperate_a methinks_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o desirable_a thing_n to_o any_o of_o we_o to_o be_v convince_v by_o a_o apparition_n the_o thing_n be_v so_o dreadful_a and_o full_a of_o terror_n beside_o that_o it_o argue_v man_n to_o be_v strange_o harden_v in_o a_o bad_a course_n and_o obstinate_o bend_v upon_o their_o evil_a way_n when_o nothing_o will_v affright_v they_o from_o their_o sin_n but_o what_o will_v almost_o put_v they_o out_o of_o their_o wit_n when_o nothing_o will_v keep_v they_o from_o run_v into_o hell_n but_o a_o fearful_a and_o ghastly_a messenger_n from_o thence_o what_o a_o terrible_a sight_n will_v it_o be_v to_o any_o of_o we_o to_o meet_v one_o of_o our_o companion_n who_o we_o have_v late_o know_v in_o this_o world_n fresh_a come_v out_o of_o those_o flame_n with_o the_o smell_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n upon_o he_o what_o imagination_n can_v paint_v to_o itself_o the_o dread_n and_o horror_n of_o such_o a_o spectacle_n the_o rich_a man_n here_o in_o the_o parable_n when_o he_o be_v in_o hell_n be_v represent_v as_o sensible_a of_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o this_o and_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o desire_v to_o be_v send_v himself_o to_o his_o brethren_n but_o desire_v that_o lazarus_n may_v go_v and_o testify_v unto_o they_o he_o be_v apprehensive_a how_o frightful_a a_o sight_n he_o himself_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v to_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o desire_v that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o gentle_a warning_n by_o one_o who_o from_o out_o of_o abraham_n bosom_n have_v see_v the_o misery_n of_o the_o damn_a but_o enjoy_v the_o state_n of_o the_o bless_a but_o let_v not_o we_o tempt_v god_n by_o any_o such_o unreasonable_a demand_n who_o speak_v to_o we_o every_o day_n by_o the_o plain_a declaration_n of_o his_o word_n and_o have_v of_o late_a year_n call_v so_o loud_o upon_o we_o by_o the_o voice_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o repent_v and_o turn_v to_o he_o by_o so_o many_o miracle_n of_o mercy_n and_o deliverance_n as_o god_n hardly_o ever_o wrought_v for_o any_o prince_n and_o people_n and_o by_o such_o terrible_a volley_n of_o judgement_n and_o full_a viol_n of_o wrath_n as_o have_v seldom_o be_v pour_v out_o upon_o any_o nation_n god_n speak_v to_o you_o by_o his_o minister_n man_n like_o yourselves_o god_n know_v poor_a frail_a and_o sinful_a man_n but_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o when_o we_o call_v you_o to_o repentance_n we_o deliver_v to_o you_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n the_o counsel_n and_o command_n of_o the_o great_a god_n which_o whatever_o account_n may_v be_v make_v of_o we_o do_v certain_o challenge_v your_o most_o awful_a attention_n and_o regard_n and_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o we_o be_v call_v to_o a_o very_a difficult_a and_o unpleasant_a work_n to_o contend_v with_o the_o lust_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n to_o strive_v against_o the_o strong_a and_o impetuous_a stream_n of_o a_o wicked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n and_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n can_v move_v we_o to_o this_o unwelcome_a and_o grievous_a importunity_n but_o a_o great_a and_o just_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o duty_n and_o your_o danger_n and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o take_v these_o warning_n why_o shall_v we_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v vouchsafe_v to_o send_v a_o express_a messenger_n to_o we_o from_o the_o other_o world_n to_o certify_v we_o how_o all_o thing_n be_v there_o and_o that_o not_o so_o much_o to_o help_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o to_o humour_v the_o perverseness_n of_o our_o infidelity_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o imagine_v that_o this_o course_n will_v prove_v more_o effectual_a let_v we_o not_o deceive_v ourselves_o the_o same_o lust_n which_o now_o detain_v man_n so_o strong_o in_o impenitency_n and_o unbelief_n will_v in_o all_o probability_n hurry_v they_o on_o to_o hell_n though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v meet_v they_o in_o their_o way_n to_o give_v a_o stop_n to_o they_o this_o indeed_o may_v startle_v we_o but_o nothing_o be_v like_a to_o save_v we_o if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o grace_n do_v not_o but_o be_v we_o in_o earnest_n and_o will_v we_o be_v persuade_v if_o one_o shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a god_n have_v condescend_v thus_o far_o to_o we_o there_o be_v one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o testify_v unto_o we_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o rise_v again_o for_o our_o justification_n and_o be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o a_o bless_a resurrection_n and_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n and_o if_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v we_o god_n will_v gratify_v our_o curiosity_n no_o far_o if_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v he_o who_o god_n have_v send_v and_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o he_o have_v send_v he_o have_v raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a we_o shall_v die_v in_o our_o sin_n and_o perish_v in_o our_o impenitency_n god_n have_v in_o great_a mercy_n to_o mankind_n do_v that_o which_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v those_o who_o be_v of_o a_o teachable_a temper_n and_o disposition_n but_o in_o great_a wisdom_n and_o justice_n he_o have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o provide_v any_o remedy_n for_o the_o wilful_a obstinacy_n and_o intractable_a perverseness_n of_o men._n now_o god_n who_o have_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n in_o his_o hand_n persuade_v we_o all_o to_o break_v off_o our_o sin_n by_o repentance_n and_o to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n before_o death_n and_o darkness_n come_v and_o the_o day_n of_o our_o final_a visitation_n overtake_v we_o when_o we_o may_v perhaps_o be_v surprise_v by_o a_o sudden_a stroke_n or_o seize_v upon_o by_o a_o violent_a disease_n and_o may_v have_v no_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o our_o approach_a danger_n or_o if_o we_o have_v may_v find_v no_o place_n for_o repentance_n though_o we_o seek_v it_o with_o tear_n which_o god_n grant_v may_v never_o happen_v to_o be_v the_o case_n of_o any_o of_o we_o for_o his_o mercy_n be_v sake_n in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n sermon_n xiii_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n anno_fw-la 1683._o luke_n xvi_o 8_o for_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v in_o their_o generation_n wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n these_o word_n be_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n steward_n who_o be_v call_v upon_o to_o give_v up_o his_o account_n in_o order_n to_o his_o be_v discharge_v from_o his_o office_n cast_v about_o with_o himself_o what_o course_n he_o have_v best_a to_o take_v to_o provide_v for_o his_o subsistence_n when_o he_o shall_v be_v turn_v out_o of_o his_o employment_n at_o last_o he_o resolve_v upon_o this_o that_o he_o will_v go_v to_o his_o lord_n debtor_n and_o take_v a_o favourable_a account_n of_o they_o and_o instead_o of_o a_o hundred_o measure_n of_o oil_n write_v down_o fifty_o and_o instead_o of_o a_o hundred_o measure_n of_o wheat_n write_v down_o fourscore_o v._n vol._n v._n that_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o may_v oblige_v they_o to_o be_v kind_a to_o he_o in_o his_o necessity_n the_o lord_n hear_v of_o this_o commend_v the_o unjust_a steward_n because_o he_o have_v do_v wise_o that_o be_v he_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o dishonesty_n but_o praise_v his_o shrewdness_n and_o sagacity_n as_o have_v do_v prudent_o for_o himself_o though_o he_o do_v not_o deal_v just_o with_o he_o and_o this_o be_v usual_a among_o men._n when_o we_o see_v a_o man_n ingenious_o bad_a to_o commend_v his_o wit_n and_o to_o say_v it_o be_v great_a pity_n he_o do_v not_o use_v it_o better_o and_o apply_v it_o to_o good_a purpose_n upon_o the_o whole_a our_o saviour_n make_v this_o observation_n that_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v in_o their_o generation_n wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v thus_o do_v this_o worldly_a wiseman_n thus_o provident_a be_v he_o for_o his_o future_a security_n and_o subsistence_n he_o no_o soon_o understand_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o his_o office_n but_o he_o consider_v what_o provision_n to_o make_v for_o himself_o against_o that_o time_n and_o be_v it_o not_o pity_n that_o good_a man_n do_v not_o apply_v this_o wisdom_n to_o better_a and_o great_a purpose_n for_o be_v not_o every_o man_n such_o a_o steward_n entrust_v by_o god_n with_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o life_n 13._o ser._n 13._o and_o many_o opportunity_n of_o