in_o the_o gospel_n 2._o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o consequence_n of_o the_o former_a distinction_n that_o whereas_o for_o the_o three_o sort_n of_o man_n of_o who_o they_o have_v no_o great_a esteem_n it_o be_v account_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o being_n silij_fw-la terrae_fw-la man_n of_o a_o mere_a secular_a character_n do_v hold_v correspondence_n and_o have_v intercourse_n with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v proscribe_v the_o cense_v of_o religion_n loc_n nevertheless_o for_o any_o person_n of_o the_o two_o first_o rank_n so_o to_o have_v do_v namely_o to_o be_v find_v maintain_v any_o kind_n of_o society_n or_o friendly_a conversation_n with_o such_o infamous_a person_n be_v hold_v not_o only_o dishonourable_a and_o unbecoming_a but_o flat_o unlawful_a for_o according_a to_o a_o tradition_n yet_o extant_a in_o their_o write_n it_o be_v reckon_v as_o one_o of_o the_o six_o scandal_n that_o those_o high_a order_n of_o religionist_n be_v charge_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o avoid_v namely_o to_o dine_v eat_v or_o drink_v with_o such_o now_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o quarrel_n against_o our_o saviour_n that_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v some_o extraordinary_a person_n at_o least_o a_o student_n of_o the_o law_n do_v not_o use_v such_o brand_a person_n with_o the_o same_o supercile_a and_o disdain_v that_o their_o great_a man_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v but_o familiar_o discourse_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o they_o for_o so_o we_o read_v matth._n 9_o 10_o 11._o and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o jesus_n sit_v at_o meat_n many_o publican_n and_o sinner_n come_v and_o sit_v down_o with_o he_o and_o his_o disciple_n and_o when_o the_o pharisee_n see_v it_o they_o say_v unto_o his_o disciple_n why_o eat_v your_o master_n with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n etc._n etc._n let_v it_o be_v far_o note_v in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o this_o people_n on_o mount_n sinai_n admit_v of_o propitiation_n by_o sacrifice_n and_o thereby_o give_v hope_n of_o pardon_n only_o to_o some_o small_a offence_n but_o seem_v to_o exclude_v all_o great_a and_o notorious_a transgressor_n shut_v they_o up_o under_o wrath_n and_o appoint_v they_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o among_o their_o people_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o jew_n not_o be_v elevate_v above_o this_o literal_a dispensation_n nor_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o this_o political_a transaction_n and_o the_o eternal_a standard_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n in_o the_o divine_a mind_n they_o be_v induce_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v exercise_v mercy_n upon_o no_o other_o term_n than_o what_o he_o therein_o proclaim_v and_o that_o he_o be_v inexorable_a and_o implacable_a in_o all_o other_o case_n beyond_o the_o tenor_n of_o that_o indulgence_n whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o themselves_o in_o proportion_n as_o they_o think_v to_o the_o divine_a proceed_n abandon_v all_o the_o aforesaid_a kind_n of_o notorious_a sinner_n as_o castaway_n conceive_v neither_o hope_n of_o their_o pardon_n nor_o usefulness_n of_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o although_o the_o excellent_a discourse_n of_o the_o prophet_n may_v have_v instruct_v they_o with_o better_a and_o more_o worthy_a notion_n of_o god_n yet_o they_o superstitious_o contract_v those_o evangelical_n expression_n in_o the_o prophet_n to_o the_o narrow_a sense_n of_o the_o law_n rather_o than_o improve_n the_o text_n of_o the_o law_n by_o the_o divine_a commentary_n of_o the_o prophet_n continue_v still_o under_o the_o same_o mean_a and_o narrow_a apprehension_n of_o divine_a mercy_n and_o consequent_o thereof_o must_v needs_o pronounce_v very_o sad_a and_o dismal_a doom_n upon_o all_o great_a sinner_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o they_o can_v not_o but_o remember_v the_o very_a great_a and_o foul_a miscarriage_n of_o some_o otherwise_o very_o holy_a man_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o particular_o of_o david_n in_o his_o adultery_n with_o bathshebah_n 2._o and_o the_o murder_n of_o vriah_n for_o neither_o of_o which_o sin_n any_o sacrifice_n or_o propitiation_n be_v appoint_v in_o the_o law_n but_o the_o offender_n in_o such_o case_n be_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o without_o mercy_n therefore_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v constrain_v in_o consequence_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a persuasion_n to_o exclude_v such_o man_n from_o all_o hope_n of_o pardon_n too_o they_o have_v artifices_fw-la of_o extenuate_a such_o man_n sin_n as_o no_o doubt_n they_o have_v of_o their_o own_o and_o rather_o than_o forgo_v their_o hidebound_a notion_n of_o god_n choose_v against_o all_o sense_n to_o make_v those_o black_a crime_n mere_a peccadillo_n lest_o by_o the_o example_n of_o such_o great_a man_n as_o david_n etc._n etc._n other_o sinner_n shall_v be_v encourage_v to_o hope_v for_o mercy_n beyond_o the_o tenor_n of_o their_o law_n now_o our_o saviour_n preach_v repentance_n and_o give_v hope_n of_o pardon_n to_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n upon_o condition_n of_o their_o present_n hearty_a and_o through_o reformation_n several_a poor_a soul_n who_o have_v be_v reprobate_v and_o damn_v by_o these_o severe_a interpreter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v marvellous_o transport_v at_o so_o comfortable_a a_o doctrine_n and_o with_o great_a affection_n and_o frequency_n resort_v to_o it_o hereupon_o these_o demure_a but_o dogged_a leguleians_n be_v offend_v and_o insinuate_v a_o suspicion_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o he_o be_v a_o friend_n and_o favourer_n of_o lewd_a and_o vicious_a person_n this_o i_o take_v it_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o case_n and_o the_o rise_v of_o the_o excellent_a discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n for_o in_o answer_n to_o their_o unjust_a imputation_n our_o saviour_n who_o can_v if_o he_o have_v please_v have_v show_v the_o sandy_a foundation_n of_o all_o their_o aforesaid_a hypothesis_n by_o discover_v the_o design_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o that_o manner_n of_o transaction_n with_o that_o people_n in_o that_o covenant_n or_o by_o large_a deduction_n from_o the_o prophet_n have_v demonstrate_v the_o uncircumscribedness_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n or_o with_o admirable_a wisdom_n silence_v they_o by_o a_o philosophic_a discourse_n of_o the_o divine_a philanthropy_n he_o i_o say_v that_o can_v have_v vindicate_v his_o own_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o both_o baffle_v their_o arrogance_n and_o shame_v their_o ignorance_n any_o of_o these_o or_o other_o way_n wave_n all_o this_o and_o take_v a_o more_o plain_a and_o popular_a argument_n confound_v they_o by_o a_o appeal_n to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n much_o after_o the_o manner_n that_o god_n silence_n the_o petulant_a disgust_n of_o the_o prophet_n jonah_n jonah_n be_v angry_a with_o god_n for_o be_v more_o exorable_a towards_o the_o ninevite_n than_o he_o expect_v and_o will_v needs_o have_v have_v a_o vast_a and_o populous_a city_n destroy_v mere_o to_o make_v good_a his_o own_o prediction_n but_o god_n convince_v he_o of_o his_o unreasonableness_n by_o a_o lively_a emblem_n there_o be_v a_o gourd_n sudden_o spring_v up_o which_o refresh_v the_o prophet_n with_o its_o verdure_n and_o cover_v he_o with_o its_o shadow_n god_n who_o have_v cause_v the_o gourd_n to_o grow_v quick_o smite_v it_o hereupon_o jonah_n be_v angry_a again_o and_o expostulate_v the_o matter_n with_o his_o maker_n 11._o thou_o have_v pity_v on_o a_o contemptible_a gourd_n for_o which_o thou_o do_v not_o labour_n and_o which_o come_v up_o in_o a_o night_n and_o perish_v in_o a_o night_n and_o shall_v not_o i_o spare_v nineveh_n that_o great_a city_n upon_o their_o repentance_n wherein_o be_v more_o than_o one_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o thousand_o person_n that_o can_v discern_v between_o their_o right_a hand_n and_o their_o left_a etc._n etc._n in_o like_a manner_n our_o saviour_n here_o silence_n the_o murmur_n of_o these_o hard-hearted_a jew_n by_o three_o parable_n the_o first_o concern_v a_o lose_a sheep_n vers_fw-la 4._o the_o second_o concern_v a_o lose_a groat_n vers_fw-la 8._o and_o the_o three_o of_o a_o lose_a son_n vers_n 11._o in_o all_o which_o he_o appeal_v to_o common_a experience_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o humanity_n for_o evidence_n of_o the_o fitness_n of_o his_o proceed_n and_o the_o absurdity_n of_o their_o complaint_n show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a course_n of_o man_n to_o express_v most_o solicitude_n for_o that_o which_o be_v lose_v and_o most_o joy_n upon_o the_o recovery_n of_o that_o which_o be_v give_v up_o as_o desperate_a and_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n must_v needs_o be_v more_o valuable_a with_o a_o wise_a god_n and_o a_o gracious_a creator_n than_o those_o other_o thing_n can_v be_v with_o man_n he_o leave_v it_o to_o they_o to_o infer_v how_o reasonable_a it_o be_v to_o think_v that_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v both_o high_o please_v with_o the_o recovery_n of_o
and_o that_o government_n will_v just_o be_v account_v arbitrary_a and_o tyrannical_a and_o the_o sovereign_n rather_o think_v to_o lie_v at_o catch_n for_o the_o penalty_n then_o to_o desire_v just_a obedience_n who_o shall_v impute_v that_o for_o a_o fault_n which_o he_o have_v not_o give_v sufficient_a caution_n against_o by_o a_o plain_a declaration_n of_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n for_o non_fw-la esse_fw-la &_o non_fw-la apparere_fw-la aequiparantur_fw-la in_o jure_fw-la that_o which_o can_v appear_v be_v in_o law_n all_o one_o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o because_o a_o unknown_a law_n can_v have_v no_o influence_n upon_o those_o it_o shall_v concern_v neither_o direct_v they_o what_o to_o do_v nor_o forewarn_v what_o to_o avoid_v neither_o give_v notice_n of_o their_o duty_n nor_o their_o danger_n and_o consequent_o work_v neither_o upon_o their_o reason_n nor_o their_o passion_n and_o therefore_o not_o at_o all_o it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o law_n have_v not_o the_o same_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o publication_n for_o even_o among_o man_n several_a nation_n have_v their_o several_a and_o peculiar_a form_n of_o do_v it_o the_o old_a roman_n by_o table_n hang_v up_o in_o the_o market_n and_o place_n of_o public_a congress_n some_o have_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o public_a herald_n or_o by_o the_o sound_n of_o trumpet_n etc._n etc._n but_o however_o they_o differ_v in_o the_o circumstance_n they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o thing_n that_o law_n be_v not_o perfect_a and_o oblige_v till_o they_o be_v promulge_v and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n almighty_n he_o never_o expect_v that_o man_n shall_v govern_v themselves_o by_o the_o secret_a decree_n of_o heaven_n nor_o leave_v they_o to_o guess_v at_o the_o transaction_n in_o his_o cabinet-counsel_n but_o first_o publish_v his_o law_n and_o then_o require_v conformity_n to_o it_o though_o that_o in_o divers_a manner_n as_o it_o seem_v best_a to_o his_o divine_a wisdom_n sometime_o he_o express_v himself_o by_o a_o audible_a voice_n from_o heaven_n wherein_o the_o angel_n be_v employ_v as_o his_o minister_n namely_o when_o he_o give_v his_o law_n upon_o mount_n sinai_n other_o time_n by_o inspiration_n of_o prophet_n and_o holy_a man_n and_o make_v they_o the_o interpreter_n of_o his_o mind_n to_o the_o world_n when_o to_o give_v the_o more_o full_a assurance_n that_o it_o be_v he_o that_o send_v and_o instruct_v they_o he_o be_v wont_n also_o to_o send_v along_o with_o they_o some_o miraculous_a power_n or_o other_o as_o his_o credential_n letter_n under_o his_o privy_a signet_n but_o most_o glorious_o of_o all_o do_v he_o proclaim_v his_o mind_n when_o he_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n who_o every_o circumstance_n from_o the_o miracle_n of_o his_o birth_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n sufficient_o proclaim_v he_o the_o messiah_n the_o messenger_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o for_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n these_o though_o by_o some_o perverse_a man_n they_o have_v be_v deny_v to_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o law_n obligatory_a because_o they_o have_v not_o have_v the_o like_a solemnity_n of_o publication_n as_o other_o have_v have_v yet_o nat._n forasmuch_o as_o these_o have_v either_o be_v write_v upon_o the_o fleshly_a table_n of_o man_n heart_n where_o all_o that_o will_v look_v inward_a may_v read_v they_o or_o rather_o as_o i_o have_v intimate_v already_o be_v engrave_v and_o insert_v into_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o thing_n and_o texture_n of_o the_o universe_n where_o whosoever_o have_v not_o unmanned_v himself_o and_o debauch_v his_o reason_n may_v be_v able_a to_o discover_v they_o and_o beside_o they_o have_v manifest_o the_o sanction_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o the_o constant_a experience_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n attend_v the_o observation_n and_o contempt_n of_o they_o respective_o upon_o which_o account_n they_o must_v needs_o seem_v to_o all_o honest_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n sufficient_o promulge_v so_o that_o constant_o some_o way_n or_o other_o according_a as_o it_o seem_v best_o to_o he_o god_n have_v always_o be_v please_v to_o make_v his_o mind_n sufficient_o and_o certain_o know_v to_o all_o those_o upon_o who_o he_o intend_v it_o shall_v have_v the_o force_n and_o obligation_n of_o a_o law_n and_o he_o never_o require_v obedience_n otherwise_o then_o in_o proportion_n to_o such_o manifestation_n according_o we_o observe_v that_o when_o he_o have_v give_v law_n to_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o proclaim_v they_o very_o glorious_o and_o solemn_o as_o aforesaid_a yet_o in_o regard_n such_o proclamation_n can_v not_o certain_o reach_v to_o all_o other_o nation_n for_o that_o as_o well_o as_o for_o other_o reason_n he_o do_v not_o exact_v of_o any_o other_o people_n conformity_n to_o those_o institution_n nor_o judge_v they_o thereby_o so_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o rom._n 2._o 12._o such_o as_o have_v sin_v without_o the_o law_n shall_v perish_v without_o the_o law_n and_o as_o many_o as_o have_v sin_v under_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o law_n and_o it_o be_v further_a very_o remarkable_a that_o even_o the_o gospel_n itself_o which_o be_v what_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o namely_o a_o institution_n fit_v for_o all_o country_n nation_n and_o age_n and_o which_o therefore_o our_o lord_n christ_n take_v care_n by_o his_o apostle_n as_o his_o herald_n to_o proclaim_v all_o the_o world_n over_o this_o gospel_n i_o say_v till_o it_o be_v full_o publish_v and_o until_o man_n have_v time_n give_v they_o to_o consider_v well_o of_o it_o and_o to_o overcome_v their_o prejudices_fw-la against_o it_o make_v a_o favourable_a interpretation_n of_o man_n unbelief_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o import_n of_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n joh._n 9_o 39_o 41._o for_o judgement_n be_o i_o come_v into_o the_o world_n that_o they_o that_o see_v not_o might_n see_v and_o that_o they_o that_o see_v may_v be_v make_v blind_a if_o you_o be_v blind_a you_o shall_v have_v no_o sin_n but_o now_o you_o say_v we_o see_v therefore_o your_o sin_n remain_v and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n joh._n 15._o 22._o if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v among_o they_o they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n but_o now_o they_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o s._n paul_n himself_o be_v a_o great_a instance_n for_o so_o he_o tell_v we_o 1_o tim._n 1._o 13._o i_o obtain_v mercy_n because_o i_o do_v it_o ignorant_o in_o unbelief_n q._n d._n i_o lay_v under_o mighty_a prejudices_fw-la by_o reason_n of_o my_o education_n in_o the_o stiff_a way_n of_o a_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o it_o require_v a_o great_a sincerity_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o listen_v to_o new_a proposal_n a_o huge_a sagacity_n to_o be_v able_a to_o see_v through_o those_o mist_n that_o be_v cast_v before_o my_o eye_n and_o a_o most_o generous_a resolution_n to_o break_v through_o these_o and_o all_o other_o difficulty_n in_o consideration_n whereof_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v abatement_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o my_o unbelief_n in_o proportion_n to_o the_o temptation_n i_o have_v thereto_o it_o be_v indeed_o both_o a_o well_o know_v and_o as_o well_o receive_v a_o maxim_n ignorantia_fw-la juris_fw-la non_fw-la excusat_fw-la that_o it_o be_v no_o excuse_n of_o a_o fault_n to_o say_v non_fw-la putâram_fw-la i_o do_v not_o know_v the_o law_n because_o when_o a_o law_n be_v once_o promulge_v every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o it_o can_v be_v impute_v to_o nothing_o else_o but_o supine_n and_o affect_a ignorance_n if_o he_o shall_v then_o continue_v ignorant_a notwithstanding_o upon_o the_o self_n same_o supposition_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v grant_v that_o where_o the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o that_o be_v where_o the_o law_n not_o be_v sufficient_o publish_v can_v be_v know_v by_o a_o honest_a diligence_n there_o ignorance_n be_v no_o fault_n because_o indeed_o as_o i_o say_v there_o the_o law_n be_v no_o law_n those_o who_o consider_v not_o this_o point_n must_v needs_o be_v tempt_v to_o pass_v very_o dismal_a and_o damnatory_a sentence_n against_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o consequent_o can_v avoid_v very_o hard_a thought_n of_o god_n for_o the_o prevention_n of_o both_o which_o great_a evil_n as_o also_o to_o confirm_v what_o have_v be_v now_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o useful_a then_o to_o study_v well_o the_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v the_o talent_n matt._n 25._o 14._o by_o the_o due_a consideration_n whereof_o we_o shall_v among_o other_o instruction_n be_v lead_v into_o the_o apprehension_n that_o god_n proceed_v not_o with_o man_n arithmetical_o but_o geometrical_o and_o that_o the_o virtue_n or_o vice_n which_o god_n reward_v or_o punish_v
forty_o night_n and_o nineveh_n shall_v be_v destroy_v notwithstanding_o the_o absoluteness_n of_o the_o sentence_n and_o the_o nearness_n of_o the_o execution_n the_o ninevite_n be_v not_o out_o of_o hope_n but_o that_o if_o repentance_n be_v interpose_v their_o ruin_n may_v yet_o be_v prevent_v and_o it_o succeed_v according_o with_o they_o for_o as_o they_o believe_v god_n word_n by_o the_o prophet_n expect_v nothing_o but_o sudden_a destruction_n if_o they_o have_v not_o repent_v so_o they_o trust_v in_o the_o goodness_n and_o exorableness_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n upon_o repentance_n apply_v themselves_o serious_o thereto_o and_o be_v preserve_v wherefore_o say_v the_o relent_a sinner_n forasmuch_o as_o although_o i_o know_v not_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n yet_o this_o i_o know_v that_o nothing_o can_v set_v limit_n thereto_o but_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o he_o be_v never_o so_o straighten_a but_o that_o if_o the_o case_n be_v pitiable_a and_o he_o see_v reason_n of_o mercy_n he_o can_v show_v it_o consistent_o with_o his_o justice_n here_o i_o will_v cast_v anchor_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o render_v myself_o a_o object_n of_o mercy_n and_o trust_v upon_o his_o goodness_n i_o never_o yet_o hear_v that_o any_o man_n miscarry_v in_o this_o bottom_n or_o that_o a_o penitent_a be_v cast_v away_o i_o have_v often_o hear_v that_o god_n will_v have_v save_v man_n but_o they_o will_v not_o but_o i_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o that_o resort_v penitent_o to_o his_o mercy_n and_o be_v reject_v nor_o do_v i_o think_v that_o hell_n itself_o can_v furnish_v one_o instance_n of_o the_o man_n that_o can_v upbraid_v god_n goodness_n and_o say_v i_o will_v but_o god_n will_v not_o thus_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v everlasting_o pregnant_a of_o encouragement_n to_o repentance_n and_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o motion_n to_o godward_o be_v it_o not_o for_o which_o never_o any_o have_v be_v reclaim_v from_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n or_o begin_v a_o reformation_n but_o so_o much_o of_o that_o 2._o in_o the_o second_o place_n another_o encouragement_n to_o this_o penitent_a resolution_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o be_v a_o apprehension_n that_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o become_v perfect_o new_a man_n notwithstanding_o our_o pre-ingagement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n opinion_n of_o absolute_a impossibility_n as_o we_o have_v note_v before_o be_v equal_a to_o real_a impotency_n check_v all_o motion_n nip_v all_o endeavour_n in_o the_o very_a bud_n stifle_n and_o lay_v asleep_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o hope_v and_o apprehension_n of_o feasibleness_n spirit_n all_o industry_n actuate_v all_o faculty_n raise_v the_o spirit_n and_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o the_o great_a action_n in_o the_o world_n some_o dare_a man_n have_v effect_v thing_n beyond_o their_o own_o expectation_n but_o no_o brave_a exploit_n be_v ever_o perform_v by_o such_o as_o despair_v of_o accomplish_v it_o nor_o be_v ever_o any_o force_n defeat_v that_o do_v praelibare_fw-la victoriam_fw-la and_o resolve_v to_o conquer_v when_o once_o a_o conceit_n have_v possess_v the_o midianite_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v conquer_v by_o gideon_n army_n 7._o though_o ground_v only_o upon_o a_o odd_a dream_n of_o a_o brown_a loaf_n tumble_v down_o upon_o their_o tent_n their_o heart_n present_o melt_v in_o they_o their_o spirit_n be_v emasculate_v and_o a_o mighty_a host_n become_v a_o easy_a prey_n to_o the_o inconsiderable_a number_n which_o gideon_n lead_v against_o they_o and_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n will_v never_o suffer_v israel_n to_o be_v lead_v on_o to_o the_o conquest_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n so_o long_o as_o the_o rumour_n of_o giant_n and_o anakim_v and_o wall_v city_n run_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n nor_o until_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o confidence_n that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o conquer_v that_o good_a land_n in_o like_a manner_n if_o the_o sinner_n think_v either_o his_o sin_n too_o great_a to_o be_v forgive_v or_o that_o it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o mend_v i._n e._n either_o despair_n of_o god_n grace_n or_o of_o his_o mercy_n he_o be_v utter_o lose_v indeed_o that_o therefore_o which_o put_v he_o forward_o upon_o resolution_n be_v a_o apprehension_n that_o god_n grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o the_o return_v prodigal_n say_v it_o be_v true_a i_o find_v i_o have_v go_v a_o great_a way_n from_o my_o father_n house_n and_o weary_a myself_o with_o my_o own_o wander_n yet_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o i_o may_v reach_v home_o again_o and_o i_o say_v the_o sinner_n have_v go_v a_o great_a way_n towards_o my_o own_o undo_n have_v indulge_v my_o passion_n and_o dethrone_v my_o reason_n enslave_v my_o will_n weaken_v all_o my_o power_n and_o harden_v my_o own_o conscience_n by_o a_o long_a course_n and_o custom_n of_o sin_n yet_o in_o the_o word_n of_o holy_a job_n there_o be_v hope_n of_o a_o tree_n if_o it_o be_v cut_v down_o that_o it_o will_v sprout_v again_o and_o that_o the_o tender_a branch_n thereof_o will_v not_o cease_v though_o the_o root_n thereof_o wax_v old_a in_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o stock_n thereof_o die_v in_o the_o ground_n yet_o through_o the_o scent_n of_o water_n it_o will_v bud_v and_o bring_v forth_o bough_n like_o a_o plant_n job_n 14._o 7_o 8_o 9_o though_o i_o have_v weaken_v my_o power_n yet_o i_o be_o a_o man_n still_o though_o i_o have_v destroy_v myself_o yet_o there_o be_v hope_n in_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o his_o hand_n be_v not_o shorten_v that_o he_o can_v save_v tul_o be_v report_v to_o have_v affirm_v repentance_n to_o be_v impossible_a lose_v namely_o for_o a_o man_n to_o retrieve_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o a_o new_a course_n contrary_a to_o that_o to_o which_o he_o have_v be_v long_o habituate_v and_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v very_o difficult_a so_o to_o do_v as_o may_v sufficient_o appear_v both_o by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v already_o and_o also_o by_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 13._o 23._o can_v the_o aethiopian_a change_n his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n then_o may_v you_o also_o do_v good_a that_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n intimate_v inveterate_a custom_n to_o be_v equal_a to_o nature_n itself_o and_o according_o we_o find_v by_o too_o sad_a experience_n that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o that_o do_v exuere_fw-la hominem_fw-la shake_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o custom_n facilis_fw-la descensus_fw-la averni_fw-la sed_fw-la revocare_fw-la gradus_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o the_o conversion_n of_o old_a sinner_n be_v call_v a_o new_a birth_n and_o a_o new_a creation_n in_o the_o language_n of_o holy_a scripture_n notwithstanding_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o rich_a man_n that_o it_o be_v hard_a for_o a_o camel_n to_o go_v through_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o needle_n then_o for_o such_o a_o man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n yet_o to_o prevent_v mistake_n add_v with_o man_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o with_o god_n all_o thing_n be_v possible_a so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n he_o can_v cause_v dry_a bone_n to_o live_v and_o of_o stone_n raise_v up_o child_n to_o abraham_n the_o holy_a spirit_n can_v awaken_v those_o power_n that_o be_v in_o a_o dead_a sleep_n conscience_n be_v not_o so_o callous_a but_o it_o may_v be_v render_v soft_a and_o sensible_a again_o the_o will_n and_o other_o faculty_n of_o man_n though_o they_o be_v pervert_v yet_o be_v not_o extinct_a and_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n may_v exert_v themselves_o in_o a_o new_a strain_n oppose_v their_o old_a custom_n and_o introduce_v new_a habit_n as_o custom_n bear_v down_o and_o overgrew_n nature_n former_o so_o new_a custom_n may_v supplant_v the_o old_a one_o and_o make_v a_o new_a nature_n it_o be_v a_o well-known_a story_n that_o when_o zopyrus_n a_o great_a pretender_n to_o the_o skill_n of_o read_v man_n temper_n and_o inclination_n in_o their_o countenance_n have_v pronounce_v of_o socrates_n that_o he_o be_v a_o lewd_a and_o intemperate_a man_n the_o company_n who_o know_v well_o the_o remarkable_a virtue_n of_o socrates_n laugh_v the_o cunning_a man_n out_o of_o countenance_n till_o socrates_n relieve_v he_o say_v that_o indeed_o his_o inclination_n be_v natural_o such_o as_o zopyrus_n have_v pronounce_v but_o that_o philosophy_n and_o the_o culture_n and_o care_n of_o himself_o have_v alter_v he_o to_o what_o he_o be_v but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o they_o contain_v both_o more_o excellent_a institution_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n than_o all_o philosophy_n and_o more_o effectual_a method_n of_o reclaim_v and_o recover_v man_n from_o vice_n and_o debauchery_n so_o in_o the_o history_n thereof_o they_o afford_v we_o the_o
observable_a 1._o his_o confession_n of_o gild_n i_o have_v sin_v 2._o aggravation_n of_o the_o fact_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o 3._o the_o severe_a judgement_n he_o pass_v upon_o himself_o i_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n 4._o last_o his_o deprecation_n yet_o make_v i_o as_o one_o of_o thy_o hire_a servant_n all_o which_o deserve_v a_o little_a consideration_n the_o rather_o because_o we_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o exact_o and_o literal_o exemplify_v in_o the_o true_a penitent_n 1._o then_o the_o son_n assume_v to_o himself_o his_o own_o guilt_n and_o take_v shame_n to_o himself_o i_o have_v sin_v etc._n etc._n non_fw-fr in_o aetatem_fw-la non_fw-la in_o malos_fw-la consiliarios_fw-la culpam_fw-la rejicit_fw-la sed_fw-la nudam_fw-la parat_fw-la sine_fw-la excusatione_fw-la confessionem_fw-la say_v the_o excellent_a h._n grotius_n he_o excuse_v not_o himself_o by_o the_o injudiciousness_n of_o his_o youth_n nor_o cast_v the_o blame_n upon_o his_o evil_a counsellor_n neither_o accuse_v god_n nor_o man_n but_o himself_o by_o a_o plain_a and_o ingenuous_a acknowledgement_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o true_a penitent_n know_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o play_v the_o hypocrite_n with_o god_n because_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o open_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o he_o with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v he_o see_v not_o as_o man_n see_v behold_v the_o outward_a appearance_n but_o he_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o try_v the_o reins_o of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n he_o remember_v that_o he_o that_o hide_v his_o sin_n shall_v not_o prosper_v but_o that_o he_o that_o confess_v and_o forsake_v they_o shall_v find_v mercy_n therefore_o with_o blush_v and_o confusion_n of_o face_n sai_z i_o have_v sin_v and_o do_v very_o foolish_o thus_o the_o poor_a publican_n be_v represent_v by_o our_o saviour_n s._n luk._n 18._o 13._o whenas_o the_o pharisee_n stand_v upon_o his_o own_o justification_n and_o with_o a_o brazen_a impudence_n outface_n heaven_n god_n i_o thank_v thou_o that_o i_o be_o not_o as_o other_o man_n be_v etc._n etc._n he_o standing_z afar_z off_z as_o not_o think_v himself_o worthy_a to_o approach_v so_o great_a a_o majesty_n not_o dare_v to_o lift_v up_o his_o eye_n to_o heaven_n as_o deject_v with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o his_o own_o demerit_n smite_v upon_o his_o breast_n with_o indignation_n against_o himself_o and_o bring_v out_o only_o this_o contrite_a sigh_n god_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n and_o so_o the_o psalmist_n david_n in_o that_o penitential_a psalm_n of_o he_o psal_n 51._o vers_fw-la 3._o i_o acknowledge_v my_o transgression_n and_o my_o sin_n be_v ever_o before_o i_o against_o thou_o thou_o only_o have_v i_o sin_v and_o do_v evil_a in_o thy_o sight_n behold_v i_o be_v shape_v in_o iniquity_n and_o in_o sin_n do_v my_o mother_n conceive_v i_o etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v the_o course_n of_o every_o penitent_a for_o though_o it_o be_v too_o true_a that_o confession_n may_v be_v without_o true_a and_o complete_a repentance_n yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o repentance_n shall_v be_v true_a without_o confession_n i_o enter_v not_o into_o a_o discourse_n of_o confession_n to_o man_n because_o my_o text_n lead_v i_o not_o to_o it_o further_o than_o as_o it_o concern_v the_o person_n injure_v in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v often_o necessary_a for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o wherever_o there_o be_v any_o ingenuity_n in_o the_o offend_a person_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v very_o prevalent_a towards_o his_o forgiveness_n but_o as_o for_o the_o divine_a majesty_n who_o be_v always_o injure_v in_o every_o transgression_n and_o can_v never_o have_v any_o reparation_n otherwise_o then_o by_o it_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v always_o reasonable_a and_o necessary_a as_o we_o shall_v show_v more_o full_o by_o and_o by_o 2._o but_o the_o son_n content_v not_o himself_o with_o a_o bare_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o fault_n in_o general_n but_o go_v on_o to_o aggravate_v it_o i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o letter_n of_o those_o word_n they_o import_v i_o have_v sin_v both_o against_o god_n and_o thou_o my_o earthly_a parent_n for_o so_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_a to_o express_v themselves_o call_v the_o divine_a majesty_n by_o the_o name_n of_o heaven_n as_o we_o may_v observe_v s._n luke_n 20._o 4._o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n be_v it_o from_o heaven_n or_o of_o man_n i_o e._n be_v it_o it_o of_o god_n institution_n or_o man_n invention_n so_o also_o 1_o macc._n 3._o 18._o it_o be_v all_o one_o with_o heaven_n to_o save_v with_o few_o or_o with_o many_o i._n e._n with_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o we_o may_v easy_o take_v notice_n that_o in_o most_o of_o the_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o which_o be_v sometime_o call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v otherwhile_o express_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o by_o both_o nothing_o else_o be_v mean_v but_o the_o gospel_n that_o divine_a institution_n of_o religion_n but_o if_o we_o attend_v to_o the_o intent_n of_o this_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n the_o word_n import_v a_o aggravation_n of_o his_o disobedience_n q._n d._n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n lay_v upon_o i_o to_o transgress_v thy_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o reasonable_a and_o therefore_o in_o disobey_v thou_o i_o disobey_v god_n too_o or_o i_o must_v first_o have_v cast_v off_o all_o reverence_n of_o god_n before_o i_o can_v be_v undutiful_a towards_o thou_o it_o be_v not_o the_o harshness_n and_o severity_n of_o my_o father_n that_o drive_v i_o away_o but_o my_o own_o levity_n and_o folly_n that_o betray_v i_o and_o my_o stubbornness_n that_o i_o forsake_v he_o and_o the_o same_o consideration_n affect_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o penitent_a for_o say_v he_o i_o have_v not_o only_o offend_v the_o divine_a majesty_n but_o rebel_v both_o against_o a_o rightful_a and_o a_o gracious_a sovereign_n have_v break_v wise_a and_o just_a and_o equitable_a law_n be_v ingrateful_a towards_o he_o that_o have_v oblige_v i_o by_o infinite_a favour_n have_v slight_v the_o most_o glorious_a proposition_n and_o neglect_v the_o most_o gracious_a and_o condescend_v condition_n of_o be_v happy_a there_o be_v no_o invincible_a temptation_n upon_o i_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o example_n to_o debauch_v i_o i_o be_v not_o oppress_v by_o fate_n but_o have_v choose_v my_o own_o destruction_n it_o be_v not_o the_o apostasy_n of_o adam_n that_o can_v excuse_v i_o for_o it_o be_v my_o own_o act_n i_o can_v say_v the_o father_n have_v eat_v sour_a grape_n and_o the_o child_n tooth_n be_v set_v on_o edge_n for_o i_o sin_v against_o light_n and_o conscience_n with_o full_a consent_n and_o against_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o the_o contrary_n after_o this_o manner_n the_o penitent_n be_v apt_a to_o lay_v load_n upon_o himself_o no_o body_n can_v think_v or_o speak_v worse_o of_o he_o then_o he_o think_v and_o confess_v of_o himself_o so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o extenuate_v his_o crime_n that_o no_o malice_n can_v paint_v they_o worse_o than_o grief_n and_o indignation_n at_o himself_o do_v in_o short_a with_o st._n paul_n he_o esteem_v himself_o the_o chief_a and_o worst_a of_o sinner_n this_o be_v a_o quite_o contrary_a course_n to_o that_o which_o man_n use_v to_o take_v when_o they_o plead_v at_o humane_a tribunal_n either_o they_o deny_v the_o fact_n or_o extenuate_v or_o justify_v it_o either_o they_o plead_v ignorance_n or_o pretend_v necessity_n or_o prescribe_v for_o it_o from_o the_o custom_n and_o prevail_a example_n of_o the_o world_n but_o none_o of_o these_o way_n be_v of_o use_n before_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o the_o plea_n of_o the_o penitent_a the_o argument_n of_o the_o psalmist_n though_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o very_a strange_a one_o be_v frequent_a with_o such_o man_n psal_n 25._o 10._o o_o lord_n pardon_v my_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v great_a q._n d._n i_o be_o only_o fit_a to_o magnify_v thy_o mercy_n for_o i_o have_v sin_v beyond_o any_o mercy_n but_o thou_o my_o guilt_n be_v too_o great_a a_o burden_n for_o i_o to_o bear_v if_o thy_o unspeakable_a mercy_n relieve_v i_o not_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o o_o thou_o redeemer_n of_o man_n such_o a_o soul_n be_v not_o only_o ashamed_a but_o loathe_v and_o abhor_v himself_o his_o spirit_n be_v break_v his_o countenance_n deject_v his_o confidence_n dismount_v he_o feel_v pain_n and_o remorse_n he_o go_v heavy_o he_o be_v prick_v to_o the_o heart_n and_o cry_v out_o in_o the_o anguish_n of_o his_o soul_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v but_o 3._o he_o go_v on_o not_o only_o to_o accuse_v but_o to_o condemn_v himself_o also_o i_o be_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v
call_v thy_o son_n i_o deserve_v to_o be_v utter_o abandon_v exclude_v your_o care_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o your_o thought_n as_o i_o cast_v myself_o out_o of_o your_o family_n and_o so_o the_o penitent_a i_o be_o so_o far_a lord_n from_o deserve_v thy_o favour_n or_o eternal_a life_n that_o i_o deserve_v not_o the_o least_o crum_n from_o thy_o table_n less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o all_o thy_o mercy_n nay_o i_o acknowledge_v i_o have_v deserve_v to_o go_v with_o sorrow_n to_o my_o grave_n and_o to_o undergo_v the_o dreadful_a viol_n of_o thy_o wrath_n it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o the_o prodigal_n do_v not_o only_o thus_o condemn_v himself_o while_o he_o anxious_o stand_v expect_v his_o doom_n from_o his_o father_n but_o even_o then_o when_o his_o father_n have_v express_v compassion_n to_o he_o have_v run_v to_o meet_v he_o and_o kiss_v he_o for_o so_o vers_n 21._o we_o find_v he_o repeat_v his_o own_o condemnation_n in_o the_o same_o word_n as_o before_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o observe_v the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n after_o he_o have_v obtain_v pardon_n and_o the_o great_a favour_n of_o apostleship_n to_o be_v continual_o rip_v up_o his_o former_a sin_n and_o condemn_v himself_o for_o they_o as_o if_o the_o wound_n bleed_v afresh_o as_o often_o as_o it_o be_v touch_v thus_o the_o penitent_a always_o judge_n and_o condemn_v himself_o that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v judge_v of_o the_o lord_n by_o severity_n towards_o himself_o he_o recommend_v himself_o to_o the_o divine_a mercy_n poenit._n for_o as_o tertullian_n express_v it_o in_o quantum_fw-la non_fw-la peperceris_fw-la tibi_fw-la in_fw-la tantum_fw-la deus_fw-la tibi_fw-la parcet_fw-la if_o we_o like_o phineas_n stand_v up_o and_o execute_v judgement_n the_o plague_n will_v be_v stay_v he_o that_o anticipate_v the_o day_n of_o judgement_n by_o erect_v a_o private_a but_o impartial_a tribunal_n prevent_v the_o dreadfullness_n of_o that_o day_n in_o short_a if_o we_o be_v just_a god_n will_v be_v merciful_a and_o therefore_o when_o the_o penitent_a have_v be_v accuser_n witness_n and_o judge_v against_o himself_o he_o may_v then_o with_o hope_n of_o success_n become_v 4._o in_o the_o four_o place_n intercessor_n for_o himself_o also_o and_o deprecate_v the_o divine_a displeasure_n and_o implore_v his_o favour_n so_o the_o son_n do_v here_o make_v i_o as_o one_o of_o thy_o hire_a servant_n q._n d._n let_v i_o not_o be_v utter_o cast_v out_o of_o thy_o family_n but_o have_v at_o least_o this_o instance_n of_o thy_o favour_n that_o i_o may_v still_o retain_v some_o relation_n to_o thou_o and_o so_o the_o penitent_a now_o that_o he_o have_v receive_v his_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n within_o himself_o sue_v out_o his_o pardon_n o_o take_v not_o my_o confession_n mere_o as_o a_o argument_n of_o my_o guilt_n but_o as_o a_o evidence_n of_o my_o contrition_n break_v not_o the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n it_o be_v thy_o prerogative_n o_o lord_n to_o pardon_v and_o what_o pleasure_n be_v there_o in_o my_o blood_n will_v the_o lord_n be_v angry_a for_o ever_o will_v his_o jealousy_n burn_v like_o fire_n o_o consider_v my_o frame_n remember_v i_o be_o but_o dust_n and_o ash_n call_v to_o mind_v thy_o mercy_n of_o old_a thou_o be_v god_n and_o not_o man_n and_o as_o much_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a than_o the_o earth_n so_o be_v thy_o mercy_n above_o the_o mercy_n of_o a_o man_n turn_v thy_o face_n away_o from_o my_o sin_n and_o blot_v out_o all_o my_o transgression_n make_v i_o a_o clean_a heart_n o_o god_n and_o renew_v a_o right_a spirit_n in_o i_o cast_v i_o not_o away_o from_o thy_o presence_n and_o take_v not_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n from_o i_o give_v i_o the_o comfort_n of_o thy_o help_n again_o and_o establish_v i_o with_o thy_o free_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 51._o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o saint_n cyprian_n report_v it_o to_o have_v be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a penitent_n out_o of_o their_o quick_a and_o prick_a sense_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o more_o effectual_o to_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o his_o church_n earnest_o to_o implore_v the_o martyr_n that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o suffering_n and_o sharp_a agony_n they_o will_v remember_v they_o in_o their_o prayer_n think_v such_o affectionate_a intercession_n of_o those_o that_o pour_v out_o their_o blood_n and_o request_n together_o must_v needs_o be_v available_a both_o with_o god_n and_o man_n but_o the_o penitent_a address_n himself_o also_o to_o a_o high_a and_o more_o prevalent_a advocate_n who_o add_v the_o incense_n of_o his_o own_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o man_n and_o make_v they_o come_v up_o as_o sweet_a odour_n before_o the_o almighty_a and_o who_o be_v exalt_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n to_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v give_v success_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o such_o contrite_a person_n to_o which_o add_v that_o not_o only_o the_o deep_a apprehension_n of_o guilt_n and_o of_o danger_n which_o such_o a_o person_n we_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v under_o must_v needs_o mkee_v he_o ardent_a and_o importunate_a and_o to_o cry_v mighty_o to_o god_n but_o also_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v wont_a to_o assist_v such_o with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n which_o be_v unutterable_a §_o ii_o now_o for_o the_o acceptableness_n of_o this_o penitent_a confession_n of_o which_o we_o be_v speak_v although_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n take_v no_o delight_n in_o the_o pitiful_a moan_n in_o the_o tear_n and_o lamentation_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o most_o true_a that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o address_n and_o complemental_a form_n by_o the_o accent_n of_o man_n voice_n by_o the_o rhetoric_n of_o tear_n nor_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n because_o he_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o passion_n as_o man_n be_v yet_o have_v demonstrate_v already_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n that_o the_o divine_a majesty_n have_v no_o restraint_n upon_o he_o but_o what_o himself_o please_v and_o that_o all_o his_o action_n towards_o his_o creature_n be_v so_o subject_a to_o his_o wisdom_n that_o whenever_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n for_o mercy_n he_o can_v show_v it_o notwithstanding_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o rigour_n of_o his_o law_n or_o the_o demand_n of_o his_o justice_n if_o now_o we_o also_o make_v it_o appear_v from_o his_o own_o mouth_n and_o from_o those_o discovery_n which_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o that_o the_o aforesaid_a humble_a and_o contrite_a address_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o therefore_o require_v by_o he_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o pardon_n then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o they_o will_v in_o their_o kind_n be_v as_o acceptable_a to_o his_o divine_a majesty_n and_o as_o successful_a on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o sinner_n as_o the_o penitent_a son_n submission_n be_v with_o his_o earthly_a parent_n and_o this_o will_v be_v easy_o evident_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o whereas_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n lie_v principal_o in_o the_o dishonour_n it_o reflect_v upon_o the_o divine_a perfection_n such_o penitential_a acknowledgement_n as_o we_o have_v describe_v do_v in_o great_a measure_n repair_v that_o injury_n and_o do_v right_a to_o all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n as_o we_o will_v instance_n in_o particular_a 1._o sin_n be_v a_o invasion_n of_o god_n authority_n and_o sovereignty_n over_o we_o inasmuch_o as_o he_o that_o wilful_o break_v any_o law_n of_o god_n proclaim_v himself_o svi_fw-la juris_fw-la or_o lawless_a and_o say_v with_o those_o in_o the_o gospel_n we_o will_v not_o have_v this_o lord_n to_o rule_v over_o we_o now_o penitent_a acknowledgement_n though_o it_o can_v recall_v the_o act_n which_o be_v past_a yet_o it_o revoke_v and_o retract_v the_o affront_n and_o settle_v god_n authority_n again_o 2._o sin_n be_v a_o impeachment_n of_o god_n wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n at_o once_o for_o he_o that_o allow_v himself_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o a_o sin_n lay_v a_o imputation_n upon_o god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v either_o not_o foresee_v what_o liberty_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v allow_v to_o his_o creature_n or_o have_v not_o order_v the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o thing_n with_o that_o decency_n and_o benignity_n that_o mankind_n can_v comfortable_o acquiesce_v in_o without_o temptation_n to_o entrench_v upon_o that_o for_o his_o own_o necessary_a accommodation_n now_o on_o the_o contrary_a confession_n take_v shame_n and_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n to_o ourselves_o and_o justify_v the_o wisdom_n and_o equity_n of_o all_o god_n constitution_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o may_v take_v that_o expression_n luk._n 7._o 29._o the_o publican_n justify_v god_n
that_o the_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v especial_o and_o most_o remarkable_o verify_v in_o the_o charity_n of_o parent_n that_o it_o bear_v all_o thing_n hope_v all_o thing_n believe_v all_o thing_n for_o they_o ready_o believe_v well_o of_o their_o child_n because_o they_o so_o passionate_o desire_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o notwithstanding_o the_o son_n can_v not_o think_v his_o father_n so_o soft_a and_o easy_a as_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o with_o word_n and_o ceremony_n and_o himself_o be_v not_o now_o so_o ill_o nature_a as_o to_o go_v about_o to_o abuse_v so_o much_o goodness_n if_o it_o it_o have_v be_v in_o his_o power_n wherefore_o the_o text_n say_v vers_fw-la 20._o so_o he_o arise_v and_o come_v to_o his_o father_n i._n e._n he_o do_v not_o only_o change_v his_o note_n his_o address_n his_o countenance_n but_o he_o change_v his_o course_n he_o return_v to_o his_o father_n and_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o son_n and_o we_o have_v under_o this_o type_n in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o it_o see_v describe_v the_o preface_n and_o introduction_n to_o repentance_n towards_o god_n namely_o the_o sinner_n bewail_v his_o sin_n take_v shame_n to_o himself_o under_o agony_n of_o mind_n prick_v to_o the_o heart_n humble_o implore_v the_o divine_a favour_n and_o cry_v earnest_o for_o mercy_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o that_o repentance_n mean_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o be_v yet_o behind_o viz._n actual_a reformation_n this_o be_v that_o which_o every_o awaken_v conscience_n in_o its_o agony_n promise_n and_o resolve_v upon_o this_o god_n expect_v and_o every_o sincere_a convert_n real_o perform_v for_o without_o this_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v but_o empty_a pomp_n and_o pageantry_n and_o mere_a hypocrisy_n as_o we_o shall_v show_v anon_o but_o when_o this_o be_v add_v to_o the_o former_a such_o a_o person_n from_o thenceforth_o be_v a_o new_a man_n and_o in_o a_o new_a estate_n he_o have_v complete_o make_v his_o return_n to_o god_n as_o the_o son_n in_o the_o text_n be_v say_v to_o have_v actual_o return_v to_o his_o father_n i_o have_v note_v heretofore_o that_o all_o irreligion_n and_o profaneness_n be_v wont_n in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v express_v by_o the_o phrase_n of_o depart_v from_o god_n or_o go_v out_o from_o he_o or_o forsake_v he_o and_o so_o the_o whole_a practice_n of_o religion_n be_v contrariwise_o set_v forth_o by_o draw_v nigh_o to_o or_o come_v to_o god_n particular_o hebr._n 11._o 6._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n q._n d._n he_o that_o become_v a_o proselyte_n to_o religion_n for_o from_o thence_o do_v that_o word_n proselyte_n take_v its_o original_n wherefore_o now_o we_o will_v first_o observe_v what_o be_v employ_v by_o this_o phrase_n of_o the_o son_n be_v return_v or_o come_v to_o his_o father_n and_o in_o proportion_n thereto_o describe_v this_o most_o important_a business_n of_o the_o penitent'_v return_v to_o god_n which_o be_v his_o actual_a conversion_n or_o reformation_n and_o in_o the_o former_a these_o three_o thing_n seem_v plain_o to_o be_v comprehend_v 1._o that_o the_o son_n now_o return_v home_n to_o his_o father_n family_n and_o presence_n 2._o that_o he_o return_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o son_n by_o obedience_n and_o compliance_n with_o his_o father_n command_n 3._o that_o he_o submit_v to_o his_o father_n government_n and_o provision_n therefore_o in_o the_o latter_a namely_o conversion_n to_o god_n these_o three_o thing_n must_v semblable_o be_v imply_v 1._o that_o the_o penitent_a put_v himself_o under_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n and_o life_n in_o a_o constant_a practice_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n 2._o that_o he_o frame_v himself_o to_o universal_a obedience_n to_o all_o god_n command_n 3._o that_o he_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o the_o divine_a disposal_n and_o entire_o submit_v to_o his_o providence_n and_o government_n 1._o concern_v the_o first_o of_o these_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a or_o remarkable_a to_o all_o experience_n and_o observation_n than_o the_o great_a fervour_n of_o devotion_n in_o all_o true_a convert_v from_o a_o evil_a life_n insomuch_o that_o there_o be_v not_o that_o man_n to_o be_v find_v under_o such_o a_o character_n but_o present_o with_o great_a solemnity_n and_o seriousness_n he_o set_v up_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o which_o purpose_n we_o find_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 4._o worshipper_n or_o devout_a person_n to_o be_v the_o common_a name_n by_o which_o convert_v to_o religion_n be_v express_v and_o these_o act_v 13._o 48._o be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d candidate_n of_o eternal_a life_n or_o put_v into_o order_n and_o dispose_v for_o salvation_n compare_v vers_fw-la 43._o with_o 48._o more_o particular_o it_o be_v observable_a of_o st._n paul_n that_o when_o from_o a_o superstitious_a pharisee_fw-mi and_o bitter_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n he_o be_v reclaim_v and_o make_v a_o christian_a the_o assurance_n that_o god_n give_v to_o ananias_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o conversion_n be_v act_n 9_o 11._o behold_v he_o pray_v and_o so_o of_o manasses_n 2_o chron._n 33._o 18._o among_o the_o instance_n of_o his_o real_a reformation_n the_o scripture_n take_v especial_a notice_n of_o the_o prayer_n that_o he_o pray_v and_o this_o be_v so_o universal_a a_o truth_n that_o i_o think_v from_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o those_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n hypocritical_o to_o put_v on_o the_o guise_n and_o appearance_n of_o religion_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v notable_o careful_a in_o this_o point_n for_o so_o the_o pharisee_n cloak_v all_o their_o villainy_n with_o this_o garb_n of_o piety_n now_o hypocrisy_n will_v miss_v altogether_o of_o its_o design_n if_o it_o do_v not_o resemble_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n and_o usual_o their_o over_o solicitude_n and_o over_n herein_o betray_v they_o to_o act_v a_o part_n only_o in_o religion_n but_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n which_o the_o true_a penitent_n express_v his_o conversion_n by_o though_o this_o be_v by_o some_o too_o fantastical_o call_v duty_n as_o if_o all_o piety_n consist_v in_o that_o only_a for_o as_o the_o literal_a prodigal_a return_n to_o his_o father_n house_n and_o family_n so_o the_o mystical_a return_n to_o god_n house_n which_o be_v his_o church_n and_o associate_n himself_o with_o god_n servant_n in_o all_o the_o office_n of_o religion_n viz._n in_o hear_v the_o word_n read_v meditation_n sacrament_n etc._n etc._n now_o he_o think_v a_o day_n spend_v in_o god_n court_n better_a than_o a_o thousand_o and_o have_v rather_o be_v a_o doorkeeper_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n then_o to_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o the_o wicked_a this_o one_o thing_n he_o desire_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v most_o passionate_a in_o that_o he_o may_v dwell_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n to_o behold_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n 4._o and_o to_o inquire_v in_o his_o temple_n and_o he_o so_o high_o value_v the_o privilege_n of_o god_n church_n that_o no_o private_a opinion_n no_o trifle_a scrupulosity_n nor_o petty_a disgust_n shall_v ever_o alienate_v he_o from_o it_o here_o he_o find_v himself_o fortify_v and_o encourage_v by_o the_o great_a example_n of_o holy_a man_n his_o prayer_n strengthen_v by_o the_o concurrence_n of_o all_o good_a people_n here_o he_o be_v under_o the_o public_a dispensation_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o knowledge_n the_o very_a plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o which_o he_o now_o with_o the_o great_a convert_n st._n austin_n value_v and_o admire_v more_o than_o all_o the_o greek_a or_o roman_a eloquence_n of_o speech_n or_o subtlety_n of_o philosophy_n to_o which_o every_o thing_n else_o seem_v flat_a and_o insipid_a before_o above_o all_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n put_v he_o into_o a_o ecstasy_n in_o this_o he_o think_v himself_o in_o god_n presence_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n and_o admit_v a_o guest_n at_o his_o table_n the_o crumb_n of_o which_o he_o think_v himself_o unworthy_a of_o here_o he_o refresh_v his_o hungry_a soul_n with_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o his_o wound_a conscience_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o in_o both_o he_o think_v he_o see_v his_o provoke_v but_o compassionate_a father_n stand_v with_o open_a arm_n to_o receive_v he_o this_o he_o approach_v with_o great_a reverence_n with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o his_o sin_n past_a together_o with_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o god_n mercy_n and_o will_v therefore_o never_o be_v negligent_a of_o it_o in_o these_o and_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n both_o public_a and_o private_a the_o convert_n express_v such_o a_o excellent_a spirit_n and_o extraordinary_a
tell_v we_o shall_v never_o be_v forgive_v and_o that_o sin_n itself_o whatsoever_o it_o consist_v in_o be_v only_o upon_o this_o account_n unpardonable_a because_o it_o have_v a_o final_o impenitent_a temper_n join_v with_o it_o otherwise_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o such_o a_o sinner_n shall_v repent_v there_o will_v be_v no_o doubt_n of_o his_o pardon_n but_o bate_v that_o peculiar_a case_n there_o be_v no_o sin_n but_o god_n have_v pardon_v and_o will_v pardon_v i_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o say_v which_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n that_o ever_o be_v commit_v by_o mankind_n but_o i_o will_v instance_n in_o two_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v very_o great_a which_o yet_o have_v obtain_v pardon_n and_o they_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o crucify_a our_o saviour_n in_o the_o former_a of_o these_o there_o be_v the_o breach_n of_o a_o know_a law_n and_o that_o so_o new_o give_v as_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v forget_v and_o it_o be_v also_o a_o easy_a and_o reasonable_a law_n god_n have_v allow_v they_o all_o the_o tree_n in_o the_o garden_n and_o lay_v a_o interdict_v only_o upon_o that_o one_o and_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o have_v deny_v themselves_o that_o for_o god_n sake_n especial_o consider_v they_o come_v new_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n and_o see_v so_o fresh_o the_o display_v of_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v so_o many_o and_o great_a instance_n of_o his_o goodness_n towards_o themselves_o beside_o they_o have_v as_o yet_o no_o vitiate_a faculty_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o one_o example_n of_o sin_n before_o they_o but_o that_o of_o the_o devil_n which_o they_o have_v see_v to_o be_v most_o severe_o vindicate_v it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o be_v first_o in_o the_o transgression_n and_o a_o bold_a thing_n to_o venture_v to_o provoke_v god_n and_o to_o be_v the_o first_o instance_n of_o sin_n to_o all_o posterity_n they_o have_v the_o concern_v of_o all_o mankind_n upon_o they_o as_o who_o they_o know_v must_v stand_v or_o fall_v with_o they_o and_o have_v frequent_a token_n of_o god_n presence_n with_o they_o to_o sin_n under_o his_o eye_n and_o to_o hearken_v to_o the_o suggestion_n of_o a_o vile_a beast_n the_o serpent_n against_o god_n be_v prodigious_o strange_a and_o yet_o they_o do_v it_o and_o god_n be_v please_v to_o pardon_v they_o in_o the_o latter_a of_o the_o instance_n namely_o the_o jew_n crucify_a our_o saviour_n beside_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o person_n against_o who_o they_o sin_v put_v to_o death_n the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n there_o be_v design_v malice_n perjury_n and_o subornation_n contumely_n towards_o a_o holy_a person_n ingratitude_n towards_o one_o that_o have_v do_v they_o all_o the_o good_a they_o be_v capable_a of_o there_o be_v contradiction_n to_o the_o plain_a evidence_n of_o miracle_n of_o all_o kind_n and_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n notwithstanding_o all_o which_o the_o same_o st._n peter_n who_o act_v 2._o 23._o have_v charge_v they_o home_o in_o these_o word_n you_o man_n of_o israel_n have_v with_o wicked_a hand_n crucify_v and_o slay_v jesus_n of_o nazareth_n a_o man_n approve_v of_o god_n among_o you_o by_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n and_o sign_n which_o god_n by_o he_o do_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o you_o as_o you_o yourselves_o know_v etc._n etc._n yet_o in_o the_o 38._o verse_n he_o exhort_v the_o same_o man_n to_o repentance_n and_o to_o be_v baptize_v that_o they_o may_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o singular_a favour_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o these_o and_o several_a other_o instance_n of_o great_a sin_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v add_v we_o may_v cast_v in_o for_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o vastness_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n that_o he_o pardon_v not_o only_o single_a act_n of_o sin_n how_o heinous_a soever_o but_o long_a course_n and_o habit_n of_o sin_n and_o those_o of_o several_a nature_n and_o kind_n as_o in_o manasses_n and_o in_o the_o publican_n and_o harlot_n but_o that_o we_o may_v rise_v high_o yet_o in_o admiration_n of_o the_o divine_a clemency_n we_o observe_v 2._o in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o he_o pardon_v also_o relapse_v sinner_n they_o have_v a_o say_n non_fw-la licèt_fw-la in_o bello_fw-la he_o peccare_fw-la that_o the_o first_o fault_n in_o war_n be_v severe_o vindicate_v because_o there_o all_o error_n be_v fatal_a and_o searce_o leave_v a_o capacity_n of_o be_v repeat_v and_o there_o be_v some_o relation_n so_o near_o and_o intimate_v and_o their_o ligament_n so_o nice_a and_o curious_a that_o a_o breach_n in_o they_o can_v never_o be_v repair_v to_o knit_v again_o but_o the_o relation_n of_o a_o father_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o a_o god_n leave_v always_o room_n for_o pardon_n nay_o further_o they_o say_v say_v the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n if_o a_o man_n put_v away_o his_o wife_n and_o she_o go_v from_o he_o and_o become_v another_o man_n shall_v he_o return_v to_o she_o again_o but_o thou_o o_o israel_n have_v play_v the_o harlot_n with_o many_o lover_n yet_o return_v again_o unto_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n jer._n 2._o 1_o 2._o §_o vi_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o navatians_n carry_v a_o great_a breadth_n with_o it_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n which_o deny_v repentance_n to_o those_o that_o sin_v after_o baptism_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n it_o be_v think_v many_o holy_a man_n in_o those_o day_n defer_v their_o baptism_n as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v that_o they_o may_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n but_o go_v from_o that_o wash_n unspotted_a out_o of_o the_o world_n the_o opinion_n seem_v to_o proceed_v from_o extraordinary_a purity_n and_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o say_v prevail_v much_o and_o have_v a_o great_a reputation_n in_o those_o time_n and_o it_o seem_v it_o take_v its_o rise_n from_o a_o mistake_n of_o a_o passage_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n chap._n 6._o 4._o however_o it_o be_v damn_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o holy_a father_n of_o the_o church_n and_o particular_o st._n basil_n and_o gr._n nazianzen_n call_v it_o a_o damnable_a doctrine_n and_o destructive_a of_o soul_n in_o that_o it_o discourage_v and_o keep_v man_n off_o from_o repentance_n which_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o admit_v of_o if_o it_o be_v sincere_a and_o such_o as_o we_o have_v before_o describe_v it_o be_v true_a which_o clemens_n of_o alexandria_n have_v say_v etc._n that_o to_o make_v a_o common_a practice_n of_o sin_v and_o then_o pretend_v repentance_n as_o if_o we_o will_v give_v god_n and_o the_o devil_n their_o turn_n be_v a_o argument_n both_o of_o a_o impenitent_a and_o unbelieving_a temper_n for_o as_o he_o say_v afterward_o 〈◊〉_d these_o frequent_a repentance_n as_o it_o be_v of_o course_n betray_v rather_o a_o intention_n of_o sin_v again_o than_o any_o design_n of_o leave_v it_o and_o therefore_o find_v no_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o it_o be_v also_o certain_a that_o a_o man_n that_o have_v frequent_o relapse_v have_v thereby_o exceed_o multiply_v his_o guilt_n must_v needs_o feel_v very_o bitter_a pang_n and_o sharp_a remorse_n when_o he_o do_v return_v and_o will_v be_v ever_o after_o very_o apt_a to_o question_v his_o own_o sincerity_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o like_a as_o it_o be_v with_o bone_n which_o have_v be_v often_o out_o and_o set_v again_o they_o will_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o slip_v awry_o so_o this_o person_n will_v be_v just_o look_v upon_o as_o in_o great_a danger_n and_o therefore_o have_v a_o necessity_n of_o extraordinary_a watchfulness_n over_o himself_o but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o if_o such_o a_o man_n after_o several_a fall_n and_o slip_n shall_v stand_v right_a and_o firm_a at_o last_o and_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o now_o penitent_a state_n by_o the_o follow_a course_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n there_o be_v no_o question_n to_o be_v make_v of_o his_o acceptance_n with_o a_o merciful_a god_n for_o god_n do_v not_o proceed_v with_o man_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o we_o do_v our_o passion_n be_v stir_v many_o time_n and_o the_o provocation_n be_v too_o great_a for_o we_o to_o be_v able_a to_o concoct_v but_o he_o be_v pure_a mind_n and_o reason_n have_v no_o boil_a passion_n no_o revenge_n seek_v only_o the_o good_a of_o his_o creature_n and_o so_o they_o become_v at_o last_o capable_a of_o his_o favour_n and_o blessing_n he_o be_v content_v and_o have_v his_o end_n beside_o he_o that_o have_v make_v it_o our_o duty_n 4._o that_o as_o often_o as_o our_o brother_n offend_v against_o we_o and_o repent_v so_o often_o we_o shall_v forgive_v
passage_n from_o the_o brink_n of_o hell_n to_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n more_o particular_o he_o will_v observe_v the_o unhappy_a onset_n and_o beginning_n the_o crooked_a and_o anfractuous_a proceed_n the_o dangerous_a precipice_n and_o the_o horrid_a and_o fatal_a mischief_n of_o a_o sinful_a course_n graphical_o describe_v he_o will_v also_o descry_v the_o direct_a but_o laborious_a the_o sorrowful_a but_o certain_a way_n of_o recovery_n and_o last_o the_o glorious_a triumph_n the_o comfortable_a condition_n and_o the_o sure_a station_n of_o he_o that_o have_v happy_o conquer_v the_o aforesaid_a difficulty_n and_o be_v arrive_v at_o the_o serene_a top_n of_o virtue_n together_o with_o the_o general_a applause_n and_o universal_a jubilee_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n upon_o such_o a_o achievement_n and_o in_o confidence_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v point_v at_o and_o intend_v in_o the_o scene_n before_o we_o as_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o will_v be_v evident_a by_o and_o by_o i_o do_v design_n to_o take_v occasion_n from_o hence_o to_o discourse_v somewhat_o full_o and_o practical_o of_o these_o three_o very_a important_a particular_n viz._n 1._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o mischief_n of_o a_o wicked_a course_n 2._o of_o the_o nature_n and_o admirable_a efficacy_n of_o repentance_n last_o of_o the_o exorableness_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o the_o unexpressible_a benignity_n and_o graciousness_n with_o which_o he_o entertain_v return_v sinner_n and_o provide_v the_o management_n prove_v answerable_a to_o the_o design_n i_o can_v in_o the_o least_o mistrust_v the_o acceptableness_n of_o a_o work_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o have_v so_o much_o seriousness_n and_o manly_a sense_n in_o they_o as_o to_o value_v thing_n in_o proportion_n to_o their_o real_a usefulness_n forasmuch_o as_o there_o be_v not_o that_o subject_n to_o be_v treat_v of_o which_o come_v more_o close_a and_o home_o to_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o all_o mankind_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o so_o prodigious_o vain_a as_o not_o to_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v sinner_n and_o what_o can_v be_v of_o more_o use_n to_o he_o that_o make_v that_o acknowledgement_n then_o to_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v which_o make_v sin_n to_o be_v sinful_a what_o give_v it_o its_o malignity_n and_o make_v guilt_n inseparable_o to_o adhere_v to_o it_o what_o be_v the_o several_a state_n of_o sin_n and_o sinner_n and_o especial_o what_o be_v the_o natural_a course_n and_o tendency_n the_o sudden_a growth_n and_o unhappy_a progress_n of_o sin_n since_o hereby_o his_o conscience_n be_v enlighten_v will_v be_v both_o better_a able_a to_o make_v just_a reflection_n upon_o what_o be_v past_a and_o also_o be_v make_v more_o cautious_a and_o diligent_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o although_o it_o be_v true_a that_o every_o man_n have_v not_o run_v the_o same_o mad_a risk_a of_o sin_n which_o be_v here_o decipher_v in_o the_o prodigal_a son_n yet_o as_o that_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o especial_a providence_n and_o prevent_a grace_n of_o god_n wherever_o the_o case_n be_v such_o so_o that_o happy_a person_n will_v by_o observe_v the_o wild_a extravagancy_n the_o extreme_a folly_n and_o horrid_a mischief_n which_o other_o incur_v before_o conversion_n be_v the_o more_o provoke_v to_o adore_v the_o divine_a goodness_n in_o his_o own_o preservation_n again_o what_o can_v be_v of_o more_o moment_n to_o those_o that_o be_v apprehensive_a of_o the_o majesty_n and_o purity_n of_o god_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o law_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o withal_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o conscious_a of_o their_o own_o many_o and_o great_a miscarriage_n then_o to_o behold_v the_o nature_n of_o repentance_n plain_o describe_v and_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o method_n of_o make_v good_a their_o retreat_n of_o redintegrate_v themselves_o and_o successful_o recommend_v their_o deplorable_a estate_n and_o condition_n to_o the_o divine_a philanthropy_n and_o mercy_n last_o what_o can_v be_v more_o ravish_o comfortable_a to_o a_o contrite_a sinner_n then_o to_o understand_v the_o efficacy_n of_o true_a repentance_n to_o see_v a_o door_n of_o hope_n open_a to_o the_o worst_a of_o sinner_n upon_o their_o come_n to_o themselves_o and_o return_v to_o their_o duty_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o hearty_a compassion_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o see_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o almighty_a open_a to_o receive_v and_o embrace_v return_v child_n and_o all_o this_o as_o it_o be_v in_o perspective_n lively_o represent_v §_o ii_o but_o in_o regard_n it_o be_v a_o parable_n which_o we_o have_v in_o hand_n i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v in_o order_n to_o the_o lay_v a_o good_a foundation_n of_o what_o we_o shall_v afterward_o build_v upon_o it_o here_o in_o our_o entrance_n to_o premise_v something_o brief_o first_o touch_v the_o ancient_a use_n of_o this_o schematical_a and_o figurative_a way_n of_o expression_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o such_o usage_n second_o touch_v the_o explication_n and_o application_n of_o such_o kind_n of_o discourse_n and_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o can_v reasonable_o imagine_v that_o any_o man_n who_o shall_v peruse_v these_o paper_n shall_v be_v so_o great_a a_o stranger_n to_o all_o that_o have_v pass_v in_o former_a time_n as_o not_o to_o be_v aware_a that_o it_o be_v the_o general_a custom_n of_o wise_a man_n of_o old_a to_o deliver_v their_o sentiment_n after_o this_o manner_n and_o in_o such_o a_o style_n and_o this_o not_o only_o in_o mere_a humane_a and_o common_a write_n but_o even_o in_o sacred_a write_v itself_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o famous_a oracle_n of_o the_o gentile_n which_o in_o other_o circumstance_n as_o well_o as_o in_o this_o of_o mysteriousness_n have_v be_v observe_v to_o ape_n and_o imitate_v those_o of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o ancient_a poet_n who_o be_v repute_v as_o both_o the_o divine_n and_o the_o philosopher_n of_o the_o age_n in_o which_o they_o live_v and_o who_o be_v well_o know_v to_o have_v affect_v a_o oracular_a obscurity_n as_o much_o as_o the_o oracle_n affect_v their_o way_n of_o versify_v if_o we_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o ancient_a proverb_n of_o nation_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o carry_v the_o mark_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o their_o respective_a time_n and_o people_n these_o we_o find_v for_o the_o most_o part_n obscure_v and_o enigmatical_a and_o for_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n and_o man_n of_o renown_n such_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o greece_n distinctive_o so_o call_v or_o such_o as_o pythagoras_n socrates_n etc._n etc._n who_o be_v no_o whit_n inferior_a to_o the_o former_a he_o know_v nothing_o of_o they_o that_o be_v not_o sensible_a not_o only_o of_o accidental_a but_o also_o of_o design_a obscurity_n in_o their_o write_n and_o say_n as_o for_o the_o sacred_a write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n though_o with_o all_o good_a man_n i_o worthy_o adore_v that_o divine_a spirit_n which_o make_v choice_n of_o and_o direct_v the_o penman_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o ready_o acknowledge_v both_o the_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n thereof_o in_o the_o necessary_a rule_n of_o life_n without_o which_o it_o can_v not_o have_v answer_v the_o end_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o the_o endite_v of_o it_o and_o also_o that_o wheresoever_o it_o be_v abstruse_a it_o be_v as_o far_o from_o phantastry_n and_o affect_a obscurity_n as_o the_o pagan_a oracle_n be_v notorious_o guilty_a thereof_o notwithstanding_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o as_o well_o the_o prophet_n as_o other_o holy_a penman_n do_v frequent_o make_v use_n of_o metaphor_n allegory_n and_o other_o schematical_a form_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v attend_v with_o competent_a obscurity_n these_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o veil_n draw_v over_o the_o face_n of_o divine_a truth_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o solomon_n make_v the_o word_n of_o the_o wise_a 6._o and_o their_o dark_a say_n to_o be_v two_o expression_n denote_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o as_o he_o in_o another_o place_n speak_v their_o discourse_n be_v like_o apple_n of_o gold_n in_o picture_n of_o silver_n 11._o that_o be_v beside_o a_o truth_n and_o beauty_n in_o the_o outside_n or_o case_n of_o the_o letter_n they_o have_v a_o more_o rich_a and_o precious_a meaning_n within_o and_o according_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n frequent_o to_o fix_v upon_o and_o pursue_v a_o mystical_a sense_n of_o some_o of_o those_o passage_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o will_v to_o a_o ordinary_a reader_n have_v seem_v most_o strict_o and_o literal_o to_o be_v understand_v yet_o i_o do_v not_o think_v this_o will_v prove_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o philo_n
hypocrisy_n i_o know_v he_o be_v able_a and_o ready_a to_o reward_v sincerity_n above_o desert_n above_o expectation_n beyond_o all_o thought_n and_o imagination_n i_o be_o sensible_a that_o hitherto_o i_o have_v not_o only_o loiter_v in_o his_o service_n but_o decline_v it_o nay_o oppose_v affront_v rebel_v against_o he_o i_o have_v list_v myself_o under_o his_o profess_a enemy_n and_o under_o that_o banner_n i_o have_v spend_v a_o great_a part_n of_o my_o time_n now_o may_v it_o please_v his_o infinite_a goodness_n to_o accept_v i_o at_o last_o i_o vow_v to_o be_v entire_o he_o i_o will_v dispute_v no_o command_n i_o will_v make_v no_o exception_n but_o i_o will_v double_v my_o diligence_n and_o say_v with_o the_o exemplary_a convert_n st._n paul_n what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v lord_n §_o iv._o thus_o we_o have_v see_v the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o hinge_n of_o conversion_n but_o let_v we_o now_o see_v what_o be_v the_o spring_n or_o plummet_n that_o set_v this_o great_a engine_n on_o work_n or_o what_o be_v the_o consideration_n by_o way_n of_o motive_n that_o put_v man_n upon_o a_o resolution_n of_o repentance_n and_o they_o be_v principal_o these_o four_o 1._o a_o persuasion_n that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v unsuccessfull_a and_o unacceptable_a to_o god_n if_o we_o true_o repent_v at_o last_o though_o we_o have_v be_v great_a sinner_n before_o 2._o a_o apprehension_n that_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o become_v perfect_o new_a man_n notwithstanding_o our_o pre-ingagement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o easy_a so_o to_o do_v if_o we_o set_v about_o it_o in_o earnest_n 4._o a_o clear_a perception_n that_o whether_o it_o be_v easy_a or_o difficult_a there_o be_v a_o plain_a necessity_n of_o it_o and_o it_o must_v be_v do_v 1._o the_o first_o motive_n to_o a_o resolution_n of_o repentance_n be_v a_o persuasion_n of_o mind_n that_o god_n be_v not_o inexorable_a but_o that_o repentance_n may_v find_v acceptance_n with_o he_o it_o be_v a_o memorable_a story_n concern_v the_o tusculani_n a_o little_a people_n in_o italy_n who_o have_v so_o high_o provoke_v the_o roman_n that_o camillus_n be_v lead_v his_o army_n towards_o they_o to_o take_v revenge_n but_o they_o grow_v quick_o apprehensive_a of_o their_o danger_n take_v a_o effectual_a course_n to_o appease_v a_o generous_a enemy_n for_o they_o make_v no_o show_n of_o resistance_n but_o set_v open_v their_o gate_n and_o be_v find_v every_o man_n hard_o at_o his_o ordinary_a affair_n submit_v all_o to_o the_o will_n of_o those_o they_o know_v themselves_o unable_a to_o contend_v with_o whereupon_o the_o brave_a camillus_n speak_v to_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n you_o say_v he_o among_o all_o people_n have_v only_o find_v out_o the_o true_a way_n of_o abate_v the_o roman_a fury_n invenistis_fw-la and_o your_o submission_n have_v be_v your_o best_a defence_n upon_o these_o term_n we_o can_v no_o more_o find_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o injure_v you_o then_o upon_o other_o term_n you_o can_v have_v find_v power_n to_o oppose_v we_o to_o who_o the_o chief_a magistrate_n on_o the_o other_o side_n thus_o reply_v 6._o we_o have_v say_v he_o so_o in_o good_a earnest_n repent_v we_o of_o our_o former_a folly_n that_o in_o confidence_n of_o that_o satisfaction_n to_o a_o generous_a enemy_n we_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o acknowledge_v our_o fault_n not_o much_o unlike_a to_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o relent_a son_n in_o the_o text_n for_o think_v he_o what_o i_o have_v do_v amiss_o i_o can_v neither_o answer_v to_o myself_o nor_o to_o my_o father_n i_o can_v neither_o deny_v the_o fact_n nor_o defend_v it_o therefore_o i_o must_v try_v what_o repentance_n will_v do_v and_o appeal_v from_o his_o justice_n to_o his_o mercy_n it_o be_v true_a i_o forsake_v my_o father_n but_o it_o be_v a_o father_n i_o forsake_v and_o that_o name_n speak_v benignity_n and_o what_o may_v not_o a_o son_n hope_v for_o from_o a_o father_n there_o be_v rhetoric_n in_o confession_n and_o contrite_a submission_n have_v mighty_a prevalence_n upon_o all_o ingenuous_a nature_n quem_fw-la poenitet_fw-la peccasse_fw-la paenè_fw-la est_fw-la innocens_fw-la repentance_n use_v to_o have_v the_o success_n even_o of_o innocency_n itself_o and_o i_o that_o have_v fail_v of_o the_o one_o will_v try_v the_o other_o my_o acknowledgement_n will_v prevent_v my_o accusation_n if_o i_o condemn_v myself_o i_o save_v my_o father_n a_o labour_n and_o when_o i_o abhor_v myself_o i_o move_v his_o pity_n especial_o if_o i_o become_v another_o man_n he_o will_v see_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o receive_v i_o then_o as_o he_o have_v to_o reject_v i_o now_o and_o so_o the_o penitent_a towards_o god_n i_o have_v offend_v the_o divine_a majesty_n but_o he_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o name_n speak_v goodness_n if_o he_o be_v not_o as_o good_a as_o can_v be_v he_o be_v not_o god_n and_o if_o he_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v good_a can_v proceed_v from_o he_o and_o nothing_o that_o be_v good_a but_o may_v be_v expect_v from_o he_o therefore_o there_o be_v hope_n of_o pardon_n the_o wisdom_n of_o all_o the_o world_n have_v agree_v to_o make_v it_o the_o constant_a stile_n of_o god_n optimus_fw-la maximus_fw-la the_o great_a goodness_n or_o the_o best_a greatness_n goodness_n and_o mercy_n be_v as_o essential_a to_o he_o as_o power_n and_o justice_n nay_o the_o very_a latter_a infer_v the_o former_a for_o what_o be_v there_o can_v tempt_v a_o infinite_o perfect_a be_v to_o be_v cruel_a and_o inexorable_a he_o that_o have_v all_o fullness_n in_o himself_o can_v certain_o envy_v nothing_o can_v hate_v nothing_o that_o he_o have_v make_v but_o must_v needs_o pity_v those_o that_o be_v below_o he_o and_o delight_n to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o such_o as_o need_v he_o envy_n and_o cruelty_n be_v the_o issue_n of_o mere_a weakness_n fear_n want_v and_o impotency_n the_o poor_a be_v apt_a to_o envy_v the_o rich_a because_o they_o enjoy_v what_o they_o want_v and_o we_o common_o observe_v that_o the_o weak_a and_o most_o timorous_a creature_n be_v most_o revengeful_a and_o implacable_a the_o coward_n be_v deadly_a and_o sanguinary_a because_o he_o be_v not_o secure_a of_o his_o own_o strength_n and_o therefore_o dare_v not_o slip_v his_o opportunity_n but_o strike_v home_o and_o mortal_o lest_o the_o danger_n shall_v recoil_v upon_o himself_o but_o what_o rich_a and_o great_a man_n envy_v the_o beggar_n or_o what_o valiant_a man_n be_v ever_o remorseless_a and_o sanguinary_a the_o former_a have_v all_o the_o argument_n to_o pity_n because_o he_o can_v want_v and_o the_o latter_a all_o the_o inducement_n to_o pardon_v because_o he_o can_v fear_v god_n be_v above_o all_o danger_n can_v be_v hurt_v by_o nothing_o needs_o nothing_o have_v nothing_o to_o receive_v but_o much_o to_o bestow_v he_o can_v therefore_o be_v prompt_v to_o take_v advantage_n against_o his_o creature_n or_o delight_n in_o their_o misery_n since_o the_o only_a end_n he_o have_v to_o serve_v upon_o they_o be_v the_o enjoy_v his_o own_o fullness_n by_o reflection_n the_o diffuse_v and_o communicate_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o thereby_o make_v they_o happy_a when_o god_n be_v high_o provoke_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o david_n in_o number_v the_o people_n in_o which_o fact_n there_o be_v a_o complication_n of_o many_o evil_n there_o be_v disobedience_n to_o a_o express_a law_n there_o be_v distrust_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o a_o vain_a confidence_n in_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n it_o please_v the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o notify_v his_o displeasure_n by_o the_o prophet_n nathan_n and_o withal_o give_v david_n his_o choice_n either_o of_o pestilence_n 24._o famine_n or_o sword_n the_o king_n refer_v it_o back_o again_o to_o god_n whether_o he_o will_v please_v to_o punish_v by_o the_o famine_n or_o by_o the_o pestilence_n for_o say_v he_o let_v we_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n for_o his_o mercy_n be_v great_a but_o let_v we_o not_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n he_o have_v rather_o trust_v the_o mercy_n of_o a_o incense_a god_n then_o lie_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o mortal_a man_n he_o know_v they_o be_v transport_v with_o rage_n and_o fury_n but_o god_n be_v pitiful_a they_o often_o forget_v themselves_o but_o god_n remember_v sinner_n be_v but_o man_n 13._o and_o dust_n and_o ash_n they_o will_v plague_v one_o another_o malicious_o but_o god_n chastise_v in_o wisdom_n and_o measure_n and_o that_o with_o he_o according_a to_o the_o phrase_n of_o st._n james_n mercy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rejoice_v against_o glori_v and_o triumph_v over_o justice_n the_o discourse_n of_o a_o brave_a heathen_a be_v excellent_a to_o this_o purpose_n 〈◊〉_d we_o think_v it_o just_a say_v
he_o to_o give_v both_o thanks_o and_o reward_n to_o he_o that_o cure_v our_o bodily_a infirmity_n though_o he_o do_v it_o not_o without_o some_o pain_n and_o trouble_v to_o we_o and_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o rather_o love_v god_n method_n as_o the_o physician_n of_o soul_n there_o be_v no_o passion_n nor_o much_o less_o revenge_n in_o his_o proceed_n with_o we_o he_o neither_o cut_v and_o lance_n we_o cruel_o nor_o use_v any_o other_o sharpness_n than_o the_o case_n necessary_o require_v he_o do_v nothing_o with_o intention_n to_o hurt_v or_o grieve_v we_o but_o proceed_v with_o art_n and_o care_n design_v our_o great_a good_a and_o in_o a_o word_n etc._n be_v in_o all_o his_o action_n agreeable_a to_o the_o goodness_n and_o benignity_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o which_o and_o of_o what_o we_o intend_v further_a to_o say_v be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n god_n be_v good_a and_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v to_o repentance_n rom._n 2._o 5._o for_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o hope_n and_o of_o all_o motion_n by_o way_n of_o return_n there_o be_v indeed_o some_o man_n who_o have_v entertain_v very_o crude_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n do_v sometime_o assert_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n that_o vindictive_a justice_n be_v essential_a and_o natural_a to_o god_n so_o that_o he_o be_v bind_v up_o to_o require_v strict_a satisfaction_n and_o without_o it_o can_v proper_o pardon_v any_o transgression_n and_o other_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n talk_v at_o the_o same_o wild_a rate_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n as_o if_o all_o the_o instance_n he_o make_v thereof_o be_v also_o natural_a and_o necessary_a and_o that_o he_o can_v not_o insist_v upon_o his_o own_o right_n but_o must_v make_v all_o the_o expression_n of_o kindness_n that_o be_v possible_a towards_o his_o creature_n but_o both_o these_o notion_n be_v equal_o false_a and_o mischievous_a the_o former_a of_o they_o represent_v god_n a_o rigid_a majesty_n and_o tend_v to_o desperation_n the_o other_o a_o easy_a and_o soft_a deity_n and_o tempt_a man_n to_o presume_v upon_o he_o the_o one_o make_v he_o a_o object_n of_o horror_n and_o the_o other_o of_o contempt_n for_o who_o can_v love_v he_o that_o can_v pity_v and_o who_o can_v reverence_v he_o who_o have_v it_o not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o do_v otherwise_o the_o truth_n be_v therefore_o that_o all_o particular_a instance_n both_o of_o the_o one_o kind_n and_o of_o the_o other_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o wisdom_n that_o he_o can_v exercise_v either_o mercy_n or_o severity_n as_o he_o see_v occasion_n for_o after_o this_o manner_n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o he_o that_o sometime_o he_o have_v mercy_n because_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o that_o when_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v sinner_n for_o destruction_n and_o to_o think_v otherwise_o of_o god_n especial_o in_o the_o case_n of_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n as_o if_o he_o can_v not_o dispense_v it_o as_o he_o please_v be_v to_o bring_v in_o a_o rigid_a fatality_n with_o the_o stoic_n instead_o of_o a_o god_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o aggrandize_v the_o divine_a majesty_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a diminution_n of_o his_o power_n and_o glory_n and_o render_v he_o less_o than_o a_o man_n for_o we_o can_v recedere_fw-la à _fw-la nostro_fw-la jure_fw-la remit_v of_o our_o own_o right_n and_o give_v mercy_n a_o triumph_n over_o strict_a justice_n and_o although_o the_o sinner_n when_o he_o offend_v against_o god_n forfeit_v himself_o into_o the_o divine_a hand_n and_o give_v god_n just_a cause_n to_o punish_v he_o if_o he_o will_v yet_o certain_o he_o can_v by_o any_o act_n of_o his_o put_v a_o law_n upon_o god_n or_o oblige_v he_o to_o punish_v or_o if_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o show_v mercy_n and_o then_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o god_n rectourship_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o a_o necessity_n of_o punishment_n that_o conserves_n that_o but_o the_o power_n or_o freedom_n of_o punish_v or_o remit_v according_o as_o it_o shall_v seem_v good_a to_o his_o own_o wisdom_n whereby_o when_o man_n be_v both_o provoke_v to_o amendment_n by_o the_o hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o restrain_v from_o disobedience_n by_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n for_o the_o liberty_n of_o dispense_n either_o of_o these_o at_o pleasure_n be_v that_o which_o produce_v a_o reverence_n towards_o the_o divine_a majesty_n that_o be_v a_o complication_n of_o love_n and_o fear_n wherein_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o religion_n consist_v it_o be_v not_o a_o impertinent_a passage_n to_o this_o purpose_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o historian_n when_o the_o young_a gentleman_n in_o the_o new_a roman_a commonwealth_n have_v a_o design_n to_o restore_v the_o kingly_a government_n in_o the_o family_n of_o the_o tarquin_n they_o have_v speech_n make_v among_o they_o to_o this_o effect_n posse_fw-la to_o be_v bind_v up_o by_o the_o rigour_n of_o law_n which_o have_v no_o compassion_n nor_o make_v allowance_n for_o contingency_n be_v very_o harsh_a and_o unsafe_a consider_v humane_a infirmity_n but_o under_o kingly_a government_n there_o be_v power_n of_o dispensation_n possibility_n of_o indulgence_n liberty_n of_o interpretation_n room_n for_o mercy_n and_o pardon_v a_o man_n that_o fall_v 2._o do_v not_o necessary_o there_o miscarry_v for_o there_o be_v place_n for_o intercession_n repentance_n may_v relieve_v he_o and_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o prince_n be_v the_o security_n of_o the_o subject_a now_o that_o repentance_n be_v available_a with_o god_n we_o have_v all_o the_o assurance_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v for_o beside_o what_o we_o have_v say_v already_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o government_n repentance_n be_v the_o great_a and_o principal_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o come_v to_o proclaim_v by_o his_o preach_v to_o confirm_v by_o his_o miracle_n to_o make_v way_n for_o and_o to_o procure_v acceptance_n to_o by_o his_o death_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o to_o render_v thorough_o effectual_a and_o successful_a by_o his_o intercession_n at_o god_n right_a hand_n in_o heaven_n wherefore_o as_o manoah_n wife_n reason_v when_o her_o husband_n have_v dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n 23._o who_o have_v appear_v to_o they_o and_o conclude_v they_o shall_v die_v because_o they_o have_v see_v god_n no_o say_v she_o if_o god_n intend_v to_o destroy_v we_o he_o will_v not_o have_v appear_v to_o we_o or_o much_o less_o have_v accept_v a_o sacrifice_n at_o our_o hand_n so_o assure_o if_o god_n have_v not_o great_a compassion_n to_o mankind_n and_o do_v not_o design_n to_o accept_v they_o upon_o repentance_n he_o will_v never_o have_v give_v his_o own_o son_n to_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n can_v any_o man_n suspect_v that_o god_n be_v indifferent_a whether_o man_n be_v save_v or_o no_o when_o he_o have_v send_v his_o son_n to_o save_v they_o can_v any_o man_n imagine_v he_o implacable_a towards_o those_o who_o nature_n he_o send_v his_o son_n to_o assume_v and_o thereby_o to_o make_v a_o union_n betwixt_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n will_v any_o man_n think_v he_o inexorable_a to_o sinner_n who_o pity_v they_o heal_v they_o converse_v with_o they_o and_o die_v for_o they_o let_v devil_n despair_v who_o have_v not_o only_o no_o promise_n and_o no_o saviour_n but_o nothing_o pitiable_a in_o their_o case_n have_v have_v no_o tempter_n to_o abuse_v they_o no_o flesh_n or_o body_n to_o clog_v they_o no_o infirmity_n to_o extenuate_v their_o presumption_n they_o be_v without_o hope_n and_o therefore_o incapable_a of_o repentance_n and_o so_o go_v on_o eternal_o to_o hate_v and_o blaspheme_v the_o god_n that_o will_v not_o pardon_v they_o but_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n man_n shall_v do_v so_o who_o as_o he_o have_v all_o the_o argument_n of_o pity_n in_o his_o case_n so_o have_v all_o the_o assurance_n of_o pardon_n from_o god_n upon_o his_o repentance_n to_o say_v no_o more_o the_o very_a constant_a experience_n of_o all_o age_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n leave_v we_o without_o all_o doubt_n that_o this_o method_n of_o repentance_n pacify_v the_o almighty_a insomuch_o that_o when_o he_o have_v most_o express_v his_o angry_a resentment_n and_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v most_o peremptory_a and_o decretal_a in_o his_o threaten_n yet_o all_o but_o mad_a and_o desperate_a person_n have_v encourage_v themselves_o to_o hope_n for_o impunity_n upon_o repentance_n even_o then_o when_o there_o have_v not_o be_v the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o such_o condition_n in_o his_o denunciation_n for_o thus_o when_o the_o prophet_n ionas_n have_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n proclaim_v express_o yet_o forty_o day_n and_o
i_o lie_v long_o enough_o under_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n for_o god_n require_v not_o sorrow_n for_o itself_o but_o for_o its_o end_n and_o it_o be_v no_o satisfaction_n to_o he_o that_o his_o creature_n lie_v under_o affrightful_a apprehension_n beside_o our_o own_o conscience_n will_v tell_v we_o we_o may_v then_o dry_a our_o eye_n and_o be_v comfortable_a when_o the_o cause_n be_v take_v away_o and_o not_o before_o for_o than_o be_v it_o godly_a sorrow_n when_o it_o bring_v forth_o repentance_n not_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o 2_o cor._n 7._o 10._o and_o herein_o lie_v the_o great_a uncomfortableness_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n for_o beside_o the_o horrible_a madness_n of_o trust_v the_o issue_n of_o eternity_n upon_o extempore_o preparation_n if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o give_v a_o man_n both_o the_o grace_n and_o the_o opportunity_n then_o at_o last_o serious_o to_o bethink_v himself_o to_o feel_v remorse_n for_o his_o sin_n to_o make_v resolution_n and_o to_o renew_v his_o baptismal_a covenant_n yet_o than_o he_o can_v give_v no_o proof_n to_o himself_o of_o his_o own_o sincerity_n because_o he_o can_v repair_v god_n honour_n he_o can_v make_v no_o conquest_n over_o satan_n he_o can_v leave_v no_o example_n to_o the_o world_n he_o can_v by_o habit_n and_o exercise_n make_v the_o way_n of_o god_n become_v easy_a and_o natural_a to_o himself_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v live_v the_o life_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o therefore_o can_v comfortable_o conclude_v that_o he_o shall_v die_v the_o death_n of_o such_o as_o for_o the_o penitent_a thief_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o accompany_v our_o saviour_n in_o his_o suffering_n upon_o the_o cross_n to_o who_o our_o saviour_n pronounce_v that_o he_o shall_v that_o day_n be_v with_o he_o in_o paradise_n his_o case_n be_v peculiar_a probable_o he_o have_v live_v in_o great_a darkness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o never_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n till_o now_o but_o however_o it_o be_v not_o unagreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o do_v something_o extraordinary_a at_o that_o great_a time_n and_o to_o signalise_v the_o efficacy_n of_o our_o saviour_n mediatorship_n by_o some_o remarkable_a instance_n at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o the_o dignity_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o person_n be_v most_o cloud_v and_o obscure_v and_o as_o there_o never_o be_v nor_o will_v be_v such_o another_o occasion_n as_o this_o so_o it_o be_v great_a and_o desperate_a folly_n for_o any_o man_n to_o trust_v to_o such_o a_o experiment_n and_o whereas_o in_o the_o parable_n matth._n 20._o vers_fw-la 12._o those_o labourer_n that_o come_v into_o the_o vineyard_n at_o the_o eleven_o hour_n be_v reward_v equal_o with_o those_o that_o have_v bear_v the_o burden_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v observe_v that_o though_o they_o come_v late_o yet_o not_o so_o late_o but_o that_o they_o do_v real_o work_v in_o the_o vineyard_n and_o then_o beside_o here_o be_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o what_o we_o be_v press_v for_o we_o be_v far_o from_o intention_n of_o discourage_v any_o to_o return_v at_o last_o or_o from_o limit_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n who_o be_v able_a to_o foresee_v what_o a_o late_a convert_n will_v have_v do_v if_o he_o have_v opportunity_n and_o may_v according_o extend_v mercy_n to_o he_o all_o therefore_o which_o i_o say_v be_v that_o this_o be_v a_o most_o uncomfortable_a state_n when_o a_o man_n conscience_n can_v give_v security_n for_o he_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n that_o afford_v he_o positive_a ground_n of_o hope_n have_v not_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n only_o he_o have_v a_o general_a refuge_n in_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o god_n mercy_n wherefore_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n and_o all_o the_o wisdom_n in_o the_o world_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o trust_v to_o preface_n and_o praeludia_fw-la beginning_n and_o first_o eslay_v of_o repentance_n but_o let_v it_o have_v its_o perfect_a work_n that_o with_o the_o prodigal_a son_n he_o not_o only_o sit_v down_o and_o bewail_v his_o misery_n or_o take_v up_o resolution_n of_o return_v to_o his_o father_n but_o that_o he_o forthwith_o set_v about_o it_o and_o effect_v it_o so_o he_o arise_v and_o come_v to_o his_o father_n what_o entertainment_n he_o meet_v with_o from_o his_o father_n upon_o so_o do_v i_o be_o now_o to_o show_v in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o part_n of_o the_o parable_n the_o father_n say_v to_o the_o servant_n bring_v forth_o the_o best_a robe_n and_o put_v it_o on_o he_o etc._n etc._n s_o t._n luke_n 15._o 22._o non_fw-la patitur_fw-la contriti_fw-la cordis_fw-la holocaustum_fw-la repulsam_fw-la quotiens_fw-la te_fw-la in_o conspectu_fw-la domini_fw-la video_fw-la suspirantem_fw-la spiritum_fw-la sanctum_fw-la non_fw-la dubito_fw-la aspirantem_fw-la cum_fw-la intuâ—or_fw-la flentem_fw-la sentio_fw-la ignoscentem_fw-la cypr_fw-la serm_fw-la de_fw-la coena_fw-la page_n 240._o 241._o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n part_n iii_o the_o prodigal_n receive_v and_o reconcile_v or_o god_n gracious_a reception_n of_o a_o penitent_a sinner_n s._n luke_n 15._o verse_n 22_o 23_o 24._o but_o the_o father_n say_v to_o his_o servant_n bring_v forth_o the_o best_a robe_n and_o put_v it_o on_o he_o and_o put_v a_o ring_n on_o his_o hand_n and_o shoe_n on_o his_o foot_n and_o bring_v hither_o the_o fat_a calf_n and_o kill_v it_o and_o let_v we_o eat_v and_o be_v merry_a for_o this_o my_o son_n be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a again_o be_v lose_v and_o be_v find_v etc._n etc._n chap._n i._n of_o reconciliation_n or_o justification_n the_o content_n §_o i._o the_o passionate_a story_n of_o joseph_n gen._n 37._o parallel_n to_o this_o parable_n before_o we_o §_o ii_o god_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o good_a in_o man_n the_o use_n of_o that_o consideration_n §_o iii_o god_n compassion_n and_o tenderness_n to_o man_n under_o agony_n of_o mind_n yet_o without_o the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a passion_n §_o iv._o god_n not_o only_o take_v delight_n in_o beginning_n of_o good_a but_o promote_v they_o by_o his_o grace_n the_o famous_a story_n in_o eusebius_n of_o st._n john_n and_o a_o dissolute_a young_a man_n and_o several_a useful_a observation_n thereupon_o §_o v._o the_o greatness_n of_o god_n pardon_v mercy_n and_o the_o fullness_n and_o compleatness_n thereof_o upon_o repentance_n set_v out_o in_o several_a great_a instance_n full_a of_o unspeakable_a consolation_n to_o the_o penitent_a and_o wherein_o god_n mercy_n outgo_v those_o of_o merciful_a man_n the_o greatness_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o of_o the_o jew_n in_o crucify_a our_o lord_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v both_o pardon_v §_o vi_o of_o the_o novation_n heresy_n and_o the_o mischief_n of_o it_o §_o vii_o practical_a reflection_n upon_o justification_n §_o i._o 45._o it_o be_v a_o very_a lively_a and_o pathetic_a story_n which_o moses_n give_v we_o concern_v jacob_n and_o his_o son_n especial_o his_o belove_a son_n joseph_n to_o this_o effect_n the_o brethren_n of_o joseph_n envy_v he_o that_o great_a share_n he_o have_v in_o his_o father_n affection_n resolve_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o dispatch_v he_o out_o of_o the_o way_n but_o that_o they_o may_v not_o imbrue_v their_o hand_n in_o his_o blood_n they_o conclude_v to_o sell_v he_o a_o slave_n to_o the_o midianite_n that_o happen_v at_o that_o time_n to_o come_v in_o the_o way_n and_o to_o hide_v their_o own_o fault_n from_o their_o father_n they_o kill_v a_o kid_n and_o dip_v joseph_n coat_n in_o the_o blood_n and_o tell_v a_o demure_a story_n to_o the_o old_a man_n impose_v upon_o his_o belief_n that_o some_o wild_a beast_n have_v devour_v his_o son_n which_o when_o the_o good_a man_n be_v possess_v of_o he_o most_o tender_o resent_v the_o affliction_n rend_v his_o clothes_n put_v sackcloth_n upon_o his_o loin_n and_o mourn_v many_o day_n whereupon_o his_o son_n and_o daughter_n and_o even_o those_o especial_o that_o have_v raise_v the_o tragedy_n personate_v so_o well_o as_o to_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v his_o comforter_n but_o the_o wound_n be_v too_o deep_a to_o be_v easy_o cure_v for_o he_o refuse_v consolation_n no_o say_v he_o i_o will_v go_v down_o to_o the_o grave_n to_o my_o son_n mourning_n my_o grief_n shall_v only_o wear_v away_o with_o my_o life_n and_o only_o the_o land_n of_o oblivion_n shall_v make_v i_o forget_v joseph_n at_o last_o after_o a_o long_a and_o sad_a time_n of_o lamentation_n there_o come_v the_o surprise_v news_n to_o the_o good_a man_n joseph_n thy_o son_n be_v yet_o alive_a and_o ruler_n of_o all_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n the_o age_a father_n faint_v at_o the_o tiding_n the_o news_n be_v too_o good_a to_o
as_o that_o no_o old_a score_n remain_v upon_o record_n against_o the_o penitent_a it_o may_v raise_v in_o we_o great_a admiration_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n beget_v the_o most_o amiable_a notion_n of_o he_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o provoke_v we_o to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n so_o our_o saviour_n conclude_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o where_o most_o be_v forgive_v there_o must_v undoubted_o lie_v the_o great_a obligation_n of_o love_n and_o gratitude_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 5._o 7._o that_o scarce_o for_o a_o righteous_a man_n will_v one_o die_v but_o for_o a_o good_a man_n some_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v all_o god_n attribute_n of_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n be_v very_o amiable_a and_o lovely_a but_o this_o of_o his_o goodness_n in_o forgive_a sin_n come_v most_o home_n to_o we_o in_o that_o he_o do_v not_o rigid_o insist_v on_o his_o own_o right_n but_o comply_v with_o our_o necessity_n and_o relieve_v our_o misery_n to_o give_v and_o bestow_v benefit_n upon_o we_o be_v goodness_n but_o to_o forgive_v be_v great_a because_o here_o he_o dive_v himself_o of_o his_o own_o right_n recede_v from_o his_o own_o claim_n and_o that_o for_o our_o unspeakable_a benefit_n in_o short_a he_o seem_v not_o to_o consider_v himself_o but_o we_o only_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o mercy_n he_o be_v as_o good_a as_o good_a can_v be_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o shall_v love_v he_o as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o one_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o acceptable_a way_n of_o express_v that_o be_v that_o which_o 3_o three_o i_o make_v a_o three_o inference_n viz._n that_o we_o imitate_v this_o goodness_n and_o mercifullness_n of_o he_o this_o be_v press_v upon_o we_o by_o our_o saviour_n be_v you_o merciful_a as_o your_o father_n in_o heaven_n be_v merciful_a it_o be_v say_v of_o cato_n that_o the_o strict_a sanctity_n of_o his_o own_o life_n make_v he_o a_o severe_a and_o rigid_a magistrate_n he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o pardon_v in_o other_o man_n what_o he_o will_v not_o permit_v in_o himself_o if_o god_n who_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o immaculate_a be_v shall_v severe_o animadvert_v our_o fail_n we_o can_v not_o blame_v he_o though_o we_o be_v undo_v by_o it_o nay_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o great_a wonder_n to_o we_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o he_o do_v not_o do_v so_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o majesty_n the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o his_o law_n and_o such_o other_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n as_o we_o have_v former_o represent_v but_o it_o be_v the_o most_o absurd_a thing_n in_o nature_n that_o we_o who_o be_v great_a offender_n ourselves_o that_o have_v infinite_a need_n of_o mercy_n at_o god_n hand_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v cruel_a and_o vindictive_a towards_o each_o other_o that_o god_n shall_v cover_v our_o folly_n and_o we_o blazon_v those_o of_o other_o man_n shall_v he_o pardon_v we_o worm_n and_o we_o be_v remorseless_a towards_o our_o brethren_n do_v he_o consider_v humane_a infirmity_n bind_v up_o the_o wound_n of_o the_o contrite_a so_o as_o to_o leave_v no_o scar_n or_o blemish_v behind_o of_o all_o their_o former_a miscarriage_n and_o do_v we_o rake_v in_o the_o wound_n proclaim_v the_o folly_n uncover_v the_o nakedness_n and_o shame_n of_o our_o neighbour_n be_v it_o tolerable_a for_o we_o to_o equal_v ourselves_o with_o god_n or_o be_v offence_n great_a against_o we_o then_o against_o he_o shall_v we_o dare_v to_o do_v what_o we_o dare_v not_o wish_v shall_v be_v do_v to_o we_o do_v not_o we_o pray_v enter_v not_o into_o judgement_n with_o thy_o servant_n etc._n etc._n and_o confess_v that_o if_o god_n be_v extreme_a to_o mark_v what_o we_o have_v do_v amiss_o that_o none_o can_v abide_v it_o and_o do_v we_o scrupulous_o weigh_v severe_o aggravate_v and_o rigorous_o animadvert_v the_o sin_n of_o other_o against_o ourselves_o do_v god_n forgive_v we_o by_o talent_n and_o we_o unmerciful_o exact_v the_o utmost_a farthing_n indeed_o we_o may_v observe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o genius_n and_o custom_n of_o evil_a man_n to_o remember_v invidious_o the_o fault_n which_o penitent_a man_n have_v forsake_v to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v revenge_v themselves_o upon_o they_o for_o that_o change_n which_o condemn_v their_o own_o obstinate_a perseverance_n in_o such_o course_n or_o as_o hope_v to_o excuse_v or_o justify_v their_o constant_a naughtiness_n by_o remark_v the_o temporary_a compliance_n of_o those_o other_o with_o they_o who_o contrary_a course_n now_o shame_n and_o reproach_n they_o but_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o with_o all_o good_a man_n they_o partly_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o humanity_n partly_o to_o encourage_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o partly_o also_o to_o confirm_v and_o secure_v such_o as_o have_v repent_v from_o all_o temptation_n to_o apostasy_n draw_v a_o curtain_n over_o their_o former_a misdemeanour_n and_o forget_v what_o they_o have_v forsake_v and_o god_n have_v forgive_v therefore_o if_o we_o will_v either_o take_v pattern_n by_o god_n or_o they_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v so_o too_o last_o but_o above_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n pardon_n and_o the_o egregious_a circumstance_n thereof_o shall_v be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o all_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n when_o we_o remember_v how_o gracious_a a_o father_n we_o grieve_v by_o a_o wilful_a destroy_n of_o ourselves_o how_o much_o he_o pity_v we_o and_o belong_v for_o our_o return_n what_o a_o serene_a countenance_n hearty_a welcome_n full_a pardon_n gracious_a reception_n and_o how_o innumerable_a and_o inestimable_a blessing_n we_o shall_v have_v pour_v out_o upon_o we_o at_o our_o so_o do_v and_o this_o bring_v i_o again_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o penitent_a son_n entertainment_n to_o which_o therefore_o i_o now_o proceed_v chap._n ii_o of_o sanctification_n the_o content_n §_o i._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o best_a robe_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a phrase_n of_o scripture_n to_o set_v out_o the_o ornament_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o those_o of_o the_o body_n §_o ii_o sanctification_n in_o different_a respect_n both_o go_v before_o and_o follow_v after_o justification_n §_o iii_o three_o remarkable_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o measure_n of_o sanctification_n which_o god_n require_v and_o that_o which_o he_o accept_v for_o the_o present_a or_o the_o different_a stature_n of_o grace_n before_o justification_n and_o after_o it_o §_o iv._o the_o way_n by_o which_o god_n work_v man_n up_o to_o those_o high_a measure_n of_o sanctification_n which_o he_o require_v as_o 1._o by_o mighty_a obligation_n work_v upon_o their_o gratitude_n and_o ingenuity_n 2._o by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n 3._o by_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n §_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o never_o fail_a spring_n of_o kindness_n and_o good_a will_n in_o parent_n towards_o their_o child_n which_o flow_v with_o that_o life_n and_o vigour_n that_o nothing_o be_v able_a to_o dam_v it_o up_o or_o interrupt_v it_o so_o but_o that_o if_o it_o be_v obstruct_v one_o way_n it_o break_v out_o and_o discover_v itself_o another_o if_o the_o child_n prove_v singular_o good_a and_o virtuous_a then_o paternal_a affection_n bear_v a_o mighty_a stream_n overflow_v all_o its_o bank_n the_o parent_n feel_v a_o unspeakable_a delight_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o their_o child_n be_v then_o the_o crown_n of_o their_o age_n their_o joy_n and_o triumph_n if_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v but_o tolerable_a they_o be_v ready_a to_o interpret_v all_o to_o the_o best_a and_o prone_a to_o heap_v blessing_n and_o kindness_n upon_o they_o and_o if_o they_o degenerate_a and_o prove_v very_o bad_a and_o undutiful_a this_o though_o it_o check_v the_o tide_n yet_o can_v divert_v the_o current_n for_o at_o worst_a they_o can_v cease_v to_o pity_v they_o there_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n a_o everlasting_a propension_n in_o almighty_a god_n to_o do_v good_a to_o man_n insomuch_o that_o when_o they_o be_v very_o bad_a he_o pity_v they_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v good_a he_o love_v and_o bless_v they_o but_o when_o they_o become_v generous_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a he_o take_v complacency_n in_o they_o and_o all_o these_o different_a degree_n of_o divine_a favour_n we_o have_v lively_o represent_v to_o we_o in_o the_o parable_n before_o we_o but_o we_o be_v now_o upon_o the_o second_o of_o they_o namely_o the_o great_a and_o singular_a blessing_n which_o the_o father_n frank_o bestow_v upon_o his_o son_n now_o that_o he_o have_v repent_v of_o his_o extravagancy_n and_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o and_o under_o this_o rank_n we_o may_v reckon_v these_o three_o special_a instance_n first_o whereas_o the_o father_n observe_v his_o son_n to_o return_v in_o a_o
love_v so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o common_a enemy_n so_o it_o happen_v here_o that_o a_o convert_v zealous_o combat_v against_o some_o one_o vice_n in_o studious_a declension_n of_o that_o insensible_o slip_v into_o some_o degree_n of_o the_o other_o extreme_a and_o then_o find_v it_o a_o fresh_a difficulty_n vincere_fw-la eos_fw-la per_fw-la quos_fw-la vicisti_fw-la to_o conquer_v that_o other_o infirmity_n by_o which_o he_o conquer_v the_o former_a to_o which_o purpose_n it_o be_v remarkable_a concern_v that_o holy_a man_n st._n jerom_n whilst_o he_o live_v in_o the_o affluence_n of_o the_o city_n and_o use_v a_o free_a conversation_n he_o feel_v frequent_a temptation_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o set_v himself_o with_o all_o his_o might_n to_o mortify_v these_o and_o to_o do_v it_o effectual_o retire_v into_o a_o desert_n that_o he_o may_v both_o take_v away_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o those_o danger_n but_o whilst_o in_o that_o retirement_n he_o exercise_v himself_o to_o great_a severity_n and_o austerity_n he_o insensible_o grow_v into_o a_o unblamable_a asperity_n of_o temper_n which_o need_v a_o second_o labour_n to_o subdue_v i_o will_v not_o say_v as_o some_o do_v that_o as_o god_n will_v have_v some_o remainder_n of_o the_o seven_o nation_n preserve_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n to_o be_v continual_o as_o thorn_n in_o their_o eye_n and_o goad_n in_o their_o side_n so_o he_o order_v it_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o remainder_n of_o the_o old_a adam_n in_o we_o to_o keep_v we_o always_o humble_a and_o employ_v for_o certain_o god_n will_v have_v all_o sin_n expel_v our_o nature_n but_o this_o i_o say_v that_o as_o israel_n be_v true_o in_o possession_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n from_o such_o time_n as_o joshua_n have_v conquer_v those_o power_n that_o make_v head_n against_o they_o and_o have_v put_v the_o chief_a city_n and_o place_n of_o strength_n into_o their_o hand_n notwithstanding_o that_o a_o long_a time_n after_o some_o of_o those_o old_a inhabitant_n remain_v among_o they_o and_o be_v no_o very_o good_a neighbour_n so_o i_o affirm_v that_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o resolution_n against_o all_o sin_n but_o a_o constant_a hostile_a pursuit_n of_o it_o and_o that_o a_o man_n go_v on_o conquer_a and_o to_o conquer_v such_o a_o man_n be_v a_o true_a israelite_n though_o he_o have_v not_o perfect_v his_o conquest_n nor_o can_v yet_o say_v with_o st._n paul_n i_o have_v fight_v the_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n and_o therefore_o henceforth_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n but_o now_o forasmuch_o as_o god_n both_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o service_n the_o comfort_n of_o the_o convert_n own_o soul_n and_o his_o great_a capacity_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n design_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o high_a degree_n of_o sanctification_n then_o what_o he_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v of_o when_o he_o first_o receive_v the_o penitent_a to_o mercy_n therefore_o he_o afterward_o put_v upon_o he_o the_o best_a robe_n 2._o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o beginning_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v any_o way_n notable_a especial_o be_v wrought_v with_o pain_n and_o difficulty_n insomuch_o that_o nemo_fw-la repent_v fit_a turpissimus_fw-la no_o man_n find_v it_o very_o easy_a at_o first_o to_o do_v any_o egregious_a wickedness_n man_n become_v evil_a by_o degree_n and_o there_o be_v proficiency_n even_o in_o the_o devil_n school_n and_o therefore_o much_o more_o reasonable_o may_v it_o be_v expect_v that_o those_o that_o first_o enter_v into_o a_o strict_a course_n of_o virtue_n shall_v be_v sensible_a of_o difficulty_n in_o their_o first_o undertake_n it_o be_v a_o ingenious_a answer_n which_o plutarch_n report_v to_o have_v be_v give_v by_o a_o lacedaemonian_a turor_n virt_n when_o he_o be_v ask_v what_o he_o pretend_v to_o and_o of_o what_o avail_n his_o endeavour_n be_v i_o make_v say_v he_o that_o to_o become_v easy_a and_o delightful_a which_o be_v of_o itself_o good_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v true_a christ_n jesus_n tell_v we_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n be_v light_a and_o without_o doubt_v it_o be_v so_o but_o it_o be_v a_o yoke_n and_o a_o burden_n still_o and_o no_o man_n find_v it_o easy_a until_o he_o have_v exercise_v himself_o to_o it_o reward_n and_o punishment_n set_v before_o we_o and_o reason_n and_o resolution_n work_v thereupon_o will_v prevail_v with_o man_n to_o do_v their_o duty_n but_o only_a practice_n and_o assuetude_n make_v it_o become_v easy_a and_o familiar_a so_o to_o do_v especial_o suppose_v as_o we_o do_v in_o the_o present_a case_n a_o man_n but_o late_o accustom_v to_o indulge_v himself_o in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n let_v such_o a_o man_n conversion_n be_v never_o so_o real_a and_o hearty_a however_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o he_o shall_v present_o do_v christ_n command_n and_o say_v they_o be_v not_o grievous_a it_o be_v certain_a such_o a_o man_n if_o he_o be_v what_o we_o suppose_v he_o that_o be_v sincere_a will_v resist_v his_o inclination_n and_o change_v his_o course_n but_o because_o it_o be_v late_o a_o course_n there_o will_v yet_o be_v a_o inclination_n towards_o it_o and_o consequent_o a_o conflict_n and_o difficulty_n in_o avoid_v it_o for_o as_o we_o say_v before_o it_o be_v only_o one_o custom_n can_v perfect_o supplant_v another_o and_o only_a habit_n can_v imitate_v nature_n and_o make_v easy_a the_o cut_v off_o our_o corrupt_a member_n be_v a_o hard_a task_n till_o by_o time_n and_o degree_n they_o become_v mortify_v and_o then_o it_o be_v do_v without_o any_o considerable_a pain_n or_o difficulty_n whosoever_o have_v any_o principle_n of_o divine_a life_n or_o true_a sense_n of_o god_n in_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v himself_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o god_n worship_n yet_o he_o will_v find_v it_o no_o easy_a business_n to_o hold_v his_o heart_n intent_n and_o constant_a in_o it_o till_o it_o have_v become_v customary_a and_o natural_a to_o he_o and_o than_o it_o be_v so_o far_o easy_a and_o delightful_a to_o he_o that_o he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o live_v without_o it_o now_o although_o that_o state_n which_o tugg_v at_o the_o oar_n and_o draw_v on_o heavy_o may_v be_v sincere_a because_o it_o discharge_v its_o duty_n honest_o though_o with_o great_a difficulty_n and_o therefore_o find_v acceptance_n with_o a_o good_a god_n yet_o forasmuch_o as_o his_o intention_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v become_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o that_o it_o be_v our_o meat_n and_o drink_n to_o do_v his_o will_n that_o the_o way_n of_o his_o command_n be_v to_o we_o as_o our_o necessary_a food_n that_o we_o shall_v do_v his_o will_n with_o that_o alacrity_n on_o earth_n with_o which_o it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n that_o our_o will_n shall_v be_v perfect_o conform_v to_o his_o and_o religion_n become_v natural_a to_o we_o partly_o to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v do_v he_o the_o more_o honour_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o do_v so_o much_o reputation_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o government_n as_o the_o cheerful_a obedience_n of_o his_o subject_n partly_o also_o that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o fit_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o those_o most_o easy_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o heavenly_a choir_n who_o have_v practise_v their_o part_n beforehand_o therefore_o since_o he_o desire_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v not_o evil_a but_o generous_o good_a nor_o mere_o draw_v on_o heavy_o and_o uncomfortable_o but_o fly_v as_o upon_o the_o wing_n of_o a_o cherub_n in_o his_o service_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o he_o when_o he_o have_v pardon_v a_o penitent_a to_o confer_v upon_o he_o great_a measure_n of_o sanctification_n 3._o a_o young_a convert_n though_o he_o have_v all_o the_o part_n and_o member_n of_o a_o perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n and_o shall_v also_o be_v suppose_v in_o great_a measure_n to_o have_v overcome_v the_o difficulty_n which_o always_o attend_v virtuous_a beginning_n yet_o he_o be_v but_o a_o beginner_n and_o must_v needs_o be_v conceive_v weak_a and_o feeble_a in_o his_o whole_a contexture_n he_o be_v not_o only_o apt_a to_o be_v abuse_v with_o sophistry_n and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n but_o less_o able_a to_o bear_v the_o burden_n and_o to_o resist_v the_o temptation_n he_o must_v expect_v to_o meet_v with_o the_o trace_n of_o his_o former_a course_n be_v not_o yet_o wear_v out_o and_o so_o he_o be_v the_o apt_a to_o return_v he_o be_v not_o at_o the_o top_n but_o go_v up_o hill_n and_o may_v easy_o faint_v or_o slip_v he_o have_v not_o such_o experience_n of_o
former_o a_o great_a sinner_n himself_o and_o have_v know_v by_o sad_a experience_n the_o deplorableness_n of_o that_o condition_n and_o find_v mercy_n at_o god_n hand_n methinks_v such_o a_o person_n shall_v with_o warm_a affection_n and_o tender_a bowel_n awaken_v that_o man_n into_o a_o apprehension_n of_o his_o danger_n who_o be_v in_o the_o condition_n he_o himself_o have_v escape_v and_o encourage_v he_o to_o try_v those_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v experiment_a for_o if_o either_o a_o righteous_a man_n that_o never_o need_v repentance_n i._n e._n such_o a_o change_n of_o his_o whole_a state_n as_o we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o shall_v be_v less_o sensible_a of_o such_o a_o man_n case_n or_o especial_o if_o a_o proud_a self-applauding_a pharisee_n despise_v he_o yet_o it_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n become_v a_o convert_n to_o be_v without_o compassion_n for_o beside_o all_o other_o argument_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o may_v be_v such_o a_o man_n may_v have_v just_a cause_n to_o consider_v whether_o his_o own_o example_n when_o he_o do_v go_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n have_v not_o that_o pernicious_a contagion_n as_o to_o infect_v or_o confirm_v this_o man_n in_o his_o wickedness_n which_o he_o see_v he_o now_o lie_v under_o and_o then_o it_o will_v not_o be_v only_a charity_n but_o justice_n which_o will_v oblige_v he_o to_o this_o duty_n it_o be_v the_o opinion_n if_o i_o remember_v right_o of_o st._n basil_n that_o in_o hell_n the_o torment_n of_o the_o damn_a be_v daily_o increase_v in_o proportion_n as_o the_o evil_a seed_n of_o their_o corrupt_a doctrine_n or_o the_o evil_a example_n which_o they_o sow_v whilst_o they_o be_v alive_a fructify_v upon_o earth_n but_o whether_o that_o be_v so_o or_o no_o it_o be_v certain_a man_n sin_n be_v aggravate_v by_o the_o mischief_n they_o do_v to_o other_o as_o well_o as_o by_o other_o circumstance_n and_o therefore_o every_o such_o penitent_a as_o we_o speak_v of_o must_v think_v it_o his_o duty_n and_o concern_v to_o endeavour_v to_o hinder_v the_o propagation_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o stop_v the_o infection_n in_o other_o as_o well_o as_o to_o destroy_v the_o malignity_n of_o it_o in_o himself_o §_o ii_o now_o there_o be_v many_o way_n which_o a_o honest_a heart_n will_v find_v out_o of_o do_v this_o we_o be_v recommend_v without_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v a_o preacher_n solomon_n tell_v we_o 13._o a_o wicked_a man_n speak_v with_o his_o foot_n and_o teach_v with_o his_o finger_n that_o be_v though_o he_o say_v nothing_o with_o his_o lip_n all_o his_o life_n and_o action_n do_v teach_v and_o instruct_v the_o world_n in_o wickedness_n and_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o holy_a man_n may_v most_o effectual_o recommend_v virtue_n to_o other_o by_o their_o own_o practice_n and_o example_n example_n insinuate_v gentle_o work_v insensible_o but_o powerful_o as_o almost_o all_o great_a engine_n do_v it_o relieve_v man_n modesty_n and_o yet_o shame_v their_o sloth_n it_o kindle_v emulation_n press_v upon_o ingenuity_n recommend_v the_o excellency_n convince_v the_o necessity_n demonstrate_v the_o possibility_n of_o virtue_n beside_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o of_o the_o most_o curious_a line_n thereof_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v describe_v by_o the_o pencil_n or_o that_o can_v be_v express_v by_o word_n but_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o good_a man_n for_o this_o reason_n among_o other_o it_o please_v god_n to_o send_v our_o saviour_n not_o only_o to_o preach_v the_o divine_a life_n to_o the_o world_n but_o to_o live_v and_o converse_v with_o man_n that_o by_o his_o example_n he_o may_v more_o plain_o convince_v they_o of_o it_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n also_o we_o solemn_o thank_v god_n for_o the_o example_n of_o all_o holy_a man_n that_o have_v go_v before_o we_o and_o beside_o example_n there_o be_v many_o opportunity_n and_o advantage_n which_o good_a man_n have_v of_o propagate_a a_o sense_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n such_o as_o the_o authority_n of_o parent_n influence_n of_o benefactor_n interest_n of_o relation_n convenience_n of_o travel_v together_o society_n of_o commerce_n and_o all_o other_o bond_n of_o conversation_n every_o of_o which_o a_o mind_n inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o compassion_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n will_v find_v useful_a to_o this_o purpose_n and_o this_o be_v the_o course_n moses_n advise_v israel_n for_o the_o keep_n up_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o his_o law_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o it_o to_o posterity_n deut._n 6._o 6_o 7._o these_o word_n which_o i_o command_v thou_o this_o day_n shall_v be_v in_o thy_o heart_n and_o thou_o shall_v teach_v they_o diligent_o to_o thy_o child_n and_o shall_v talk_v of_o they_o when_o thou_o sit_v in_o thy_o house_n and_o when_o thou_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n and_o when_o thou_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o etc._n etc._n and_o for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o all_o good_a man_n in_o this_o business_n beside_o the_o great_a honour_n it_o be_v to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o god_n in_o so_o important_a a_o affair_n and_o beside_o the_o unspeakable_a comfort_n to_o our_o own_o conscience_n if_o by_o convert_v a_o sinner_n from_o the_o evil_n of_o his_o way_n we_o save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n jam._n 5._o 20._o and_o that_o by_o such_o a_o act_n of_o zeal_n we_o have_v also_o the_o happiness_n to_o efface_v our_o own_o former_a miscarriage_n beside_o all_o this_o i_o say_v in_o present_a we_o shall_v also_o advance_v our_o own_o glory_n and_o crown_v hereafter_o for_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n they_o that_o be_v wise_a shall_v shine_v as_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o firmament_n and_o they_o that_o turn_v many_o to_o righteousness_n as_o the_o star_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o daniel_n 12._o 3._o it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o enlarge_v on_o this_o subject_n but_o that_o which_o be_v most_o pertinent_a and_o the_o peculiar_a consideration_n of_o this_o place_n be_v to_o show_v the_o particular_a aptness_n of_o those_o that_o have_v themselves_o be_v convert_v from_o a_o wicked_a life_n to_o be_v instrumental_a of_o recover_v other_o which_o i_o will_v brief_o give_v account_n of_o in_o the_o follow_a particular_n and_o so_o dismiss_v this_o point_n and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o §_o iii_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v considerable_a that_o those_o that_o be_v of_o sickly_a constitution_n be_v general_o observe_v to_o be_v more_o pitiful_a and_o compassionate_a to_o the_o infirm_a than_o those_o robu_v and_o healthy_a person_n that_o scarce_o ever_o know_v what_o sickness_n mean_v and_o those_o that_o have_v long_o languish_v under_o any_o painful_a infirmity_n and_o at_o last_o have_v recover_v be_v both_o the_o best_a able_a and_o most_o willing_a to_o give_v advice_n to_o other_o under_o the_o same_o distemper_n upon_o which_o account_n it_o have_v be_v the_o custom_n of_o some_o nation_n who_o have_v no_o profess_a physician_n to_o bring_v their_o sick_a out_o into_o the_o marketplace_n where_o all_o person_n that_o come_v be_v oblige_v by_o law_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o experience_n of_o one_o that_o have_v escape_v a_o disease_n may_v afford_v a_o relief_n to_o he_o that_o now_o labour_v under_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o those_o who_o have_v be_v sick_a in_o sin_n and_o of_o sin_n heretofore_o must_v needs_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n know_v the_o bait_n that_o allure_v man_n the_o charm_n that_o bewitch_v they_o the_o fallacy_n of_o satan_n that_o impose_v upon_o they_o the_o folly_n and_o perverseness_n that_o defix_n man_n in_o that_o unhappy_a estate_n the_o work_n of_o passion_n the_o regret_n of_o conscience_n the_o thought_n and_o reason_n the_o objection_n the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o the_o very_a inside_n of_o other_o man_n in_o that_o condition_n and_o therefore_o as_o god_n command_v israel_n exod._n 23._o 9_o thou_o shall_v not_o oppress_v a_o stranger_n for_o you_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o stranger_n see_v you_o be_v stranger_n in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n i_o e._n they_o know_v what_o injury_n oppression_n insolence_n and_o affront_v a_o stranger_n be_v expose_v to_o and_o what_o fear_n anxiety_n and_o jealousy_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v always_o under_o and_o therefore_o it_o have_v be_v their_o own_o case_n they_o ought_v to_o think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o pity_v such_o so_o in_o the_o present_a case_n the_o convert_n be_v furnish_v both_o with_o more_o observation_n to_o render_v he_o serviceable_a to_o the_o conversion_n of_o soul_n and_o more_o compassion_n to_o apply_v and_o make_v use_n of_o his_o experience_n to_o