think_v that_o god_n be_v please_v mere_o with_o the_o torment_n we_o put_v ourselves_o to_o what_o conception_n must_v we_o have_v of_o god_n then_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o reason_n teach_v we_o to_o moderate_v our_o appetite_n and_o not_o to_o endanger_v our_o sensual_a inclination_n to_o rest_n and_o ease_n too_o much_o because_o of_o ill_a consequence_n but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o a_o moral_a government_n of_o ourselves_o and_o make_v those_o thing_n a_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o imagine_v that_o god_n be_v please_v with_o our_o mere_a do_v they_o which_o be_v the_o principle_n which_o carry_v the_o idolater_n of_o old_a to_o sacrifice_v their_o child_n to_o molochi_n because_o god_n will_v be_v best_o please_v with_o that_o which_o be_v the_o most_o against_o their_o natural_a inclination_n to_o do_v 3._o that_o god_n be_v more_o please_v with_o duty_n of_o worship_n than_o with_o moral_a duty_n from_o hence_o they_o think_v to_o make_v amends_o for_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o their_o life_n by_o diligence_n in_o religious_a duty_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o pharisaism_n i._n e._n of_o hypocrisy_n among_o the_o jew_n their_o principle_n be_v that_o god_n value_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o his_o own_o immediate_a service_n and_o therefore_o they_o take_v great_a care_n about_o that_o and_o what_o relate_v to_o it_o but_o for_o justice_n and_o mercy_n and_o charity_n they_o seem_v to_o have_v very_o little_a regard_n to_o they_o and_o think_v god_n be_v so_o please_v with_o their_o zeal_n for_o his_o service_n that_o he_o will_v easy_o pass_v by_o other_o fault_n and_o no_o doubt_n one_o of_o their_o great_a quarrel_n against_o our_o saviour_n be_v deliver_v the_o contrary_a doctrine_n that_o god_n prefer_v mercy_n before_o sacrifice_n and_o that_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o their_o brother_n before_o they_o offer_v their_o gift_n at_o the_o altar_n but_o still_o man_n be_v prone_a to_o go_v on_o in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o to_o hope_v that_o some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a devotion_n will_v make_v amends_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o than_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n to_o see_v such_o over_o devout_a at_o some_o time_n who_o be_v very_o loose_a and_o careless_a at_o other_o 4._o that_o god_n take_v more_o notice_n of_o the_o duty_n we_o perform_v than_o of_o our_o manner_n of_o do_v they_o as_o though_o he_o rather_o number_v than_o weigh_v they_o and_o no_o wonder_n if_o such_o be_v more_o frequent_a and_o diligent_a than_o other_o in_o they_o they_o think_v they_o can_v never_o exceed_v therein_o though_o they_o neglect_v some_o necessary_a duty_n as_o to_o themselves_o or_o family_n the_o mean_a time_n the_o service_n of_o god_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v neglect_v for_o that_o argue_v a_o contempt_n of_o religion_n but_o neither_o ought_v we_o to_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o our_o call_v for_o that_o argue_v a_o misunderstanding_n religion_n as_o though_o we_o do_v not_o serve_v god_n when_o we_o do_v our_o duty_n therein_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o allot_v the_o several_a proportion_n of_o time_n to_o both_o if_o man_n consider_v their_o several_a obligation_n for_o as_o the_o pretence_n of_o worldly_a business_n ought_v not_o to_o excuse_v man_n in_o their_o neglect_n of_o god_n worship_n so_o neither_o aught_o the_o pretence_n of_o god_n service_n to_o justify_v man_n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o their_o calling_n god_n do_v not_o require_v of_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v constant_a in_o his_o temple_n from_o all_o part_n for_o than_o they_o can_v never_o have_v subsist_v but_o at_o the_o solemn_a feast_n he_o strict_o require_v it_o and_o every_o week_n wherever_o they_o be_v they_o be_v to_o keep_v holy_a the_o sabbath_n day_n person_n that_o be_v more_o at_o leisure_n and_o have_v great_a convenience_n spend_v more_o time_n in_o their_o devotion_n than_o other_o thus_o anna_n depart_v not_o from_o 37._o the_o temple_n but_o serve_v god_n therein_o night_n and_o day_n but_o this_o be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o strict_a obligation_n to_o other_o although_o it_o show_v a_o excellent_a temper_n of_o mind_n in_o she_o but_o in_o case_n of_o such_o frequent_a return_n of_o devotion_n there_o must_v be_v great_a care_n lest_o that_o abate_v the_o fervency_n and_o what_o be_v first_o take_v up_o for_o devotion_n come_v to_o be_v a_o mere_a custom_n and_o we_o flatter_v ourselves_o that_o god_n will_v accept_v the_o bare_a duty_n without_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o they_o 3._o these_o word_n may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o moral_a sense_n for_o that_o righteousness_n which_o respect_v other_o man_n and_o that_o be_v twofold_a 1._o of_o judgement_n 2._o of_o practice_n 1._o of_o judgement_n concern_v the_o action_n and_o design_n of_o other_o i._o e._n be_v not_o too_o ready_a to_o censure_v and_o condemn_v they_o why_o shall_v thou_o destroy_v thyself_o i_o e._n why_o shall_v thou_o bring_v the_o same_o severity_n upon_o thyself_o which_o thou_o use_v towards_o other_o according_a to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n judge_v not_o that_o you_o be_v not_o judge_v etc._n etc._n 2._o two_o thing_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o for_o clear_v this_o point_n 1._o how_o man_n be_v too_o righteous_a in_o this_o matter_n 2._o what_o mischief_n this_o bring_v upon_o they_o 1._o how_o man_n be_v righteous_a overmuch_o in_o this_o matter_n 1._o not_o in_o pass_v a_o true_a judgement_n upon_o the_o action_n of_o other_o for_o to_o do_v otherwise_o proceed_v from_o want_n of_o judgement_n and_o righteousness_n of_o judgement_n if_o we_o do_v not_o see_v the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a of_o righteousness_n if_o we_o will_v not_o as_o far_o as_o we_o be_v concern_v we_o be_v not_o to_o suffer_v our_o passion_n to_o blind_v our_o judgement_n not_o to_o think_v that_o to_o be_v a_o virtue_n in_o one_o which_o we_o shall_v account_v a_o vice_n in_o another_o nor_o to_o call_v that_o a_o infirmity_n in_o one_o which_o we_o shall_v judge_v to_o be_v wilfulness_n and_o presumption_n in_o another_o 2._o not_o in_o keep_v ourselves_o from_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o false_a pretence_n of_o other_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o make_v use_n of_o this_o very_o say_v to_o abuse_v the_o credulity_n of_o well_o mean_v person_n and_o to_o account_v the_o discern_a of_o spirit_n as_o far_o as_o it_o lie_v within_o our_o reach_n to_o be_v assume_v too_o great_a a_o power_n of_o judge_v but_o our_o saviour_n think_v it_o not_o inconsistent_a with_o his_o precept_n of_o not_o judge_v to_o expose_v the_o hypocrisy_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n but_o then_o he_o certain_o know_v it_o to_o be_v hypocrisy_n in_o they_o and_o as_o far_o as_o we_o be_v certain_a by_o the_o rule_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o we_o may_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o wherein_o then_o lie_v be_v righteous_a overmuch_o 1._o in_o not_o make_v allowance_n for_o the_o common_a infirmity_n of_o mankind_n which_o do_v not_o only_o consist_v in_o the_o imperfection_n of_o good_a action_n but_o in_o such_o fail_n which_o human_a nature_n be_v subject_a to_o in_o this_o state_n notwithstanding_o our_o great_a care_n to_o avoid_v they_o if_o person_n will_v be_v severe_a upon_o other_o for_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v and_o condemn_v all_o religion_n as_o mere_a show_n and_o hypocrisy_n in_o they_o on_o that_o account_n this_o be_v be_v righteous_a overmuch_o for_o they_o do_v not_o make_v the_o same_o allowance_n which_o god_n do_v and_o without_o which_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o hope_v for_o salvation_n for_o if_o god_n shall_v be_v so_o exact_a to_o mark_v what_o be_v do_v amiss_o by_o we_o who_o can_v stand_v before_o he_o and_o if_o we_o expect_v such_o a_o allowance_n to_o be_v make_v to_o ourselves_o what_o reason_n have_v we_o not_o to_o make_v it_o to_o other_o at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o not_o to_o condemn_v they_o for_o want_n of_o sincerity_n in_o the_o main_a because_o of_o some_o such_o infirmity_n how_o can_v we_o righteous_o judge_v they_o who_o god_n will_v not_o judge_v we_o must_v in_o judge_v other_o make_v allowance_n for_o the_o weakness_n of_o judgement_n and_o strength_n of_o passion_n which_o we_o find_v often_o accompany_v with_o a_o real_a tenderness_n of_o conscience_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o believe_v where_o we_o see_v a_o great_a appearance_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n a_o neglect_n of_o moral_a duty_n censoriousness_n towards_o other_o impatience_n of_o contradiction_n etc._n etc._n that_o there_o be_v a_o real_a tenderness_n of_o conscience_n join_v with_o they_o but_o yet_o some_o have_v strong_a conviction_n of_o some_o duty_n than_o they_o have_v of_o other_o and_o if_o they_o do_v act_n against_o their_o conscience_n in_o those_o matter_n they_o
contrivance_n for_o his_o own_o happiness_n he_o begin_v to_o suspect_v his_o wise_a father_n do_v not_o allow_v his_o child_n liberty_n enough_o at_o home_n and_o that_o he_o conceal_v from_o he_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o if_o he_o do_v give_v way_n to_o those_o desire_n which_o he_o find_v to_o be_v natural_a but_o his_o father_n think_v unreasonable_a he_o shall_v enjoy_v much_o more_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n than_o he_o do_v at_o home_n and_o be_v resolve_v upon_o this_o he_o give_v way_n to_o those_o inclination_n he_o find_v strong_a in_o himself_o deny_v himself_o no_o pleasure_n of_o life_n account_v virtue_n but_o a_o name_n which_o sour_a and_o morose_a person_n put_v upon_o their_o own_o humour_n and_o religion_n but_o a_o device_n for_o fool_n to_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o knave_n to_o deceive_v other_o by_o and_o so_o he_o throw_v off_o all_o check_n and_o restraint_n upon_o himself_o and_o never_o regard_v the_o good_a or_o evil_a of_o what_o he_o do_v for_o his_o lust_n be_v his_o law_n and_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o they_o he_o now_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o only_a real_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v suppose_v more_o provoke_v to_o his_o heavenly_a father_n than_o such_o a_o wicked_a and_o dissolute_a way_n of_o live_v so_o contrary_a to_o his_o father_n will_n to_o his_o own_o reason_n conscience_n interest_n reputation_n and_o which_o soon_o bring_v he_o to_o shame_n and_o misery_n 3._o but_o that_o which_o add_v yet_o more_o to_o the_o height_n of_o the_o provocation_n be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o think_v of_o return_v home_o to_o his_o father_n upon_o the_o first_o apprehension_n of_o his_o own_o folly_n but_o he_o resolve_v to_o undergo_v any_o difficulty_n and_o submit_v to_o any_o hardship_n rather_o than_o do_v what_o be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o reconciliation_n with_o his_o father_n how_o hard_o a_o matter_n then_o be_v it_o to_o bring_v a_o habitual_a sinner_n to_o repentance_n it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o bring_v he_o to_o any_o due_a and_o serious_a conviction_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o his_o do_n but_o it_o be_v far_o more_o difficult_a to_o change_v the_o inward_a disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o to_o alter_v all_o the_o great_a design_n and_o pleasure_n of_o life_n it_o be_v but_o a_o mean_a notion_n of_o repentance_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n as_o though_o it_o imply_v no_o more_o than_o some_o act_n of_o contrition_n for_o great_a sin_n when_o the_o habit_n and_o disposition_n remain_v the_o same_o but_o true_a repentance_n be_v the_o turn_n of_o the_o whole_a soul_n from_o the_o love_n as_o well_o as_o the_o practice_n of_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v easy_o or_o sudden_o a_o sinner_n will_v bear_v a_o great_a many_o check_n and_o reproof_n of_o conscience_n before_o he_o will_v part_v with_o his_o belove_a sin_n he_o will_v struggle_v a_o great_a while_n with_o himself_o and_o endure_v many_o conflict_n between_o a_o awaken_v conscience_n and_o root_v inclination_n before_o the_o penitent_a sinner_n can_v assure_v himself_o that_o his_o repentance_n have_v have_v its_o due_a and_o effectual_a operation_n upon_o he_o for_o we_o see_v here_o nothing_o but_o extremity_n bring_v the_o prodigal_n to_o himself_o and_o make_v he_o at_o last_o to_o resolve_v to_o arise_v and_o go_v to_o his_o father_n etc._n etc._n as_o themistocles_n say_v of_o the_o people_n 18._o of_o athens_n they_o do_v by_o he_o as_o man_n common_o do_v by_o a_o great_a tree_n they_o run_v to_o it_o for_o shelter_n in_o a_o storm_n but_o care_v not_o how_o they_o use_v it_o another_o time_n that_o be_v too_o true_a of_o sinner_n with_o respect_n to_o god_n when_o they_o can_v make_v a_o shift_n for_o themselves_o any_o other_o way_n they_o despise_v religion_n and_o make_v god_n their_o refuge_n only_o at_o a_o day_n of_o extremity_n but_o not_o their_o choice_n when_o their_o condition_n please_v they_o but_o when_o the_o prodigal_a son_n have_v so_o slight_v his_o father_n break_v his_o command_n despise_v the_o advantage_n he_o have_v at_o home_n and_o be_v so_o hardly_o bring_v to_o think_v of_o return_v thither_o how_o come_v he_o now_o to_o be_v so_o encourage_v in_o his_o mind_n to_o arise_v and_o go_v to_o his_o father_n and_o confess_v his_o fault_n with_o hope_n of_o be_v forgive_v after_o all_o this_o we_o find_v no_o other_o account_n here_o give_v but_o that_o he_o be_v his_o father_n however_o he_o have_v offend_v he_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v resolve_v he_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o his_o father_n as_o though_o there_o be_v charm_n and_o force_n enough_o in_o that_o word_n to_o answer_v all_o discouragement_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o bowel_n of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n which_o a_o father_n have_v towards_o a_o relent_a child_n we_o must_v inquire_v how_o far_o this_o will_v hold_v with_o respect_n to_o god_n who_o be_v so_o infinite_o above_o all_o the_o fond_a passion_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o it_o be_v a_o diminution_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o majesty_n to_o be_v think_v like_o to_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o his_o thought_n and_o way_n be_v say_v to_o be_v as_o far_o above_o we_o 9_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v above_o the_o earth_n to_o clear_v this_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v not_o only_o that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v here_o lay_v the_o force_n and_o weight_n of_o the_o parable_n upon_o the_o tenderness_n of_o a_o father_n to_o his_o son_n but_o that_o he_o elsewhere_o argue_v from_o it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o god_n have_v far_o great_a pity_n and_o compassion_n towards_o mankind_n when_o they_o make_v due_a application_n to_o he_o than_o father_n can_v have_v towards_o their_o child_n even_o when_o they_o ask_v for_o necessary_a sustenance_n what_o man_n be_v 11._o 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 there_o have_v be_v philosopher_n so_o severe_a against_o the_o passion_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v any_o pity_n or_o commiseration_n towards_o other_o whatever_o their_o condition_n or_o relation_n be_v but_o only_o act_v according_a to_o reason_n in_o supply_v their_o want_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v far_o more_o reasonable_o allow_v such_o passion_n in_o mankind_n as_o dispose_v they_o to_o do_v good_a to_o other_o by_o fix_v such_o a_o impression_n on_o their_o mind_n of_o other_o misery_n as_o do_v excite_v they_o to_o do_v what_o be_v fit_v for_o their_o ease_n and_o support_v and_o compassion_n be_v not_o as_o some_o imagine_v such_o a_o mean_a and_o selfish_a passion_n as_o do_v arise_v only_o from_o the_o apprehension_n that_o we_o may_v suffer_v the_o same_o thing_n ourselves_o which_o we_o pity_v other_o for_o but_o it_o be_v a_o generous_a sense_n of_o what_o other_o feel_v join_v with_o a_o readiness_n to_o help_v they_o according_a to_o our_o power_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n our_o saviour_n not_o only_o allow_v it_o in_o father_n towards_o child_n but_o look_v on_o it_o as_o necessary_a in_o humane_a nature_n in_o order_n to_o the_o good_a and_o advantage_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o himself_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v touch_v with_o 2._o the_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n and_o to_o have_v compassion_n on_o the_o ignorant_a and_o on_o they_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n but_o although_o this_o be_v allowable_a in_o humane_a nature_n how_o can_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o compassion_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v uncapable_a of_o such_o impression_n and_o motion_n which_o we_o be_v subject_a to_o and_o yet_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o full_a and_o clear_a in_o attribute_v pity_n and_o compassion_n to_o almighty_a god_n with_o respect_n to_o his_o creature_n the_o psalmist_n say_v the_o lord_n be_v full_a of_o compassion_n and_o mercy_n 8._o long-suffering_a and_o of_o great_a goodness_n st._n james_n say_v he_o be_v very_o pitiful_a and_o 11._o of_o tender_a mercy_n and_o in_o that_o wonderful_a appearance_n to_o moses_n when_o god_n himself_o declare_v his_o own_o attribute_n the_o great_a part_n consist_v of_o his_o kindness_n and_o mercy_n towards_o mankind_n the_o lord_n 7._o god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n keep_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o
to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n which_o be_v all_o whole_o spiritual_a then_o from_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o must_v remove_v all_o perturbation_n from_o it_o which_o be_v as_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o it_o as_o eye_n and_o ear_n and_o hand_n and_o foot_n be_v although_o they_o be_v all_o mention_v in_o scripture_n from_o whence_o we_o just_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v a_o wonderful_a condescension_n to_o the_o ordinary_a capacity_n and_o common_a apprehension_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n concern_v the_o divine_a nature_n which_o make_v deep_a impression_n on_o mean_a understanding_n and_o those_o who_o be_v of_o fine_a thought_n will_v see_v cause_n to_o attribute_v only_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o thing_n relate_v to_o god_n as_o be_v consistent_a with_o his_o infinite_a and_o divine_a perfection_n but_o what_o now_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o this_o tenderness_n and_o compassion_n of_o god_n towards_o penitent_a sinner_n can_v he_o be_v move_v by_o our_o trouble_n and_o sorrow_n and_o act_n of_o contrition_n for_o our_o sin_n if_o we_o be_v righteous_a what_o do_v it_o profit_v the_o almighty_a and_o if_o we_o be_v evil_a how_o can_v it_o hurt_v he_o and_o if_o when_o we_o have_v sin_v we_o repent_v we_o do_v no_o more_o than_o be_v fit_v for_o we_o but_o why_o shall_v we_o imagine_v the_o great_a and_o wise_a god_n shall_v have_v compassion_n upon_o we_o when_o we_o become_v sensible_a of_o our_o own_o folly_n for_o when_o we_o sin_n against_o god_n wilful_o deliberate_o know_o habitual_o we_o do_v what_o lie_v in_o we_o to_o provoke_v he_o to_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n against_o we_o we_o reject_v his_o wise_a government_n we_o slight_a his_o righteous_a law_n we_o prefer_v the_o please_a our_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o sensual_a lust_n before_o our_o heavenly_a father_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o provoke_v to_o he_o than_o to_o be_v so_o despise_v by_o one_o who_o have_v his_o be_v and_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o life_n from_o he_o suppose_v now_o such_o a_o disobedient_a rebellious_a son_n as_o here_o in_o the_o parable_n be_v make_v sensible_a of_o his_o folly_n be_v his_o father_n bind_v to_o receive_v he_o be_v it_o not_o his_o own_o choice_n to_o go_v from_o he_o if_o he_o have_v suffer_v by_o his_o folly_n he_o may_v thank_v himself_o for_o it_o and_o if_o his_o father_n let_v he_o alone_o in_o it_o he_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o complain_v but_o such_o be_v the_o tenderness_n of_o the_o father_n towards_o his_o repent_a son_n that_o he_o show_v the_o great_a compassion_n imaginable_a for_o he_o do_v not_o stay_v at_o home_n expect_v his_o son_n be_v solemn_a submission_n before_o his_o family_n but_o he_o run_v towards_o he_o and_o fall_v upon_o his_o neck_n and_o kiss_v he_o what_o conception_n now_o ought_v we_o to_o have_v of_o god_n compassion_n towards_o penitent_a sinner_n answerable_a to_o all_o this_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v in_o these_o particular_n 1._o that_o god_n hatred_n be_v not_o primary_o against_o person_n who_o be_v his_o creature_n but_o against_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a which_o be_v none_o of_o his_o make_n and_o against_o person_n only_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v corrupt_v with_o evil._n thou_o love_v righteousness_n 7._o and_o hate_v wickedness_n faith_n the_o psalmist_n god_n hate_v nothing_o for_o its_o own_o sake_n but_o sin_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o he_o hate_v all_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n 5._o 2._o there_o may_v be_v goodwill_n towards_o the_o person_n of_o a_o sinner_n at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o god_n discover_v the_o hatred_n of_o his_o sin_n i_o do_v not_o say_v god_n take_v any_o pleasure_n in_o he_o while_o he_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n for_o that_o be_v against_o the_o eternal_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n in_o god_n but_o that_o he_o may_v have_v so_o much_o goodwill_n towards_o he_o as_o to_o design_n to_o reduce_v he_o from_o his_o evil_a way_n and_o this_o every_o father_n find_v in_o himself_o towards_o a_o disobedient_a son_n while_o he_o hate_v his_o evil_a course_n yet_o he_o will_v make_v use_n of_o the_o best_a method_n to_o bring_v he_o to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o duty_n and_o upon_o this_o be_v ground_v that_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o 4._o god_n towards_o mankind_n in_o send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v our_o saviour_n and_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o invitation_n which_o be_v make_v to_o sinner_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n 3._o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n for_o god_n to_o show_v himself_o full_a of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n towards_o penitent_a sinner_n i._n e._n so_o as_o to_o forgive_v they_o their_o former_a sin_n and_o to_o receive_v they_o into_o his_o favour_n for_o pity_n and_o compassion_n in_o god_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v not_o according_a to_o the_o inward_a motion_n we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o but_o according_a to_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o a_o readiness_n to_o do_v good_a to_o his_o creature_n according_a to_o their_o necessity_n which_o be_v in_o general_n be_v his_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n but_o consider_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o person_n of_o sinner_n it_o be_v his_o clemency_n or_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v and_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o punishment_n they_o deserve_v by_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v his_o mercy_n and_o pity_n which_o in_o we_o be_v aegritudo_fw-la ex_fw-la miseriâ—_n alterius_fw-la and_o therefore_o call_v misericordia_fw-la because_o the_o heart_n be_v touch_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o another_o misery_n but_o we_o be_v not_o so_o to_o apprehend_v it_o in_o god_n but_o that_o such_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o repent_v sinner_n that_o he_o be_v as_o willing_a to_o show_v mercy_n as_o they_o be_v to_o repent_v 2._o god_n pity_n and_o compassion_n lie_v in_o the_o proper_a effect_n of_o it_o which_o here_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o prodigal_n be_v pass_v by_o his_o former_a extravagance_n and_o receive_v he_o into_o as_o much_o favour_n as_o if_o he_o have_v not_o go_v astray_o this_o my_o son_n be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a again_o be_v lose_v 32._o and_o be_v find_v those_o who_o think_v they_o stand_v not_o in_o need_n of_o so_o much_o pardon_v mercy_n as_o other_o do_v be_v apt_a to_o repine_v at_o the_o favour_n show_v to_o great_a sinner_n when_o they_o repent_v and_o therefore_o the_o elder_a brother_n can_v not_o bear_v the_o express_v so_o much_o kindness_n towards_o such_o a_o disobedient_a son_n though_o now_o a_o penitent_a but_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o disagree_v to_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n in_o such_o compassion_n towards_o penitent_a sinner_n will_v more_o full_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o god_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o deal_v with_o sinner_n according_a to_o the_o utmost_a rigour_n and_o severity_n of_o his_o justice_n because_o he_o be_v under_o no_o fatal_a necessity_n no_o superior_a law_n and_o therefore_o may_v act_v free_o in_o the_o forgive_a offender_n as_o seem_v best_a to_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n be_v a_o perpetual_a evidence_n that_o god_n do_v not_o act_v according_a to_o the_o strictness_n of_o his_o justice_n for_o if_o he_o have_v deal_v with_o they_o after_o their_o sin_n or_o reward_v they_o according_a to_o their_o iniquity_n their_o spirit_n will_v have_v fail_v before_o he_o and_o the_o soul_n which_o he_o have_v make_v they_o have_v be_v long_o since_o destroy_v from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o not_o suffer_v to_o continue_v in_o their_o provocation_n but_o god_n have_v not_o only_o forbear_v sinner_n long_o when_o he_o may_v just_o have_v punish_v they_o but_o he_o give_v they_o many_o real_a blessing_n and_o comfort_n of_o life_n free_o and_o bountiful_o now_o if_o god_n deal_v so_o merciful_o with_o sinner_n while_o they_o continue_v such_o be_v there_o not_o great_a reason_n to_o suppose_v he_o will_v be_v far_o more_o so_o when_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v such_o 2._o a_o penitent_a sinner_n do_v what_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o vindicate_v god_n honour_n i_o do_v not_o say_v he_o can_v make_v satisfaction_n to_o divine_a justice_n for_o that_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o do_v and_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o that_o by_o his_o own_o son_n who_o he_o have_v make_v a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n but_o a_o true_a penitent_n take_v all_o the_o shame_n and_o dishonour_v to_o himself_o he_o clear_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n government_n and_o the_o equity_n of_o his_o law_n and_o own_v himself_o guilty_a of_o unspeakable_a folly_n in_o his_o disobedience_n o_o how_o just_o say_v he_o may_v god_n have_v take_v i_o away_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o my_o sin_n when_o my_o conscience_n check_v
i_o for_o my_o sin_n and_o yet_o i_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o repent_v of_o they_o when_o i_o can_v not_o but_o see_v my_o danger_n and_o yet_o be_v unwilling_a to_o come_v out_o of_o it_o i_o can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o thankful_a for_o so_o great_a a_o mercy_n as_o his_o bring_v i_o to_o myself_o have_v be_v i_o have_v go_v on_o in_o the_o same_o secure_a stupid_a senseless_a condition_n that_o other_o lie_v in_o if_o he_o have_v not_o thorough_o awaken_v i_o and_o rouse_v i_o out_o of_o my_o impenitent_a state_n how_o dreadful_a have_v my_o condition_n for_o ever_o be_v if_o my_o first_o awaken_n have_v be_v in_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n nothing_o but_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o patience_n will_v have_v wait_v so_o long_o for_o the_o repentance_n of_o such_o a_o offender_n as_o i_o have_v be_v i_o have_v sin_v so_o often_o that_o i_o be_o ashamed_a to_o think_v of_o the_o number_n of_o my_o transgression_n so_o deep_o that_o i_o be_o confound_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o they_o so_o foolish_o that_o i_o be_o unworthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n who_o have_v act_v so_o unlike_o thy_o child_n so_o the_o prodigal_a son_n here_o speak_v to_o his_o father_n and_o if_o thou_o will_v admit_v i_o but_o to_o the_o mean_a condition_n of_o thy_o servant_n i_o shall_v ever_o esteem_v it_o as_o the_o great_a privilege_n of_o my_o life_n and_o endeavour_v to_o serve_v thou_o for_o the_o future_a though_o in_o the_o low_a capacity_n thus_o the_o repent_a prodigal_n go_v on_o five_o 19_o and_o in_o a_o suitable_a manner_n every_o true_a penitent_n behave_v himself_o towards_o god_n with_o great_a humility_n and_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o be_v thereby_o render_v more_o capable_a of_o divine_a favour_n for_o god_n reâ—steth_v the_o proud_a but_o 6._o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o show_v pity_n towards_o a_o true_o humble_a and_o penitent_a sinner_n for_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n he_o will_v not_o despise_v 17._o 3._o if_o god_n be_v not_o so_o full_a of_o compassion_n to_o penitent_a sinner_n there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o encouragement_n for_o sinner_n to_o repent_v but_o they_o must_v have_v sink_v into_o everlasting_a despair_n for_o if_o god_n shall_v forgive_v none_o that_o sin_n than_o all_o mankind_n must_v be_v condemn_v to_o eternal_a misery_n for_o all_o have_v sin_v and_o 20._o there_o be_v not_o a_o just_a man_n upon_o earth_n who_o sin_v not_o and_o so_o the_o best_a and_o worst_a and_o all_o fort_n of_o sinner_n must_v here_o suffer_v together_o which_o will_v have_v take_v away_o all_o the_o notion_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o mercy_n and_o clemency_n in_o god_n towards_o mankind_n but_o if_o we_o set_v bound_n to_o it_o as_o to_o some_o particular_a kind_n and_o degree_n of_o sin_v we_o limit_v that_o which_o be_v infinite_a we_o determine_v what_o we_o know_v not_o viz._n how_o far_o god_n mercy_n do_v extend_v we_o destroy_v the_o power_n of_o divine_a grace_n in_o change_v and_o reform_v the_o worst_a of_o men._n but_o the_o scriture_n have_v record_v some_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o great_a sinner_n who_o have_v be_v great_a penitent_n and_o upon_o that_o have_v be_v pardon_v such_o as_o manasses_n and_o some_o other_o that_o no_o penitent_a sinner_n may_v be_v discourage_v in_o the_o work_n of_o repentance_n for_o a_o true_a penitent_a search_v to_o the_o bottom_n and_o set_v all_o his_o sin_n before_o he_o with_o their_o several_a aggravation_n can_v be_v keep_v from_o despair_n by_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o those_o who_o true_o repent_v 4._o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o provoke_v in_o sin_n as_o obstinate_a impenitency_n and_o continuance_n in_o it_o it_o be_v true_a god_n hate_v all_o sin_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n but_o not_o all_o equal_o some_o sin_n be_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n than_o other_o be_v be_v against_o plain_a light_n strong_a conviction_n more_o easy_a command_n strict_a obligation_n than_o other_o be_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o a_o sinner_n mind_n which_o be_v most_o provoke_a when_o sin_n be_v commit_v not_o through_o infirmity_n or_o sudden_a surprise_n or_o a_o violent_a temptation_n but_o habitual_o know_o wilful_o especial_o when_o they_o be_v do_v in_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o his_o law_n and_o with_o a_o obstinate_a resolution_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o this_o be_v so_o provoke_v to_o god_n that_o the_o chief_a reason_n of_o the_o severe_a punishment_n of_o sinner_n in_o another_o world_n be_v take_v from_o thence_o because_o god_n hate_v obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o thus_o 17._o he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n acquit_v the_o guilty_a there_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n say_v st._n john_n and_o there_o be_v a_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n there_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n which_o christ_n have_v say_v he_o will_v never_o pardon_v and_o that_o be_v blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n a_o sin_n which_o none_o who_o do_v true_o own_o christianity_n 32._o be_v capable_a of_o commit_v but_o be_v there_o then_o no_o sin_n unto_o death_n to_o they_o yes_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n who_o have_v clear_a conviction_n in_o their_o mind_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o act_v so_o plain_o and_o wilful_o and_o direct_o against_o it_o as_o either_o to_o provoke_v god_n to_o take_v they_o away_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a judgement_n and_o so_o it_o be_v proper_o a_o sin_n unto_o death_n or_o to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o they_o and_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o so_o it_o become_v a_o sin_n unto_o a_o spiritual_a death_n but_o beside_o these_o case_n every_o wilful_a sinner_n who_o add_v impenitency_n to_o his_o sin_n commit_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o condition_n of_o pardon_n allow_v by_o the_o gospel_n without_o true_a repentance_n how_o infinite_a be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o exclude_v no_o sinner_n from_o the_o hope_n of_o pardon_n who_o have_v a_o heart_n to_o repent_v sincere_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o how_o just_o be_v god_n in_o the_o final_a punishment_n of_o those_o sinner_n who_o still_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o refuse_v to_o repent_v after_o all_o the_o invitation_n and_o encouragement_n which_o be_v give_v they_o to_o that_o end_n can_v we_o in_o reason_n suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v stoop_v low_o towards_o sinner_n than_o to_o offer_v they_o pardon_v of_o former_a sin_n if_o they_o do_v repent_v and_o to_o tell_v they_o they_o must_v expect_v no_o mercy_n in_o another_o world_n if_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v but_o suppose_v we_o be_v come_v thus_o far_o that_o we_o be_v convince_v we_o must_v repent_v what_o course_n and_o method_n must_v we_o take_v in_o order_n to_o it_o of_o this_o brief_o and_o so_o to_o conclude_v second_o i_o know_v no_o better_o than_o to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n here_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o form_v a_o present_a sincere_a fix_v and_o peremptory_a resolution_n of_o doâ—ng_v it_o i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n etc._n etc._n if_o we_o suffer_v conviction_n to_o cool_v upon_o our_o mind_n the_o force_n and_o spirit_n of_o they_o will_v soon_o be_v go_v it_o have_v be_v of_o late_o observe_v by_o the_o strict_a enquirer_n into_o nature_n that_o 18._o the_o beginning_n of_o life_n be_v very_o small_a and_o hardly_o discernible_a it_o be_v but_o as_o a_o spark_n that_o appear_v and_o may_v easy_o be_v exstinguish_v but_o if_o it_o be_v encourage_v by_o a_o continual_a heat_n a_o wonderful_a alteration_n soon_o follow_v and_o the_o distinct_a part_n begin_v to_o be_v form_v the_o first_o which_o be_v discern_v be_v the_o eye_n but_o the_o fountain_n of_o life_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o when_o the_o course_n of_o the_o blood_n be_v there_o settle_a the_o other_o part_n come_v to_o their_o due_a formation_n with_o great_a quickness_n this_o may_v be_v a_o representation_n of_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o spiritual_a life_n that_o which_o answer_v to_o the_o eye_n be_v the_o conviction_n of_o the_o mind_n where_o the_o inward_a change_n first_o appear_v that_o which_o answer_v to_o the_o heart_n be_v resolution_n and_o when_o that_o be_v fix_v a_o mighty_a reformation_n will_v soon_o follow_v but_o spiritual_a life_n as_o well_o as_o natural_a be_v in_o its_o first_o beginning_n a_o very_a nice_a and_o tender_a thing_n it_o may_v be_v easy_o stop_v and_o very_o hardly_o recover_v it_o be_v therefore_o of_o very_o great_a concernment_n to_o keep_v up_o the_o warmth_n of_o our_o
high_a testimony_n even_o by_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o all_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n 3._o there_o be_v several_a degree_n of_o wilfulness_n and_o obstinacy_n and_o man_n judgement_n shall_v be_v according_a to_o they_o some_o man_n capacity_n opportunity_n and_o help_n have_v very_o much_o exceed_v other_o some_o have_v break_v through_o strong_a conviction_n and_o more_o powerful_a assistance_n of_o grace_n than_o other_o some_o have_v have_v more_o early_a instruction_n more_o frequent_a warning_n more_o oblige_a favour_n from_o heaven_n than_o other_o and_o as_o it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o person_n suffer_v for_o their_o obstinate_a continuance_n in_o sin_n so_o that_o they_o shall_v suffer_v according_a to_o the_o degree_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o 4._o it_o be_v no_o unjust_a severity_n in_o god_n to_o deprive_v man_n of_o that_o happiness_n which_o they_o have_v wilful_o refuse_v and_o to_o condemn_v they_o to_o that_o misery_n which_o their_o sin_n have_v deserve_v have_v not_o god_n make_v the_o most_o condescend_v offer_n of_o mercy_n and_o salvation_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o creature_n to_o expect_v from_o he_o after_o so_o many_o and_o great_a provocation_n can_v heaven_n stoop_v low_a than_o it_o have_v do_v to_o vile_a and_o ungrateful_a sinner_n when_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n on_o purpose_n to_o reconcile_v god_n and_o man_n together_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n warn_v and_o excite_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o eternal_a welfare_n when_o the_o messenger_n of_o this_o reconciliation_n be_v to_o woo_v and_o entreat_v and_o beseech_v sinner_n in_o christ_n stead_n as_o though_o god_n do_v beseech_v they_o by_o they_o that_o they_o will_v be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n when_o the_o patience_n and_o goodness_n and_o long_o suffer_v of_o god_n be_v exercise_v so_o much_o on_o purpose_n to_o lead_v they_o to_o repentance_n when_o god_n instead_o of_o perfect_a obedience_n be_v willing_a to_o pardon_v and_o pass_v by_o so_o many_o offence_n if_o they_o true_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o to_o receive_v they_o still_o into_o his_o favour_n and_o mercy_n when_o after_o all_o this_o man_n do_v rather_o prefer_v the_o present_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n before_o all_o that_o happiness_n which_o god_n so_o free_o offer_v be_v it_o any_o injustice_n in_o he_o to_o suffer_v they_o for_o ever_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o that_o which_o they_o so_o wilful_o so_o ungrateful_o so_o obstinate_o refuse_v and_o suppose_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o subsist_v in_o another_o world_n free_a from_o all_o those_o cloud_n of_o error_n and_o mistake_v and_o the_o false_a notion_n they_o be_v deceive_v by_o here_o as_o well_o as_o all_o the_o diversion_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v but_o they_o must_v for_o ever_o suffer_v a_o intolerable_a anguish_n within_o call_v a_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v and_o a_o fire_n that_o 44._o never_o go_v out_o from_o the_o reflection_n upon_o their_o own_o folly_n what_o vengeance_n beyond_o this_o god_n may_v inflict_v we_o now_o know_v not_o may_v none_o of_o we_o ever_o know_v it_o but_o we_o be_v sure_a it_o will_v never_o exceed_v the_o proportion_n and_o desert_n of_o their_o sin_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o clear_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o his_o proceed_n with_o mankind_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n 2._o it_o remain_v now_o only_o to_o show_v by_o what_o mean_v god_n bring_v we_o to_o judgement_n may_v make_v a_o deep_a impression_n upon_o our_o mind_n by_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o our_o not_o consider_v it_o will_v not_o make_v our_o condition_n better_o but_o much_o worse_o 2._o that_o our_o consider_v it_o be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o prevent_v the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o it_o 1._o our_o not_o consider_v it_o will_v not_o make_v our_o conditon_n better_a there_o be_v great_a reason_n indeed_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o our_o eye_n and_o never_o trouble_v ourselves_o with_o what_o will_v happen_v at_o the_o great_a day_n if_o the_o put_v it_o out_o of_o our_o head_n will_v make_v our_o account_n the_o easy_a when_o it_o come_v but_o alas_o whether_o we_o think_v of_o it_o or_o no_o the_o account_n run_v on_o and_o we_o must_v answer_v to_o every_o particular_a at_o last_o and_o how_o unprovided_a shall_v we_o be_v if_o we_o spend_v no_o time_n here_o in_o examine_v state_v and_o clear_v of_o they_o as_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a it_o be_v a_o mighty_a privilege_n we_o have_v by_o the_o gospel_n that_o god_n allow_v we_o to_o clear_v our_o account_n with_o he_o in_o this_o world_n for_o if_o we_o will_v judge_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v i_o e._n if_o 31._o we_o call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o strict_a account_n for_o our_o action_n if_o we_o repent_v hearty_o and_o sincere_o of_o our_o sin_n if_o we_o seek_v earnest_o to_o god_n for_o mercy_n if_o we_o have_v our_o conscience_n cleanse_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o pollution_n of_o our_o sin_n than_o we_o may_v with_o joy_n and_o peace_n in_o our_o mind_n think_v of_o the_o great_a day_n of_o recompense_n but_o if_o we_o never_o enter_v into_o ourselves_o to_o search_v and_o examine_v our_o own_o action_n never_o look_v into_o the_o habit_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n nor_o charge_v ourselves_o with_o the_o gild_n of_o the_o sin_n we_o have_v commit_v how_o can_v we_o ever_o hope_v to_o escape_v the_o scrutiny_n or_o avoid_v the_o severity_n of_o that_o day_n for_o our_o account_n continual_o increase_v by_o our_o neglect_n of_o it_o and_o the_o burden_n of_o god_n wrath_n must_v be_v so_o much_o heavy_a when_o we_o have_v take_v no_o care_n to_o lessen_v it_o but_o after_o our_o hardness_n and_o impenitent_a heart_n have_v only_o 5._o treasure_v up_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n 2._o our_o consider_v that_o god_n will_v bring_v we_o to_o judgement_n be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o prevent_v the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o it_o for_o although_o we_o can_v hope_v to_o plead_v innocency_n yet_o which_o be_v next_o in_o point_n of_o wisdom_n this_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a motive_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o that_o which_o make_v we_o repent_v make_v we_o to_o grow_v wise_a in_o time_n and_o to_o lay_v a_o good_a foundation_n for_o eternal_a life_n there_o be_v many_o argument_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o it_o in_o the_o folly_n and_o shame_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o wisdom_n of_o reflection_n and_o reformation_n the_o instance_n of_o it_o and_o exhortation_n to_o it_o record_v in_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v none_o more_o sensible_a and_o which_o touch_v man_n more_o in_o point_n of_o interest_n and_o concernment_n than_o this_o of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v must_v i_o then_o say_v a_o penitent_a sinner_n give_v a_o strict_a account_n to_o god_n of_o all_o the_o evil_a action_n of_o my_o life_n and_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o desert_n of_o they_o if_o i_o die_v in_o impenitency_n how_o much_o do_v it_o then_o concern_v i_o to_o repent_v betimes_o to_o repent_v in_o good_a earnest_n to_o repent_v while_o there_o be_v hope_n of_o mercy_n away_o then_o all_o you_o deceitful_a vanity_n of_o this_o wicked_a world_n you_o have_v too_o long_o deceive_v and_o seduce_v i_o what_o will_v all_o this_o vain_a show_n this_o busy_a seducer_n this_o impertinent_a outside_o of_o the_o world_n signify_v when_o i_o must_v be_v strip_v of_o all_o and_o stand_v guilty_a and_o accuse_v by_o my_o own_o conscience_n before_o the_o judgment-seat_n of_o christ_n oh_o how_o wretched_a shall_v i_o be_v if_o my_o conscience_n condemn_v i_o before_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o judge_n therefore_o i_o be_o resolve_v to_o prevent_v the_o judgement_n of_o that_o day_n i_o will_v accuse_v judge_n and_o condemn_v myself_o nay_o i_o will_v proceed_v to_o execution_n as_o to_o all_o the_o vicious_a habit_n and_o corrupt_a inclination_n within_o i_o and_o although_o i_o can_v whole_o mortify_v they_o yet_o i_o will_v crucify_v they_o i._n e._n nail_n they_o to_o the_o cross_n and_o allow_v they_o no_o long_o liberty_n and_o albeit_o they_o may_v struggle_v for_o a_o time_n yet_o i_o will_v never_o give_v way_n to_o their_o dominion_n over_o i_o any_o more_o that_o so_o death_n and_o judgement_n may_v find_v i_o prepare_v if_o not_o with_o unspotted_a innocency_n yet_o with_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a repentance_n to_o conclude_v all_o let_v the_o consideration_n of_o this_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o come_v enter_v deep_a into_o our_o mind_n and_o awaken_v we_o out_o of_o our_o lethargy_n and_o
some_o man_n and_o look_v on_o as_o whole_o unconcern_v they_o be_v extreme_o mistake_v in_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o nation_n who_o think_v so_o but_o if_o man_n will_v not_o be_v quiet_a when_o they_o have_v all_o they_o pretend_v to_o desire_v what_o can_v we_o expect_v but_o further_a animosity_n will_v discourage_v our_o friend_n animate_v our_o common_a enemy_n and_o expose_v we_o all_o to_o confusion_n if_o not_o to_o ruin_n if_o man_n love_v this_o world_n less_o and_o another_o better_a they_o will_v be_v more_o quiet_a here_o and_o be_v more_o careful_a to_o prepare_v for_o that_o better_a state_n if_o our_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v with_o what_o contempt_n shall_v we_o look_v down_o upon_o the_o busy_a design_n the_o restless_a care_n the_o vain_a hope_n and_o the_o perplex_v fear_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n then_o we_o shall_v have_v more_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n in_o our_o mind_n while_o we_o live_v and_o great_a satisfaction_n when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v for_o integrity_n and_o innocency_n will_v keep_v we_o most_o from_o give_v disturbance_n to_o other_o and_o from_o find_v any_o in_o our_o own_o breast_n whoso_o hearken_v unto_o wisdom_n shall_v dwell_v safe_o and_o shall_v be_v quiet_a from_o the_o fear_n of_o evil._n 23._o 2._o we_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v under_o the_o constant_a care_n of_o divine_a providence_n the_o tranquillity_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o this_o world_n depend_v very_o much_o upon_o the_o esteem_n we_o have_v of_o providence_n and_o the_o trust_v we_o repose_v in_o god_n what_o make_v child_n pass_v their_o time_n without_o solicitous_a thought_n about_o themselves_o but_o the_o confidence_n they_o have_v in_o the_o wisdom_n and_o care_n of_o their_o parent_n what_o make_v passenger_n lie_v down_o at_o rest_n in_o a_o ship_n at_o sea_n but_o because_o they_o trust_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o pilot_n we_o can_v alter_v the_o method_n of_o providence_n by_o all_o our_o solicitude_n god_n will_v govern_v the_o world_n by_o his_o own_o measure_n and_o not_o by_o we_o the_o government_n be_v he_o the_o duty_n of_o submission_n be_v we_o let_v we_o not_o then_o be_v peevish_a and_o quarrelsome_a at_o what_o he_o do_v but_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o any_o extraordinary_a instance_n of_o his_o providence_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v intend_v for_o our_o good_a unless_o we_o turn_v it_o another_o way_n but_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o be_v mere_o content_v with_o providence_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v active_a and_o useful_a in_o our_o own_o place_n to_o promote_v the_o common_a interest_n and_o not_o to_o repine_v and_o murmur_v at_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o support_n of_o it_o let_v we_o not_o torment_v ourselves_o with_o fear_n of_o what_o may_v and_o what_o may_v not_o happen_v but_o let_v we_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o well-doing_n as_o to_o our_o creator_n and_o preserver_n sermon_n vi_o preach_v at_o st._n laurence-jewry_n april_n the_o 7_o the_o 1691._o 1_o timothy_n i._n 15._o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o christ_n jesus_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n of_o who_o i_o be_o chief_a if_o these_o word_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v without_o any_o restriction_n or_o limitation_n that_o christ_n jesus_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n they_o will_v overthrow_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o make_v its_o excellent_a precept_n useless_a and_o ineffectual_a for_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v man_n be_v put_v upon_o the_o severe_a practice_n of_o repentance_n mortification_n and_o a_o continue_a course_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n if_o the_o mere_a be_v sinner_n do_v sufficient_o qualify_v they_o for_o salvation_n this_o indeed_o will_v be_v think_v a_o doctrine_n worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n by_o the_o great_a sinner_n but_o it_o can_v not_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n be_v not_o agreeable_a either_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n by_o christ_n jesus_n but_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o such_o sinner_n as_o himself_o have_v be_v i._n e._n such_o as_o have_v be_v great_a sinner_n but_o have_v true_o and_o sincere_o repent_v of_o who_o i_o be_o chief_a what_o then_o must_v we_o look_v on_o he_o as_o the_o standard_n and_o measure_n of_o such_o sinner_n who_o christ_n jesus_n come_v to_o save_v what_o will_v then_o become_v of_o all_o those_o who_o have_v be_v sinner_n of_o a_o high_a rank_n than_o ever_o he_o be_v it_o be_v true_a in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n he_o set_v out_o his_o sin_n as_o a_o humble_a penitent_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v with_o the_o worst_a colour_n and_o deep_a aggravation_n who_o be_v before_o a_o blasphemer_n and_o a_o persecutor_n and_o injurious_a but_o yet_o he_o add_v that_o he_o obtain_v mercy_n 13._o because_o he_o do_v it_o ignorant_o in_o unbelief_n how_o then_o be_v st._n paul_n the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n be_v sin_n of_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_v the_o great_a of_o sin_n for_o which_o christ_n die_v be_v there_o no_o expiation_n for_o any_o other_o by_o jesus_n christ_n what_o will_v become_v then_o of_o all_o such_o who_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n and_o not_o in_o ignorance_n and_o unbelief_n can_v none_o of_o these_o hope_n for_o mercy_n by_o christ_n jesus_n although_o they_o do_v true_o repent_v but_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v say_v elsewhere_o to_o 7._o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o sin_n not_o while_o we_o continue_v in_o they_o but_o if_o we_o repent_v and_o forsake_v they_o and_o jesus_n christ_n be_v say_v 2._o to_o be_v a_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o not_o for_o we_o only_o but_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o therefore_o this_o expression_n of_o st._n paul_n note_v his_o great_a humility_n and_o deep_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o sin_n but_o do_v not_o exclude_v other_o from_o the_o hope_n of_o pardon_n who_o sin_n have_v other_o aggravation_n than_o his_o have_v for_o if_o we_o leave_v out_o the_o last_o word_n as_o peculiar_a to_o his_o case_n yet_o the_o other_o contain_v in_o they_o a_o true_a proposition_n and_o of_o the_o great_a importance_n to_o mankind_n this_o be_v a_o fà ithfull_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o christ_n jesus_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n this_o you_o may_v say_v be_v a_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o doubt_n among_o all_o such_o who_o hope_v for_o salvation_n by_o christ_n jesus_n for_o all_o be_v agree_v that_o one_o way_n or_o other_o we_o be_v to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o but_o there_o be_v great_a difficulty_n as_o to_o the_o way_n of_o save_a sinner_n by_o christ_n jesus_n whether_o by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o example_n of_o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n by_o the_o power_n he_o attain_v through_o his_o suffering_n or_o by_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n assume_v our_o nature_n and_o suffer_v in_o our_o stead_n in_o order_n to_o the_o reconcile_a god_n to_o we_o and_o make_v a_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n these_o be_v two_o very_a different_a hypothesis_n or_o notion_n of_o christ_n come_v to_o save_v sinner_n and_o the_o former_a seem_v more_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o believe_v and_o the_o other_o seem_v to_o have_v insuperable_a difficulty_n in_o point_n of_o reason_n and_o to_o run_v our_o religion_n into_o mystery_n which_o expose_v our_o faith_n and_o make_v christianity_n appear_v contemptible_a to_o man_n of_o sense_n and_o understanding_n be_v it_o not_o therefore_o much_o better_a to_o embrace_v such_o a_o scheme_n of_o it_o as_o will_v have_v the_o least_o objection_n against_o it_o that_o so_o man_n of_o reason_n may_v not_o be_v tempt_v to_o infidelity_n and_o man_n of_o superstition_n may_v not_o under_o the_o colour_n of_o mystery_n bring_v in_o the_o most_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a doctrine_n these_o be_v plausible_a insinuation_n and_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o prevail_v on_o consider_v man_n mind_n if_o they_o be_v to_o form_n and_o make_v a_o religion_n that_o may_v be_v most_o accommodate_v to_o the_o genius_n and_o humour_n of_o the_o age_n they_o live_v in_o and_o true_o no_o man_n by_o their_o own_o authority_n can_v pretend_v to_o a_o right_a to_o impose_v on_o other_o any_o mystery_n of_o faith_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o their_o capacity_n to_o understand_v but_o that_o be_v not_o our_o case_n for_o we_o all_o profess_v to_o believe_v and_o receive_v christianity_n as_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o god_n we_o say_v may_v require_v from_o we_o the_o belief_n of_o what_o we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v especial_o if_o it_o relate_v to_o himself_o or_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v consequent_a upon_o
and_o in_o a_o instant_a to_o knock_v off_o their_o fetter_n and_o bid_v they_o be_v free_a but_o he_o make_v use_v of_o all_o the_o gentle_a and_o effectual_a method_n of_o persuasion_n not_o only_o by_o his_o word_n but_o by_o his_o own_o example_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v by_o he_o to_o despise_v this_o world_n who_o have_v so_o little_a in_o it_o and_o to_o prepare_v for_o that_o from_o whence_o he_o come_v where_o their_o happiness_n shall_v be_v unconceivable_a and_o without_o end_n iii_o the_o three_o principle_n be_v that_o no_o such_o particular_a favour_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v as_o long_o as_o his_o displeasure_n be_v so_o just_a against_o mankind_n for_o sin_n and_o no_o effectual_a mean_n use_v to_o remove_v it_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o whole_a scheme_n of_o the_o gospel_n turn_v upon_o this_o point_n whether_o god_n be_v real_o displease_v with_o mankind_n for_o their_o sin_n so_o as_o to_o need_v a_o reconciliation_n for_o if_o all_o that_o the_o scripture_n so_o often_o express_v concern_v the_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o god_n against_o mankind_n for_o sin_n be_v only_o figurative_a and_o hyperbolical_a expression_n than_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v give_v up_o as_o a_o mere_a scheme_n for_o if_o god_n be_v not_o real_o displease_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o reconciliation_n if_o no_o need_n of_o that_o than_o there_o can_v be_v no_o need_n of_o christ_n come_v to_o reconcile_v we_o to_o god_n and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o come_v for_o that_o end_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n which_o affirm_v it_o over_o and_o over_o and_o i_o do_v not_o think_v any_o strong_a argument_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o prove_v a_o thing_n than_o that_o the_o most_o emphatical_a expression_n be_v so_o often_o apply_v to_o that_o purpose_n by_o such_o person_n who_o use_v all_o sincerity_n and_o plainness_n so_o that_o this_o matter_n as_o to_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a if_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v make_v so_o and_o if_o nothing_o can_v i_o can_v see_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o have_v a_o write_a rule_n of_o faith_n since_o all_o write_n be_v capable_a by_o ambiguity_n of_o word_n and_o phrase_n by_o the_o different_a use_n of_o particle_n and_o transposition_n of_o letter_n and_o syllable_n of_o very_o different_a interpretation_n but_o this_o be_v not_o my_o present_a business_n which_o be_v rather_o to_o consider_v the_o natural_a sense_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n we_o can_v in_o reason_n suppose_v any_o such_o passion_n in_o a_o infinite_o perfect_a be_v as_o that_o which_o we_o call_v wrath_n and_o anger_n in_o men._n for_o that_o be_v a_o violent_a perturbation_n arise_v from_o surprise_n and_o indignation_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o disorder_n or_o surprise_n in_o a_o be_v of_o infinite_a wisdom_n therefore_o wrath_n in_o god_n must_v suppose_v two_o thing_n 1._o a_o just_a cause_n of_o displeasure_n give_v by_o we_o 2._o such_o a_o just_a displeasure_n follow_v upon_o it_o as_o will_v end_v in_o the_o severe_a punishment_n of_o offender_n if_o it_o be_v not_o remove_v now_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o displeasure_n or_o not_o must_v depend_v upon_o the_o natural_a difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o one_o who_o exercise_v his_o reason_n can_v judge_v amiss_o in_o this_o matter_n not_o that_o all_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v equal_o clear_a for_o all_o proposition_n in_o mathematics_n be_v not_o so_o but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o our_o purpose_n that_o the_o general_a principle_n be_v so_o and_o the_o great_a instance_n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v think_v that_o he_o act_v as_o much_o according_a to_o reason_n in_o one_o as_o the_o other_o and_o can_v any_o one_o of_o common_a sense_n imagine_v god_n to_o be_v as_o well_o please_v with_o he_o who_o blaspheme_v his_o name_n and_o despise_v his_o service_n and_o hate_v religion_n as_o with_o one_o that_o fear_v and_o honour_n he_o and_o endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o can_v he_o be_v as_o well_o please_v with_o he_o that_o assassin_n his_o parent_n as_o with_o he_o that_o obey_v they_o with_o he_o that_o rob_v and_o defraud_n his_o neighbour_n as_o with_o he_o that_o relieve_v he_o in_o his_o necessity_n with_o he_o who_o subdue_v his_o disorderly_a passion_n as_o with_o he_o that_o give_v way_n to_o they_o with_o he_o who_o be_v cruel_a inhuman_a and_o perfidious_a as_o with_o he_o that_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a and_o compassionate_a these_o be_v but_o some_o of_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a but_o they_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o notorious_a that_o a_o man_n must_v renounce_v the_o common_a principle_n of_o humanity_n who_o do_v not_o own_v they_o and_o to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o difference_n because_o there_o have_v be_v mistake_v and_o dispute_v about_o some_o thing_n account_v good_a and_o evil_a be_v as_o absurd_a as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o day_n and_o night_n because_o in_o the_o twilight_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o distinguish_v they_o but_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o real_a difference_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o humane_a action_n and_o god_n be_v a_o strict_a observer_n of_o they_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o infinite_a holiness_n and_o justice_n can_v but_o be_v offend_v with_o mankind_n wilful_a omission_n of_o what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v good_a and_o commission_n of_o what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v evil_a but_o here_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o god_n displeasure_n against_o the_o action_n and_o against_o the_o person_n who_o commit_v they_o the_o former_a be_v a_o necessary_a consequent_a upon_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o can_v never_o be_v remove_v for_o god_n be_v irreconcilable_a to_o sin_n but_o those_o who_o commit_v sin_n be_v his_o creature_n and_o therefore_o capable_a of_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n there_o be_v always_o a_o desert_n of_o punishment_n follow_v upon_o sin_n but_o there_o be_v no_o inseparable_a connection_n between_o the_o sin_n and_o the_o punishment_n for_o the_o great_a and_o wise_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n act_v not_o by_o necessity_n of_o nature_n in_o punish_v sinner_n but_o by_o the_o method_n of_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n and_o if_o the_o save_n of_o sinner_n upon_o their_o repentance_n can_v be_v make_v agreeable_a to_o these_o such_o be_v the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o his_o creature_n that_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o hope_v for_o a_o reconciliation_n for_o although_o god_n be_v displease_v he_o be_v not_o implacable_a although_o he_o be_v just_o provoke_v to_o punish_v sinner_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o absolute_a necessity_n that_o he_o shall_v nor_o any_o irreversible_a decree_n that_o he_o will_v do_v it_o and_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o this_o displeasure_n of_o god_n there_o be_v a_o way_n still_o leave_v open_a for_o reconciliation_n which_o lead_v to_o the_o next_o iv._o the_o four_o principle_n be_v that_o if_o god_n be_v thus_o displease_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o reconciliation_n between_o god_n and_o they_o he_o alone_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o competent_a judge_n on_o what_o term_n this_o reconciliation_n may_v be_v obtain_v for_o be_v both_o the_o offend_a party_n and_o the_o supreme_a governor_n he_o have_v the_o sole_a right_n on_o both_o account_n of_o fix_v those_o term_n and_o condition_n upon_o which_o he_o will_v forgive_v sin_n and_o receive_v the_o offender_n into_o favour_n it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n for_o any_o to_o argue_v from_o one_o attribute_n of_o god_n against_o another_o some_o be_v apt_a to_o flatter_v themselves_o that_o god_n will_v easy_o forgive_v sin_n because_o he_o be_v merciful_a but_o they_o ought_v to_o consider_v that_o he_o be_v just_a and_o holy_a as_o well_o as_o merciful_a and_o there_o be_v as_o much_o ground_n to_o fear_v that_o he_o will_v not_o forgive_v because_o he_o be_v just_a as_o there_o can_v be_v to_o hope_v that_o he_o will_v because_o he_o be_v merciful_a and_o thus_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o consider_a man_n to_o satisfy_v his_o own_o mind_n as_o to_o god_n forgive_n his_o sin_n unless_o he_o be_v some_o way_n assure_v from_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v do_v it_o and_o therefore_o a_o particular_a revelation_n in_o this_o case_n must_v be_v make_v if_o god_n design_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n by_o the_o hope_n of_o forgiveness_n but_o mere_a repentance_n can_v never_o make_v any_o satisfaction_n to_o god_n for_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o law_n suppose_v a_o sinner_n come_v to_o himself_o and_o be_v hearty_o sorry_a that_o he_o have_v offend_v god_n so_o many_o way_n and_o with_o
well_o of_o themselves_o unless_o they_o think_v amiss_o of_o other_o and_o such_o be_v very_o pry_v into_o the_o fault_n of_o other_o man_n and_o be_v please_v with_o hear_v they_o because_o hereby_o they_o bring_v they_o on_o the_o same_o level_n with_o themselves_o what_o a_o satisfaction_n do_v it_o seem_v to_o profane_a man_n to_o find_v out_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o such_o who_o pretend_v to_o religion_n but_o be_v they_o the_o better_a or_o religion_n the_o worse_a for_o they_o to_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o religion_n be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o a_o fault_n but_o still_o religion_n be_v not_o to_o blame_v for_o it_o be_v the_o want_n of_o it_o which_o make_v they_o commit_v those_o fault_n but_o where_o there_o be_v a_o desire_n to_o hear_v the_o miscarriage_n of_o other_o man_n and_o a_o pleasure_n in_o relate_v they_o no_o doubt_n there_o be_v a_o ill_a temper_n of_o mind_n from_o whence_o this_o proceed_v 6._o in_o not_o use_v the_o same_o measure_n in_o judge_v the_o good_a and_o the_o evil_a of_o other_o men._n the_o one_o they_o present_o and_o easy_o believe_v but_o the_o other_o they_o make_v many_o difficulty_n about_o if_o any_o evil_a action_n be_v report_v of_o a_o neighbour_n that_o be_v present_o entertain_v and_o spread_v abroad_o to_o his_o mighty_a disadvantage_n although_o it_o be_v at_o first_o take_v up_o from_o a_o malicious_a or_o ill_o ground_v report_n but_o if_o a_o good_a action_n be_v tell_v they_o find_v out_o all_o possible_a way_n either_o to_o lessen_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o reporter_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n or_o to_o find_v out_o circumstance_n to_o exasperate_v it_o so_o much_o malice_n and_o ill_a will_n do_v appear_v in_o the_o ordinary_a consideration_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o judgement_n they_o pass_v upon_o one_o another_o 7._o in_o pronounce_v concern_v man_n final_a state_n in_o another_o world_n which_o be_v whole_o out_o of_o our_o reach_n and_o capacity_n for_o that_o depend_v upon_o such_o thing_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v as_o 1._o the_o nature_n and_o aggravation_n of_o man_n sin_n which_o depend_v upon_o circumstance_n we_o can_v know_v but_o god_n do_v what_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n they_o have_v what_o temptation_n they_o be_v under_o what_o mean_v of_o resistance_n what_o degree_n of_o wilfulness_n and_o presumption_n there_o be_v in_o they_o 2._o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n for_o those_o sin_n we_o know_v it_o may_v be_v the_o sin_z they_o have_v commit_v but_o we_o can_v know_v how_o much_o they_o have_v smart_v for_o those_o sin_n in_o secret_a what_o agony_n of_o mind_n they_o have_v undergo_v for_o they_o how_o earnest_o they_o have_v pray_v for_o forgiveness_n and_o strength_n against_o they_o what_o a_o inward_a abhorrence_n and_o detestation_n they_o have_v of_o they_o what_o a_o real_a change_n have_v be_v make_v in_o their_o soul_n as_o to_o what_o they_o have_v love_v and_o delight_v in_o 3._o what_o fail_n be_v consistent_a with_o a_o general_a sincerity_n we_o know_v a_o perfect_a obedience_n be_v impossible_a therefore_o we_o must_v allow_v some_o or_o else_o we_o must_v send_v all_o to_o hell_n but_o then_o how_o to_o fix_v the_o nature_n and_o number_n of_o such_o fail_n so_o as_o to_o say_v so_o far_o he_o may_v fail_v and_o yet_o be_v sincere_a be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o do_v since_o we_o must_v take_v in_o those_o circumstance_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v 4._o what_o thing_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n of_o particular_a person_n bold_n and_o presumptuous_a man_n be_v very_o positive_a and_o dare_a in_o such_o case_n but_o such_o as_o be_v modest_a and_o humble_a dare_v not_o go_v far_o than_o god_n have_v declare_v some_o unreasonable_o restrain_v the_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n to_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o own_o communion_n but_o i_o shall_v soon_o question_v the_o possibility_n of_o their_o salvation_n who_o thus_o censure_n and_o condemn_v the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o that_o charity_n which_o the_o scripture_n make_v more_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o any_o one_o communion_n 5._o the_o bound_n of_o god_n mercy_n the_o usual_a term_n of_o it_o be_v express_v in_o scripture_n but_o even_o that_o have_v acquaint_v we_o that_o god_n have_v not_o tie_v up_o himself_o from_o some_o extraordinary_a instance_n of_o it_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o thief_n on_o the_o cross._n this_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o encouragement_n to_o any_o to_o put_v off_o their_o repentance_n but_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o censure_v any_o as_o to_o their_o final_a condition_n in_o another_o world_n 2._o the_o mischief_n they_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o by_o be_v thus_o severe_a towards_o other_o 1._o this_o provoke_v the_o malice_n of_o other_o against_o they_o who_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v revenge_v if_o possible_a on_o such_o who_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o condemn_v other_o and_o to_o lay_v open_a their_o fault_n thereby_o to_o expose_v their_o weakness_n or_o hypocrisy_n whereas_o candour_n and_o fairness_n make_v man_n willing_a to_o use_v the_o same_o towards_o those_o who_o use_v it_o to_o other_o 2._o it_o provoke_v god_n to_o be_v severe_a to_o such_o as_o show_v no_o mercy_n towards_o other_o and_o so_o our_o saviour_n understand_v it_o matth._n 7._o 1_o 2._o nothing_o we_o have_v so_o much_o cause_n to_o dread_n as_o the_o severity_n of_o god_n judgement_n upon_o we_o and_o nothing_o shall_v make_v we_o more_o willing_a to_o show_v kindness_n and_o goodwill_n to_o other_o than_o to_o consider_v that_o god_n will_v have_v a_o regard_n to_o it_o in_o his_o deal_n with_o we_o especial_o if_o it_o appear_v in_o our_o action_n as_o well_o as_o our_o word_n which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v 2._o we_o may_v be_v righteous_a overmuch_o in_o the_o moral_a practice_n of_o righteousness_n towards_o other_o 1._o that_o man_n may_v exceed_v herein_o 2._o that_o this_o prove_v mischievous_a to_o themselves_o 1._o that_o man_n may_v exceed_v in_o righteousness_n in_o their_o deal_n with_o other_o men._n in_o the_o matter_n of_o right_n and_o wrong_n between_o party_n and_o party_n man_n may_v be_v righteous_a overmuch_o viz._n when_o man_n take_v all_o the_o advantage_n which_o the_o law_n give_v they_o against_o other_o without_o consideration_n of_o their_o condition_n and_o circumstance_n it_o have_v be_v long_o since_o observe_v that_o summum_fw-la jus_o summa_fw-la injuria_fw-la the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v that_o the_o law_n be_v make_v for_o a_o whole_a community_n can_v be_v so_o frame_v but_o it_o may_v pinch_v hard_a upon_o some_o particular_a person_n if_o it_o be_v severe_o pursue_v who_o circumstance_n be_v such_o as_o the_o law_n never_o intend_v the_o foundation_n of_o justice_n sai_z cicero_z be_v that_o no_o innocent_a person_n suffer_v and_o that_o the_o 10._o common_a good_a be_v maintain_v where_o the_o circumstance_n of_o person_n deserve_v pity_n it_o be_v not_o justice_n but_o inhumanity_n to_o pursue_v their_o own_o right_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o other_o no_o certain_a rule_n can_v be_v set_v down_o because_o circumstance_n vary_v so_o much_o but_o it_o do_v not_o become_v a_o good_a man_n to_o insist_v upon_o a_o bare_a right_n to_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o another_o if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o deserve_v commiseration_n i._n e._n poor_a helpless_a and_o willing_a to_o do_v what_o they_o be_v able_a for_o satisfaction_n aristotle_n say_v that_o a_o 10._o good_a man_n do_v not_o pursue_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o exactness_n of_o law_n but_o abate_v of_o his_o right_n although_o he_o be_v sure_o he_o have_v the_o law_n of_o his_o side_n be_v it_o then_o unbecoming_a a_o good_a man_n to_o pursue_v his_o right_n no._n but_o he_o ought_v so_o to_o manage_v it_o as_o to_o show_v he_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o equity_n as_o well_o as_o justice_n but_o there_o be_v several_a way_n of_o man_n be_v righteous_a overmuch_o 1._o when_o they_o mind_n justice_n without_o mercy_n the_o truth_n be_v such_o person_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o moral_a heathen_n so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o be_v good_a christian_n which_o so_o earnest_o recommend_v charity_n and_o kindness_n to_o our_o great_a enemy_n so_o that_o even_o our_o justice_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o mixture_n of_o mercy_n in_o it_o 2._o when_o they_o make_v the_o law_n the_o instrument_n of_o their_o revenge_n when_o they_o be_v glad_a they_o have_v take_v their_o enemy_n at_o such_o a_o advantage_n we_o may_v here_o apply_v st._n paul_n word_n we_o â—_o know_v the_o law_n be_v good_a if_o a_o man_n use_v it_o lawful_o but_o there_o may_v be_v a_o very_a unlawful_a use_n of_o it_o when_o