virtue_n or_o vice_n people_n take_v their_o fashion_n from_o you_o as_o to_o the_o habit_n of_o their_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o their_o body_n so_o that_o upon_o you_o chief_o depend_v the_o ruin_n or_o reformation_n of_o manner_n our_o hope_n or_o despair_n of_o a_o better_a world_n what_o way_n soever_o you_o go_v you_o be_v follow_v by_o troop_n if_o you_o run_v any_o sinful_a or_o dangerous_a course_n you_o can_v perish_v alone_o in_o your_o iniquity_n but_o thousand_o will_v fall_v by_o your_o side_n and_o ten_o thousand_o at_o your_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v very_o much_o in_o your_o power_n and_o i_o hope_v in_o your_o will_n and_o design_n to_o be_v the_o sovereign_a restorer_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n to_o a_o degenerate_a age._n it_o be_v our_o part_n indeed_o to_o exhort_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n but_o it_o be_v you_o that_o will_v be_v the_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a preacher_n of_o righteousness_n we_o may_v endeavour_v to_o make_v man_n proselyte_n to_o virtue_n but_o you_o will_v infallible_o draw_v disciple_n after_o you_o we_o may_v try_v to_o persuade_v but_o you_o can_v certain_o prevail_v either_o to_o make_v man_n good_a or_o to_o restrain_v they_o from_o be_v so_o bad_a therefore_o consider_v your_o way_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o other_o as_o well_o as_o yourselves_o consider_v what_o you_o have_v do_v and_o then_o consider_v what_o be_v fit_a for_o you_o to_o do_v and_o if_o you_o do_v it_o not_o what_o will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o help_v you_o forward_o in_o this_o work_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o i_o shall_v rip_v up_o the_o vice_n of_o the_o age_n and_o set_v man_n sin_n in_o order_n before_o they_o it_o be_v much_o better_o that_o you_o yourselves_o shall_v call_v your_o own_o way_n to_o remembrance_n we_o have_v every_o one_o a_o faithful_a monitor_n and_o witness_v in_o our_o own_o breast_n who_o if_o we_o will_v but_o hearken_v to_o he_o will_v deal_v impartial_o with_o we_o and_o private_o tell_v we_o the_o error_n of_o our_o life_n to_o this_o monitor_n i_o refer_v you_o and_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o make_v these_o admonition_n effectual_a let_v we_o then_o every_o one_o of_o we_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n search_n and_o try_v our_o way_n and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n let_v we_o take_v to_o ourselves_o word_n and_o say_v to_o god_n with_o those_o true_a penitent_n in_o scripture_n i_o have_v sin_v what_o shall_v be_v do_v unto_o thou_o o_o thou_o preserver_n of_o man_n behold_v i_o be_o vile_a what_o shall_v i_o answer_v thou_o i_o will_v lay_v my_o hand_n upon_o my_o mouth_n i_o will_v abhor_v myself_o and_o repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n for_o sure_o it_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v say_v unto_o god_n i_o will_v not_o offend_v any_o more_o that_o which_o i_o know_v not_o teach_v thou_o i_o and_o if_o i_o have_v do_v iniquity_n i_o will_v do_v no_o more_o o_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o heart_n in_o we_o o_o that_o we_o be_v wise_a that_o we_o understand_v this_o that_o we_o will_v consider_v our_o latter_a end_n and_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n inspire_v into_o every_o one_o of_o our_o heart_n this_o holy_a and_o happy_a resolution_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o redeemer_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n apr._n 18_o the_o 1675._o psal_n cxix_o 60_o i_o make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o to_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n in_o the_o word_n immediate_o go_v before_o you_o have_v the_o course_n which_o david_n take_v for_o the_o reform_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o success_n of_o that_o course_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n a_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o the_o past_a error_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o his_o life_n produce_v the_o reformation_n of_o it_o and_o you_o have_v a_o considerable_a circumstance_n add_v in_o the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v now_o read_v to_o you_o viz._n that_o this_o reformation_n be_v speedy_a and_o without_o delay_n i_o make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o to_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n upon_o due_a consideration_n of_o his_o former_a life_n and_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o change_n he_o come_v to_o a_o resolution_n of_o a_o better_a life_n and_o immediate_o put_v this_o resolution_n in_o execution_n and_o to_o declare_v how_o present_o and_o quick_o he_o do_v it_o he_o express_v it_o both_o affirmative_o and_o negative_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o hebrew_n who_o when_o they_o will_v say_v a_o thing_n with_o great_a certainty_n and_o emphasis_n be_v wont_a to_o express_v it_o both_o way_n i_o make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o that_o be_v i_o do_v with_o all_o imaginable_a speed_n betake_v myself_o to_o a_o better_a course_n and_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o consideration_n and_o the_o true_a cause_n why_o man_n delay_v so_o necessary_a a_o work_n be_v because_o they_o stifle_v their_o reason_n and_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v hurry_v into_o the_o embrace_n of_o present_a object_n and_o do_v not_o consider_v their_o latter_a end_n and_o what_o will_v be_v the_o sad_a issue_n and_o event_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n for_o if_o man_n will_v take_v a_o impartial_a view_n of_o their_o life_n and_o but_o now_o and_o then_o reflect_v upon_o themselves_o and_o lay_v to_o heart_n the_o miserable_a and_o fatal_a consequence_n of_o a_o sinful_a course_n and_o think_v whither_o it_o will_v bring_v they_o at_o last_o and_o that_o the_o end_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v death_n and_o misery_n if_o the_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a person_n will_v but_o look_v about_o he_o and_o consider_v how_o many_o have_v be_v ruin_v in_o the_o way_n that_o he_o be_v in_o how_o many_o lie_v slay_v and_o wound_v in_o it_o that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o hell_n and_o lead_v down_o to_o the_o chamber_n of_o death_n this_o will_v certain_o give_v a_o check_n to_o he_o and_o stop_v he_o in_o his_o course_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v but_o that_o that_o man_n who_o have_v due_o consider_v what_o sin_n be_v the_o shortness_n of_o its_o pleasure_n and_o the_o eternity_n of_o its_o punishment_n shall_v resolve_v immediate_o to_o break_v off_o his_o sin_n and_o to_o live_v another_o kind_n of_o life_n will_v any_o man_n be_v intemperate_a and_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n will_v any_o man_n be_v unjust_a and_o defraud_v or_o oppress_v his_o neighbour_n be_v profane_a and_o live_v in_o the_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n or_o allow_v himself_o in_o any_o wicked_a course_n whatsoever_o that_o consider_v and_o believe_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o that_o because_o of_o these_o thing_n the_o terrible_a vengeance_n of_o god_n will_v one_o day_n fall_v upon_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o man_n who_o apply_v themselves_o serious_o to_o the_o meditation_n of_o these_o matter_n shall_v venture_v to_o continue_v in_o so_o imprudent_a and_o dangerous_a a_o course_n or_o can_v by_o any_o temptation_n whatsoever_o be_v train_v on_o one_o step_n far_o in_o a_o way_n that_o do_v so_o certain_o and_o visible_o lead_v to_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n so_o that_o my_o work_n at_o this_o time_n shall_v be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o monstrous_a folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o delay_v the_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n and_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o resolve_v upon_o it_o and_o have_v resolve_v to_o set_v about_o it_o immediate_o and_o without_o delay_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o good_a man_n here_o in_o the_o text_n i_o make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o to_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n and_o to_o this_o end_n i_o shall_v first_o consider_v the_o reason_n and_o excuse_n which_o man_n pretend_v for_o delay_v this_o necessary_a work_n and_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o second_o i_o shall_v add_v some_o far_a consideration_n to_o engage_v we_o effectual_o to_o set_v about_o this_o work_n speedy_o and_o without_o delay_n i._o we_o will_v consider_v a_o little_a the_o reason_n and_o excuse_n which_o man_n pretend_v for_o delay_v this_o necessary_a work_n and_o not_o only_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v each_o of_o they_o a_o strong_a reason_n and_o powerful_a argument_n to_o the_o contrary_n 1._o many_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v abundant_o convince_v of_o the_o great_a necessity_n of_o leave_v their_o sin_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o a_o better_a course_n and_o they_o full_o intend_v to_o do_v so_o only_o they_o can_v at_o present_v bring_v themselves_o
from_o the_o error_n of_o thy_o way_n be_v well_o save_v thyself_o as_o soon_o as_o possible_o thou_o can_v when_o happiness_n present_v itself_o to_o thou_o do_v not_o turn_v it_o off_o and_o bid_v it_o come_v again_o to_o morrow_n perhaps_o thou_o may_v never_o be_v so_o fair_o offer_v again_o perhaps_o the_o day_n of_o salvation_n may_v not_o come_v again_o to_o morrow_n nay_o perhaps_o to_o thou_o to_o morrow_n may_v never_o come_v but_o if_o we_o be_v sure_o that_o happiness_n will_v come_v again_o yet_o why_o shall_v we_o put_v it_o off_o do_v any_o man_n know_v how_o to_o be_v safe_a and_o happy_a to_o day_n and_o can_v he_o find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o tarry_v till_o to_o morrow_n now_o the_o god_n of_o all_o mercy_n and_o patience_n give_v every_o one_o of_o we_o the_o wisdom_n and_o grace_n to_o know_v and_o to_o do_v in_o this_o our_o day_n the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n before_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o redeemer_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n febr._n 25_o the_o 1675_o 6._o 1_o john_n iii_o 10_o in_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n it_o be_v certain_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a consequence_n to_o we_o both_o in_o order_n to_o our_o present_a peace_n and_o future_a happiness_n true_o to_o understand_v our_o spiritual_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o whether_o we_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o be_v his_o child_n or_o not_o and_o it_o be_v not_o so_o difficult_a as_o be_v common_o imagine_v to_o arrive_v at_o this_o knowledge_n if_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o it_o and_o will_v but_o deal_v impartial_o with_o ourselves_o for_o the_o text_n give_v we_o a_o plain_a mark_n and_o character_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v it_o in_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n from_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v by_o god_n assistance_n to_o lay_v man_n open_a to_o themselves_o and_o to_o represent_v to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o condition_n and_o then_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o every_o man_n serious_a consideration_n to_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o it_o and_o it_o will_v conduce_v very_o much_o to_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o matter_n to_o consider_v brief_o the_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n and_o this_o will_v best_o appear_v by_o attend_v steadfast_o to_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o i_o think_v that_o no_o man_n that_o read_v it_o with_o attention_n can_v doubt_v but_o that_o it_o be_v particular_o design_v against_o the_o impious_a sect_n of_o the_o gnostic_n who_o as_o the_o father_n tell_v we_o spring_v from_o simon_n magus_n and_o pretend_v to_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n and_o illumination_n from_o whence_o they_o have_v the_o name_n of_o gnostic_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o glitter_a pretence_n they_o do_v allow_v themselves_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o impious_a and_o vicious_a practice_n turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o lasciviousness_n as_o st._n judas_n speak_v of_o they_o and_o that_o st._n john_n particular_o aim_v at_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v very_o evident_a from_o the_o frequent_a and_o plain_a allusion_n throughout_o this_o epistle_n to_o those_o name_n and_o title_n which_o this_o sect_n assume_v to_o themselves_o as_o chap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 4_o he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o and_o vers_fw-la 9_o he_o that_o say_v he_o be_v in_o the_o light_n and_o hate_v his_o brother_n be_v in_o darkness_n even_o until_o now_o which_o passage_n and_o many_o more_o in_o this_o epistle_n do_v plain_o refer_v to_o the_o pretence_n of_o this_o sect_n to_o more_o than_o ordinary_a knowledge_n and_o illumination_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n notwithstanding_o they_o do_v so_o notorious_o contradict_v these_o glorious_a pretence_n by_o the_o impiety_n of_o their_o life_n and_o particular_o by_o their_o hatred_n and_o enmity_n to_o their_o fellow-christians_a for_o as_o the_o ancient_a father_n tell_v we_o they_o pretend_v that_o whatever_o they_o do_v they_o can_v not_o sin_n and_o this_o our_o apostle_n intimate_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o epistle_n if_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o we_o and_o they_o hold_v it_o lawful_a to_o renounce_v christianity_n to_o avoid_v persecution_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o also_o to_o join_v with_o the_o heathen_a in_o persecute_v the_o christian_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n so_o often_o tax_v they_o for_o hatred_n to_o their_o brethren_n and_o call_v they_o murderer_n now_o to_o show_v the_o inconsistence_n of_o these_o principle_n and_o practice_n with_o christianity_n the_o apostle_n use_v many_o argument_n among_o which_o he_o particular_o insist_v upon_o this_o that_o nothing_o be_v more_o essential_a to_o a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o child_n of_o god_n by_o which_o title_n christian_n be_v common_o know_v than_o to_o abstain_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n vers_fw-la 6._o of_o this_o chap._n whosoever_o abide_v in_o he_o sin_v not_o whosoever_o sin_v have_v not_o see_v he_o neither_o know_v he_o whatever_o knowledge_n they_o may_v pretend_v to_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o vers_fw-la 7_o little_a child_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a even_o as_o he_o be_v righteous_a and_o vers_fw-la 8_o he_o that_o commit_v sin_n be_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o vers_fw-la 9_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n let_v man_n pretend_v what_o they_o will_v wickedness_n be_v a_o plain_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o one_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o devil_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a righteousness_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n in_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v brief_o explain_v the_o word_n and_o then_o consider_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o by_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v mean_v good_a and_o bad_a man_n it_o be_v usual_a in_o the_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n to_o call_v person_n or_o thing_n which_o partake_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n or_o quality_n the_o child_n of_o those_o who_o be_v eminent_o endue_v with_o that_o nature_n and_o disposition_n thus_o they_o who_o be_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o do_v the_o work_n of_o abraham_n be_v call_v abraham_n child_n in_o like_a manner_n those_o who_o in_o their_o disposition_n and_o action_n imitate_v god_n be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o that_o addict_v themselves_o to_o sin_n and_o impiety_n be_v count_v of_o another_o race_n and_o descent_n they_o resemble_v the_o devil_n and_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o the_o chief_a and_o head_n of_o that_o faction_n by_o righteousness_n be_v here_o mean_v universal_a goodness_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o opposition_n to_o sin_v which_o be_v the_o transgression_n of_o that_o law_n by_o be_v manifest_a be_v mean_v that_o hereby_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n be_v real_o distinguish_v so_o that_o every_o one_o that_o will_v examine_v his_o condition_n by_o this_o mark_n may_v know_v of_o which_o number_n he_o be_v and_o to_o what_o party_n he_o belong_v i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o main_a argument_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n which_o be_v to_o give_v we_o a_o certain_a character_n and_o mark_v of_o distinction_n between_o a_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n in_o the_o management_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o this_o method_n first_o we_o will_v consider_v the_o character_n and_o mark_n of_o difference_n between_o a_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n which_o be_v here_o lay_v down_o whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n second_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o by_o this_o mark_n every_o man_n may_v with_o due_a care_n and_o diligence_n come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o spiritual_a
defer_v his_o repentance_n and_o the_o change_n of_o his_o life_n for_o one_o moment_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n i_o make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o to_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n this_o day_n this_o hour_n for_o aught_o we_o know_v may_v be_v the_o last_o opportunity_n of_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n therefore_o we_o shall_v make_v haste_n out_o of_o this_o dangerous_a state_n as_o lot_z do_v out_o of_o sodom_n lest_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n overtake_v we_o he_o that_o can_v promise_v himself_o the_o next_o moment_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n to_o seize_v upon_o the_o present_a opportunity_n while_o we_o be_v linger_v in_o our_o sin_n if_o god_n be_v not_o merciful_a to_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v consume_v therefore_o make_v haste_n sinner_n and_o escape_v for_o thy_o life_n lest_o evil_a overtake_v thou_o 6._o last_o a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o make_v this_o change_n god_n who_o design_v 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distinction_n between_o his_o secret_a and_o reveal_v will_n that_o be_v he_o do_v not_o decree_v one_o thing_n and_o declare_v the_o contrary_n so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o this_o that_o if_o a_o sinner_n entertain_v serious_a thought_n of_o return_v to_o god_n and_o do_v but_o once_o move_v towards_o he_o how_o ready_a be_v he_o to_o receive_v he_o this_o be_v in_o a_o very_a lively_a manner_n describe_v to_o we_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n who_o when_o he_o be_v return_v home_o and_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o what_o haste_n do_v his_o father_n make_v to_o meet_v he_o he_o see_v he_o and_o have_v compassion_n and_o run_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o impediment_n on_o god_n part_n why_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o on_o we_o one_o will_v think_v all_o the_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n shall_v be_v on_o the_o other_o side_n whether_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o show_v mercy_n to_o such_o great_a offender_n as_o we_o have_v be_v but_o the_o business_n do_v not_o stick_v there_o and_o will_v we_o be_v miserable_a by_o our_o own_o choice_n when_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v put_v it_o into_o our_o power_n to_o be_v happy_a i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n the_o course_n which_o david_n here_o take_v for_o the_o reform_n of_o his_o life_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o the_o success_n of_o this_o course_n it_o produce_v actual_a and_o speedy_a reformation_n i_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n i_o make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o to_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o matter_n thorough_o and_o have_v but_o patience_n to_o reason_n out_o the_o case_n with_o ourselves_o and_o to_o bring_v our_o thought_n and_o deliberation_n to_o some_o issue_n the_o conclusion_n must_v natural_o be_v the_o quit_n of_o that_o evil_a and_o dangerous_a course_n in_o which_o we_o have_v live_v for_o sin_n and_o consideration_n can_v not_o long_o dwell_v together_o do_v but_o man_n consider_v what_o sin_n be_v they_o will_v have_v so_o many_o unanswerable_a objection_n against_o it_o such_o strong_a fear_n and_o jealousy_n of_o the_o miserable_a issue_n and_o event_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n that_o they_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o continue_v any_o long_o in_o it_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o this_o change_n be_v perfect_o make_v at_o once_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o holiness_n be_v not_o like_o two_o way_n that_o be_v just_o part_v by_o a_o line_n so_o as_o a_o man_n may_v step_v out_o of_o the_o one_o full_a into_o the_o other_o but_o they_o be_v like_o two_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o two_o very_a distant_a place_n and_o consequent_o be_v at_o a_o good_a distance_n from_o one_o another_o and_o the_o far_o any_o man_n have_v travel_v in_o the_o one_o the_o further_o he_o be_v from_o the_o other_o so_o that_o it_o require_v time_n and_o pain_n to_o pass_v from_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o it_o sometime_o so_o happen_v that_o some_o person_n be_v by_o a_o mighty_a conviction_n and_o resolution_n and_o by_o a_o very_a extraordinary_a and_o overpower_v degree_n of_o god_n grace_n almost_o perfect_o reclaim_v from_o their_o sin_n at_o once_o and_o all_o of_o a_o sudden_a translate_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o many_o of_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o christianity_n as_o their_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v strong_a and_o violent_a so_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v please_v to_o work_v mighty_o in_o they_o that_o believe_v but_o in_o the_o usual_a and_o settle_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n evil_a habit_n be_v master_v and_o subdue_v by_o degree_n and_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o conflict_n and_o many_o time_n after_o they_o be_v rout_v they_o rally_v and_o make_v head_n again_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a while_n before_o the_o contrary_a habit_n of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v grow_v up_o to_o any_o 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and_o the_o success_n of_o it_o and_o now_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o take_v this_o course_n i_o shall_v offer_v two_o or_o three_o argument_n 1._o that_o consideration_n be_v the_o proper_a act_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n this_o argument_n god_n himself_o use_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o a_o consideration_n of_o their_o evil_a way_n isa_n 46.8_o remember_v and_o show_v yourselves_o man_n bring_v it_o again_o to_o mind_n o_o you_o transgressor_n to_o consider_v our_o way_n and_o to_o call_v our_o sin_n to_o remembrance_n be_v to_o show_v ourselves_o man_n it_o be_v the_o great_a fault_n and_o infelicity_n of_o a_o great_a many_o that_o they_o general_o live_v without_o think_v and_o be_v act_v by_o their_o present_a
take_v away_o his_o life_n whatever_o he_o say_v or_o do_v though_o never_o so_o innocent_a never_o so_o excellent_a have_v some_o bad_a interpretation_n put_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o great_a and_o shine_a virtue_n of_o his_o life_n be_v turn_v into_o crime_n and_o matter_n of_o accusation_n for_o his_o cast_v out_o of_o devil_n he_o be_v call_v a_o magician_n for_o his_o endeavour_n to_o reclaim_v man_n from_o their_o vice_n a_o friend_n of_o publican_n and_o sinner_n for_o his_o free_a and_o oblige_a conversation_n a_o wine-bibber_n and_o a_o glutton_n all_o the_o benefit_n which_o he_o do_v to_o man_n and_o the_o blessing_n which_o he_o so_o liberal_o shed_v among_o the_o people_n be_v construe_v to_o be_v a_o design_n of_o ambition_n and_o popularity_n and_o do_v with_o a_o intention_n to_o move_v the_o people_n to_o sedition_n and_o to_o make_v himself_o a_o king_n enough_o to_o have_v discourage_v the_o great_a goodness_n and_o have_v put_v a_o damp_n upon_o the_o most_o 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we_o our_o defect_n and_o to_o excite_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n i._o to_o show_v we_o our_o defect_n how_o do_v this_o bless_a example_n upbraid_v those_o who_o live_v in_o a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o it_o who_o instead_o of_o go_v about_o do_v good_a be_v perpetual_o intent_n upon_o do_v mischief_n who_o be_v wise_a and_o active_a to_o do_v evil_a but_o to_o do_v good_a have_v no_o inclination_n no_o understanding_n and_o those_o likewise_o who_o though_o they_o be_v far_o from_o be_v so_o bad_a yet_o whole_o neglect_v this_o bless_a work_n of_o do_v good_a they_o think_v it_o very_o fair_a to_o do_v no_o evil_n to_o hurt_v and_o injure_v no_o man_n but_o if_o preacher_n will_v be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o require_v more_o and_o will_v never_o be_v satisfy_v till_o they_o have_v persuade_v they_o out_o of_o their_o estate_n and_o to_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a till_o they_o have_v almost_o impoverish_v themselves_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v from_o this_o importunity_n but_o we_o be_v not_o so_o unreasonable_a neither_o we_o desire_v to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n that_o to_o be_v charitable_a according_a to_o our_o power_n be_v a_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o religion_n that_o we_o be_v command_v not_o only_o to_o abstain_v from_o evil_a but_o to_o do_v good_a and_o that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v give_v we_o the_o example_n of_o both_o he_o do_v not_o only_o do_v no_o sin_n but_o he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a and_o upon_o this_o nice_a point_n it_o be_v that_o the_o young_a rich_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o saviour_n part_v he_o have_v keep_v the_o commandment_n from_o his_o youth_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v thou_o shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n thou_o shall_v not_o steal_v he_o have_v be_v very_o careful_a of_o the_o negative_a part_n of_o religion_n but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o part_v with_o his_o estate_n and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a this_o he_o think_v too_o hard_a a_o condition_n and_o upon_o this_o he_o forsake_v our_o saviour_n and_o forfeit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v very_o considerable_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v often_o and_o serious_o think_v upon_o that_o our_o saviour_n describe_v to_o we_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n represent_v the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n acquit_v and_o condemn_v man_n according_a to_o the_o good_a which_o they_o have_v do_v or_o neglect_v to_o do_v in_o way_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n for_o feed_v the_o hungry_a and_o clothing_n the_o naked_a and_o visit_v the_o sick_a or_o for_o neglect_v to_o do_v these_o thing_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v more_o plain_o and_o effectual_o declare_v to_o we_o the_o necessity_n of_o do_v good_a in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n there_o be_v many_o indeed_o who_o do_v not_o altogether_o neglect_v the_o do_n of_o this_o work_n who_o yet_o do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n prevent_v and_o hinder_v themselves_o from_o do_v it_o as_o they_o ought_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o be_v employ_v about_o other_o duty_n and_o part_n of_o religion_n they_o be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n in_o private_a and_o public_a with_o prayer_n and_o read_v and_o hear_v sermon_n and_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o sacrament_n that_o they_o have_v scarce_o any_o leisure_n to_o mind_v the_o do_v of_o good_a and_o charitable_a office_n to_o other_o or_o if_o they_o have_v they_o hope_v god_n will_v pardon_v his_o servant_n in_o this_o thing_n and_o accept_v of_o their_o piety_n and_o devotion_n instead_o of_o all_o but_o they_o ought_v to_o consider_v that_o when_o these_o two_o part_n of_o religion_n come_v in_o competition_n devotion_n be_v to_o give_v way_n to_o charity_n mercy_n be_v better_a than_o sacrifice_n that_o the_o great_a end_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n prayer_n and_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v to_o dispose_v and_o excite_v we_o to_o do_v good_a to_o make_v we_o more_o ready_a and_o forward_o to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a mockery_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o pretence_n of_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o religion_n to_o neglect_v the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o because_o we_o be_v always_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o do_v good_a to_o think_v that_o we_o be_v for_o ever_o excuse_v from_o do_v any_o other_o be_v take_v up_o in_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n and_o spend_v all_o their_o zeal_n and_o heat_n about_o some_o controversy_n in_o religion_n and_o therefore_o they_o think_v it_o but_o reasonable_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v excuse_v from_o those_o mean_a kind_n of_o duty_n because_o they_o serve_v god_n as_o they_o imagine_v in_o a_o high_a and_o more_o excellent_a way_n as_o those_o who_o serve_v the_o king_n in_o his_o war_n use_v to_o be_v exempt_v from_o tax_n and_o office_n but_o do_v those_o man_n consider_v upon_o what_o kind_n of_o duty_n more_o especial_o our_o bless_a 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