he_o have_v need_n use_v all_o his_o skill_n and_o prudence_n all_o his_o zeal_n and_o endeavour_n to_o save_v soul_n which_o be_v in_o so_o great_a danger_n upon_o such_o occasion_n both_o the_o minister_n and_o the_o sick_a person_n have_v need_n of_o time_n leisure_n and_o freedom_n and_o a_o hasty_a discourse_n or_o prayer_n signify_v nothing_o and_o now_o we_o may_v judge_v whether_o a_o man_n discharge_v the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n who_o only_o in_o general_n exhort_v die_v person_n to_o acknowledge_v themselves_o miserable_a sinner_n and_o back_n those_o exhortation_n with_o assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n through_o jesus_n christ_n or_o who_o only_o read_v some_o form_n of_o exhortation_n and_o prayer_n as_o the_o custom_n be_v in_o some_o place_n this_o method_n be_v fit_a to_o lay_v asleep_a than_o to_o awaken_v a_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o this_o way_n of_o ex-exercising_a the_o ministry_n overturn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o most_o 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exercise_n of_o discipline_n be_v lodge_v who_o duty_n it_o be_v both_o to_o exhort_v and_o reprove_v both_o in_o public_a and_o in_o private_a and_o who_o ought_v to_o supply_v all_o the_o occasion_n of_o a_o flock_n and_o to_o be_v provide_v for_o all_o emergency_n such_o a_o man_n have_v need_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o knowledge_n zeal_n and_o firmness_n as_o well_o as_o of_o much_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n moderation_n and_o charity_n that_o all_o these_o qualification_n be_v requisite_a in_o a_o pastor_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o office_n and_o st._n paul_n teach_v it_o when_o he_o appoint_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o this_o employment_n but_o those_o in_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v find_v what_o effect_v then_o can_v the_o ministry_n have_v when_o it_o be_v exercise_v by_o man_n who_o want_v these_o qualification_n or_o perhaps_o have_v the_o quite_o contrary_a who_o be_v ignorant_a who_o know_v nothing_o in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o morality_n who_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o a_o great_a many_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n and_o who_o whole_a learning_n be_v confine_v to_o a_o commentary_n who_o can_v neither_o reason_n true_a nor_o speak_v clear_o who_o be_v either_o indiscreet_a negligent_a or_o remiss_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n but_o i_o do_v not_o wonder_v that_o these_o qualification_n be_v want_v in_o most_o clergyman_n vast_a number_n who_o be_v not_o cut_v out_o for_o this_o employment_n aspire_v to_o it_o and_o beside_o these_o ability_n be_v not_o to_o be_v acquire_v without_o labour_n and_o application_n now_o many_o churchman_n be_v shameful_o idle_a they_o look_v upon_o their_o profession_n as_o a_o mean_a to_o live_v easy_a so_o that_o decline_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o place_n they_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o income_n of_o it_o those_o who_o be_v to_o preach_v be_v more_o employ_v but_o their_o sermon_n be_v almost_o their_o whole_a business_n their_o work_n consist_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o copy_v some_o commentary_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o have_v acquire_v a_o little_a habit_n and_o facility_n of_o speak_v in_o public_a almost_o all_o of_o they_o give_v over_o study_n and_o labour_n we_o may_v almost_o make_v the_o same_o judgement_n of_o those_o ecclesiastic_n who_o though_o they_o study_v hard_a yet_o do_v not_o direct_v their_o study_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n the_o learning_n and_o the_o study_n of_o divine_n i_o speak_v of_o those_o chief_o who_o have_v cure_n of_o soul_n be_v often_o vain_a and_o of_o no_o use_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o their_o flock_n they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o thing_n suitable_a to_o their_o inclination_n and_o their_o study_n be_v but_o their_o amusement_n or_o their_o diversion_n now_o he_o who_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o call_v and_o pursue_v other_o employment_n differ_v very_o little_a from_o he_o who_o do_v nothing_o at_o all_o ii_o probity_n be_v not_o less_o necessary_a to_o pastor_n than_o knowledge_n and_o ability_n and_o this_o probity_n ought_v to_o have_v three_o degree_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v that_o pastor_n give_v no_o ill_a example_n and_o that_o their_o life_n be_v blameless_a this_o be_v the_o first_o qualification_n which_o st._n paul_n require_v in_o those_o who_o aspire_v to_o this_o holy_a office_n iii_o office_n 1_o tim._n iii_o let_v a_o bishop_n say_v he_o be_v blameless_a that_o be_v his_o manner_n ought_v to_o be_v such_o that_o he_o may_v not_o just_o be_v charge_v with_o any_o vice_n or_o give_v any_o scandal_n then_o the_o apostle_n specify_v the_o fault_n from_o which_o a_o pastor_n ought_v to_o be_v free_a i._n free_a tit._n i._n not_o give_v to_o wine_n no_o striker_n not_o greedy_a of_o filthy_a lucre_n but_o patient_a not_o a_o brawler_n not_o covetous_a one_o that_o rule_v well_o his_o own_o house_n have_v his_o
desperate_a and_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o reprobation_n and_o damnation_n other_o have_v conceit_v that_o they_o be_v give_v up_o to_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o they_o have_v take_v the_o disorder_n of_o imagination_n for_o certain_a sign_n of_o their_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o evil_a spirit_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o it_o be_v that_o such_o indiscreet_a discourse_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o alarm_n good_a than_o wicked_a men._n in_o fine_a i_o reckon_v among_o the_o book_n which_o fright_v man_n without_o cause_n all_o those_o which_o contain_v too_o rigid_a and_o austere_a maxim_n of_o devotion_n and_o morality_n 5._o piety_n will_v be_v better_o know_v and_o more_o esteem_v than_o it_o be_v if_o book_n of_o devotion_n be_v always_o write_v with_o judgement_n and_o good_a sense_n and_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o they_o but_o what_o upon_o a_o severe_a examination_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v strict_o true_a those_o who_o set_v about_o work_v of_o this_o nature_n do_v general_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o move_v the_o heart_n and_o to_o excite_v sentiment_n of_o piety_n this_o be_v a_o good_a design_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o force_n of_o reason_n the_o evidence_n of_o proof_n the_o greatness_n of_o the_o object_n propose_v and_o the_o clearness_n and_o solidity_n of_o what_o a_o man_n say_v which_o do_v true_o affect_v the_o heart_n this_o be_v what_o judicious_a author_n chief_o mind_n and_o thereby_o many_o have_v have_v good_a success_n in_o those_o excellent_a work_n which_o they_o have_v enrich_v the_o public_a with_o but_o other_o writer_n do_v not_o consider_v this_o they_o rather_o choose_v to_o say_v tender_a and_o pathetical_a thing_n than_o to_o think_v or_o speak_v with_o exactness_n they_o consult_v imagination_n more_o than_o good_a sense_n they_o pour_v out_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o meditation_n or_o in_o the_o fervency_n of_o their_o zeal_n seem_v to_o they_o proper_a to_o move_v to_o melt_v to_o comfort_v or_o to_o terrify_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v weak_a place_n in_o their_o book_n and_o thought_n which_o appear_v mean_a and_o even_o false_a to_o discern_a reader_n contradiction_n and_o such_o like_a defect_n for_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o produce_v only_o a_o confuse_a and_o not_o a_o very_a rational_a devotion_n in_o those_o who_o read_v and_o relish_v they_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o expose_v religion_n to_o the_o flout_n and_o contempt_n of_o libertine_n we_o be_v often_o trouble_v and_o scandalize_v to_o find_v that_o some_o man_n of_o part_n express_v but_o little_a esteem_n for_o book_n of_o piety_n we_o hear_v it_o say_v every_o day_n that_o those_o book_n be_v only_o good_a for_o woman_n and_o for_o the_o vulgar_a this_o contempt_n chief_o proceed_v from_o a_o profane_a humour_n and_o from_o libertinism_n but_o it_o spring_v likewise_o from_o the_o want_n of_o exactness_n and_o solidity_n which_o be_v observable_a in_o some_o book_n of_o devotion_n 6._o divers_a consideration_n may_v be_v offer_v here_o about_o those_o book_n which_o contain_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n but_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o these_o two_o which_o appear_v to_o i_o the_o most_o material_a the_o first_o be_v that_o those_o kind_n of_o form_n make_v all_o sort_n of_o person_n indifferent_o and_o even_o good_a man_n say_v thing_n which_o can_v agree_v but_o to_o the_o great_a and_o the_o most_o notorious_a sinner_n which_o give_v people_n this_o dangerous_a notion_n that_o all_o man_n without_o except_v the_o regenerate_v be_v extreme_o corrupt_a in_o divers_a prayer_n we_o plain_o see_v that_o those_o who_o compose_v they_o have_v no_o other_o design_n than_o to_o draw_v the_o picture_n of_o the_o most_o heinous_a sinner_n and_o that_o they_o suppose_v all_o man_n engage_v in_o a_o deep_a corruption_n and_o in_o the_o most_o criminal_a disorder_n exaggeration_n and_o hyperbole_n be_v so_o little_o spare_v by_o some_o people_n upon_o this_o head_n that_o they_o utter_v absurdity_n and_o falsehood_n in_o their_o prayer_n as_o when_o they_o say_v that_o ever_o since_o we_o be_v bear_v we_o have_v be_v continual_o and_o every_o moment_n offend_v god_n by_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o such_o prayer_n may_v have_v their_o use_n provide_v nothing_o be_v say_v in_o they_o that_o be_v extravagant_a or_o contrary_a to_o truth_n and_o common_a sense_n they_o fit_v great_a number_n of_o person_n there_o be_v but_o too_o many_o of_o those_o wretched_a christian_n who_o can_v never_o sufficient_o bewail_v the_o enormity_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o irregularity_n of_o their_o conduct_n i_o know_v beside_o that_o all_o man_n be_v sinner_n and_o that_o the_o best_a of_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o humble_a and_o abase_v themselves_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o weakness_n and_o unworthiness_n nevertheless_o since_o the_o scripture_n make_v a_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n it_o be_v at_o least_o a_o great_a piece_n of_o imprudence_n to_o appoint_v the_o same_o language_n for_o both_o and_o to_o make_v they_o all_o speak_v as_o if_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o horrid_a crime_n and_o as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o one_o good_a man_n in_o the_o world_n this_o take_v away_o the_o distinction_n between_o the_o sinner_n and_o the_o righteous_a for_o if_o these_o prayer_n be_v proper_a for_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n if_o all_o that_o be_v say_v in_o they_o be_v true_a it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o distinguish_v a_o good_a man_n from_o a_o bad_a and_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o his_o convert_v grace_n or_o to_o make_v any_o promise_n of_o amendment_n to_o he_o all_o those_o lesson_n of_o holiness_n which_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o be_v but_o fine_a idea_n all_o man_n be_v upon_o the_o matter_n equal_o bad_a and_o they_o may_v all_o be_v the_o object_n of_o god_n mercy_n how_o irregular_a soever_o their_o deportment_n may_v be_v these_o be_v the_o inference_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o those_o form_n of_o devotion_n i_o have_v mention_v and_o which_o sinner_n do_v actual_o draw_v from_o they_o from_o all_o this_o i_o conclude_v that_o in_o such_o work_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o distinguish_v person_n and_o condition_n and_o this_o according_o have_v be_v judicious_o observe_v by_o some_o author_n the_o other_o consideration_n relate_v to_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n these_o be_v not_o always_o plain_a enough_o they_o be_v sometime_o study_v discourse_n which_o have_v more_o of_o art_n and_o wit_n than_o of_o affection_n in_o they_o and_o we_o may_v easy_o discern_v how_o far_o most_o prayer_n be_v remove_v from_o a_o due_a simplicity_n if_o we_o compare_v they_o with_o those_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o holy_a scripture_n or_o with_o the_o ancient_a way_n of_o pray_v which_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o church_n and_o of_o which_o we_o may_v judge_v by_o the_o liturgy_n which_o be_v now_o use_v or_o which_o have_v reach_v to_o we_o prayer_n be_v neither_o so_o intricate_a then_o nor_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v now_o long_o preamble_n be_v not_o use_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o prayer_n and_o man_n do_v not_o they_o by_o so_o many_o wind_a approach_n the_o throne_n of_o grace_n to_o confess_v their_o sin_n and_o to_o beg_v pardon_n for_o they_o prayer_n than_o be_v short_a simple_a and_o natural_a much_o fit_v to_o excite_v devotion_n to_o lift_v up_o the_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o to_o nourish_v piety_n and_o zeal_n than_o many_o form_n which_o obtain_v at_o this_o day_n 7._o of_o all_o the_o book_n of_o piety_n none_o be_v more_o careful_o read_v and_o none_o perhaps_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o the_o conduct_n and_o manner_n of_o christian_n than_o the_o book_n of_o preparation_n for_o the_o holy_a communion_n the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o important_a act_n of_o religion_n and_o one_o of_o the_o most_o efficacious_a mean_n to_o promote_v piety_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o book_n which_o people_n read_v in_o order_n to_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o that_o sacred_a action_n contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a use_n of_o the_o eucharist_n and_o by_o consequence_n to_o the_o good_a or_o ill_a life_n of_o christian_n now_o what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o the_o other_o book_n of_o devotion_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o these_o some_o book_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v extraordinary_a good_a but_o there_o be_v other_o in_o which_o among_o many_o good_a thing_n some_o defect_n be_v observable_a and_o particular_o these_o three_o 1._o all_o the_o book_n of_o preparation_n for_o the_o holy_a communion_n be_v not_o instructive_a
zeal_n and_o some_o assiduity_n in_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o religion_n last_o it_o be_v believe_v by_o many_o that_o god_n require_v nothing_o else_o of_o man_n but_o confidence_n and_o that_o if_o they_o be_v in_o that_o disposition_n they_o can_v come_v short_a of_o salvation_n they_o think_v that_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v miserable_a sinner_n and_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o divine_a mercy_n and_o in_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n this_o last_o prejudice_n which_o reduce_v religion_n to_o act_n of_o confidence_n be_v perhaps_o the_o common_a of_o all_o and_o yet_o if_o we_o be_v to_o determine_v which_o of_o these_o three_o viz._n knowledge_n profession_n and_o confidence_n be_v the_o least_o essential_a to_o religion_n we_o must_v say_v that_o it_o be_v confidence_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n unconceivable_a and_o contradictory_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o christian_n without_o know_v and_o without_o make_v public_a profession_n of_o his_o religion_n but_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o christian_n and_o a_o good_a man_n too_o and_o yet_o want_v confidence_n for_o as_o it_o frequent_o happen_v that_o a_o bad_a man_n be_v animate_v with_o a_o false_a confidence_n so_o a_o good_a man_n may_v have_v a_o timorous_a conscience_n and_o be_v possess_v with_o groundless_a fear_n sometime_o melancholy_a or_o a_o want_n of_o knowledge_n or_o of_o force_n of_o mind_n or_o even_o constitution_n may_v throw_v good_a man_n into_o a_o state_n in_o which_o they_o feel_v no_o comfort_n but_o without_o insist_v upon_o this_o it_o be_v visible_o a_o error_n as_o common_a as_o it_o be_v pernicious_a for_o man_n to_o pretend_v that_o knowledge_n profession_n or_o confidence_n be_v sufficient_a to_o salvation_n when_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v object_v that_o no_o man_n have_v these_o opinion_n and_o that_o every_o body_n acknowledge_v that_o religion_n oblige_v man_n to_o be_v holy_a i_o grant_v that_o no_o man_n do_v express_o exclude_v holiness_n it_o be_v confess_v by_o all_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v necessary_a but_o yet_o i_o maintain_v that_o it_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o least_o necessary_a thing_n in_o religion_n and_o to_o prove_v this_o i_o need_v but_o allege_v the_o difference_n which_o be_v make_v between_o knowledge_n profession_n and_o confidence_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o good_a work_n the_o three_o first_o be_v general_o press_v and_o recomend_v in_o another_o manner_n than_o the_o last_o as_o to_o knowledge_n it_o be_v not_o without_o reason_n represent_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o man_n must_v know_v and_o believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o whoever_o deny_v any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v exclude_v from_o salvation_n this_o necessity_n be_v extend_v to_o many_o doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o importance_n with_o fundamental_a truth_n many_o question_n be_v determine_v and_o all_o these_o decision_n be_v make_v article_n of_o faith_n if_o any_o one_o raise_v any_o doubt_n about_o they_o he_o be_v treat_v as_o a_o heretic_n and_o people_n cry_v out_o as_o if_o religion_n be_v upon_o the_o brink_n of_o ruin_n so_o that_o upon_o this_o head_n extreme_a severity_n be_v use_v every_o fault_n be_v capital_a and_o no_o allowance_n be_v make_v for_o humane_a infirmity_n as_o to_o outward_a profession_n the_o necessity_n of_o it_o be_v open_o maintain_v and_o not_o without_o just_a cause_n in_o this_o point_n man_n duty_n and_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v rigorous_o press_v the_o least_o dissemble_a of_o a_o man_n belief_n the_o least_o act_n of_o unlawful_a worship_n be_v call_v apostasy_n it_o be_v declare_v that_o man_n be_v bind_v upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o forsake_v and_o suffer_v all_o rather_o than_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o their_o conscience_n in_o relation_n to_o this_o nothing_o be_v remit_v or_o soften_v and_o the_o weak_a and_o timorous_a be_v no_o way_n indulge_v as_o to_o confidence_n it_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o make_v people_n conceive_v that_o it_o be_v the_o more_o effectual_a to_o salvation_n the_o firm_a it_o be_v and_o the_o more_o remove_v from_o doubt_n the_o great_a sinner_n rely_v bold_o upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o do_v not_o question_n but_o that_o he_o have_v a_o right_a to_o apply_v to_o himself_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n provide_v he_o believe_v that_o be_v to_o say_v as_o it_o be_v mean_v so_o he_o have_v but_o confidence_n enough_o but_o when_o the_o practice_n of_o good_a work_n be_v discourse_v of_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o press_v with_o the_o same_o rigour_n that_o zeal_n which_o upon_o all_o other_o head_n hearken_v to_o no_o accommodation_n become_v here_o very_o tractable_a and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o remissness_n appear_v as_o to_o this_o article_n the_o doctrine_n be_v press_v public_a profession_n be_v strict_o enforce_v and_o confidence_n be_v high_o recommend_v but_o it_o be_v say_v that_o moral_a duty_n must_v not_o be_v so_o severe_o urge_v and_o that_o something_o be_v to_o be_v allow_v for_o humane_a frailty_n and_o yet_o it_o seem_v that_o as_o the_o scripture_n inculcate_n nothing_o so_o much_o as_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n so_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o insist_v as_o much_o at_o least_o upon_o this_o point_n as_o upon_o any_o other_o and_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v rank_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o low_a degree_n and_o among_o the_o least_o necessary_a thing_n one_o will_v think_v likewise_o that_o the_o press_a sanctification_n be_v to_o require_v nothing_o of_o man_n but_o what_o be_v as_o easy_a if_o not_o more_o than_o certain_a other_o duty_n which_o be_v absolute_o impose_v on_o they_o upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n such_o as_o the_o forsake_v all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o death_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n but_o without_o enlarge_n upon_o this_o subject_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n do_v not_o believe_v that_o holiness_n be_v so_o essential_a a_o part_n of_o religion_n as_o it_o real_o be_v and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n from_o whence_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v neglect_v the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n but_o there_o be_v some_o prejudices_fw-la which_o do_v yet_o more_o direct_o attack_v piety_n and_o they_o be_v those_o which_o people_n entertain_v concern_v piety_n and_o morality_n itself_o i_o shall_v instance_n this_o first_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v that_o morality_n be_v not_o of_o such_o great_a moment_n in_o religion_n who_o speak_v of_o it_o with_o contempt_n and_o cry_v it_o down_o and_o who_o unreasonable_o set_v faith_n in_o opposition_n to_o goodwork_n maintain_v that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o believe_v and_o that_o those_o who_o insist_v upon_o moral_n do_v not_o apprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o one_o will_v think_v that_o such_o absurd_a and_o unchristian_a imagination_n shall_v be_v universal_o reject_v but_o because_o whatever_o gratify_v corruption_n be_v usual_o welcome_a to_o man_n these_o opinion_n have_v their_o advocate_n even_o among_o divine_n as_o may_v easy_o be_v show_v from_o the_o print_a work_n of_o some_o author_n who_o seem_v to_o have_v have_v a_o design_n to_o disparage_v goodwork_n and_o to_o oppose_v the_o necessity_n of_o sanctification_n this_o prejudice_n overturn_v the_o foundation_n of_o morality_n by_o destroy_v its_o necessity_n and_o render_v it_o contemptible_a i_o only_o give_v here_o a_o hint_n of_o it_o because_o i_o be_o to_o show_v in_o other_o place_n that_o it_o be_v the_o height_n of_o extravagance_n thus_o to_o set_v up_o faith_n against_o morality_n to_o ascribe_v all_o to_o the_o one_o and_o to_o speak_v but_o very_o slight_o of_o the_o other_o and_o yet_o some_o people_n do_v not_o stop_v here_o they_o think_v it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o insist_v so_o much_o upon_o morality_n nay_o some_o have_v proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o say_v this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o character_n of_o heresy_n i_o confess_v this_o opinion_n be_v not_o very_o common_a it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o people_n nor_o even_o to_o the_o libertine_n none_o but_o a_o few_o conceit_a divine_n have_v have_v the_o face_n to_o maintain_v it_o which_o by_o the_o by_o increase_v the_o scandal_n that_o be_v occasion_v by_o such_o proposition_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o believe_v that_o those_o who_o advance_v they_o qualify_v they_o with_o some_o restriction_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o the_o terrible_a consequence_n which_o flow_v from_o they_o but_o that_o they_o have_v
of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o christianity_n or_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o its_o precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n i_o grant_v then_o that_o corruption_n be_v great_a that_o the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n be_v very_o bad_a and_o that_o in_o all_o probability_n there_o will_v always_o be_v wickedness_n upon_o earth_n but_o that_o this_o corruption_n shall_v be_v always_o the_o same_o so_o that_o no_o reformation_n can_v be_v hope_v be_v what_o can_v be_v maintain_v without_o affront_a religion_n without_o introduce_v fatality_n and_o extinguish_v all_o zeal_n among_o christian_n by_o the_o maxim_n we_o have_v hitherto_o examine_v man_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n be_v either_o of_o no_o great_a necessity_n or_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o there_o be_v some_o other_o which_o represent_v the_o study_n of_o virtue_n as_o dangerous_a so_o that_o here_o vicious_a man_n do_v not_o stand_v bare_o upon_o the_o defensive_a part_n but_o they_o attack_v their_o adversary_n who_o recommend_v the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n 1._o they_o pretend_v that_o we_o can_v insist_v so_o much_o upon_o work_n without_o obscure_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n we_o must_v ascribe_v all_o say_v they_o to_o mercy_n and_o nothing_o to_o our_o own_o righteousness_n there_o be_v no_o true_a christian_n but_o acknowledge_v that_o our_o salvation_n be_v entire_o owe_v to_o the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o reject_v the_o opinion_n which_o attribute_n any_o merit_n to_o goodwork_n it_o be_v that_o mercy_n which_o give_v we_o christ_n for_o our_o redeemer_n and_o our_o salvation_n be_v found_v upon_o that_o redemption_n it_o be_v that_o mercy_n which_o pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o those_o who_o believe_v and_o repent_v and_o which_o bear_v with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o regenerate_v christian_n and_o it_o be_v from_o the_o same_o mercy_n that_o we_o expect_v that_o glorious_a and_o un-merited_n reward_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o heaven_n for_o good_a men._n all_o these_o be_v as_o many_o act_n of_o the_o pure_a mercy_n of_o god_n but_o as_o we_o have_v show_v that_o the_o mercy_n which_o save_v we_o do_v not_o excuse_v we_o from_o goodwork_n so_o the_o necessity_n of_o goodwork_n do_v not_o lessen_v in_o the_o least_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n mercy_n unless_o we_o admit_v that_o there_o be_v contradiction_n in_o scripture_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o sanctification_n do_v perfect_o agree_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n and_o in_o truth_n to_o say_v that_o god_n give_v up_o his_o son_n to_o death_n in_o order_n to_o save_o man_n and_o that_o he_o will_v grant_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n to_o every_o believe_v and_o repent_v sinner_n be_v as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v say_v to_o magnify_v the_o divine_a mercy_n except_o we_o shall_v pretend_v that_o god_n will_v be_v more_o merciful_a if_o he_o do_v indifferent_o save_o all_o mankind_n and_o reward_v vice_n and_o virtue_n alike_o but_o this_o will_v be_v a_o horrid_a thought_n and_o no_o less_o than_o downright_a blasphemy_n then_o sinner_n may_v say_v indeed_o let_v we_o continue_v in_o sin_n that_o grace_n may_v abound_v let_v we_o suppose_v that_o a_o prince_n pardon_v a_o rebellious_a subject_n and_o that_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o confer_v the_o great_a honour_n and_o benefit_n upon_o he_o on_o condition_n that_o this_o subject_a shall_v accept_v of_o the_o pardon_n that_o be_v offer_v he_o and_o shall_v relapse_n no_o more_o into_o the_o same_o crime_n will_v any_o man_n be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o say_v that_o the_o clemency_n of_o that_o prince_n will_v be_v much_o great_a if_o he_o do_v grant_v his_o favour_n to_o this_o rebel_n though_o he_o shall_v persist_v in_o his_o crime_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o some_o man_n will_v have_v god_n do_v it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o any_o one_o shall_v think_v to_o honour_n god_n by_o such_o conceit_n as_o do_v not_o only_o injure_v his_o mercy_n but_o his_o other_o perfection_n too_o because_o god_n be_v merciful_a must_v we_o forget_v that_o he_o be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o must_v ascribe_v all_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n what_o then_o must_v we_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o his_o holiness_n his_o justice_n and_o his_o truth_n mu_o what_o the_o scripture_n tell_v of_o these_o last_o perfection_n be_v faint_o and_o tender_o expound_v whilst_o we_o press_v and_o serve_v up_o to_o the_o high_a pitch_n what_o it_o say_v of_o mercy_n as_o to_o what_o be_v add_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o ascribe_v nothing_o to_o our_o own_o righteousness_n it_o be_v unquestionable_o true_a but_o do_v we_o ascribe_v any_o thing_n to_o man_n when_o we_o say_v that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v his_o duty_n and_o to_o accept_v the_o favour_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o bestow_v upon_o he_o can_v any_o man_n say_v that_o the_o rebel_n i_o mention_v just_a now_o be_v the_o author_n of_o his_o own_o happiness_n and_o that_o he_o deserve_v the_o pardon_n grant_v he_o by_o his_o prince_n because_o he_o accept_v of_o it_o and_o fulfil_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v offer_v what_o reason_n then_o have_v a_o man_n to_o value_v himself_o upon_o his_o own_o righteousness_n or_o to_o arrogate_v any_o merit_n to_o himself_o since_o he_o be_v indebt_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n both_o for_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o progress_n of_o his_o sanctification_n in_o short_a we_o shall_v take_v heed_n that_o for_o fear_n of_o ascribe_v any_o thing_n to_o man_n we_o may_v not_o rob_v the_o divine_a grace_n of_o what_o belong_v to_o it_o by_o not_o acknowledge_v its_o gift_n and_o power_n in_o a_o regenerate_v man._n 2._o here_o be_v another_o maxim_n which_o be_v allege_v in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o precede_a and_o which_o aim_v at_o the_o same_o mark_n it_o be_v this_o that_o we_o must_v not_o speak_v so_o much_o of_o goodwork_n lest_o we_o inspire_v man_n with_o pride_n and_o presumption_n and_o to_o support_v this_o maxim_n it_o be_v usual_a to_o run_v out_o upon_o man_n inclination_n to_o pride_n and_o upon_o the_o heinousness_n of_o that_o sin_n but_o this_o maxim_n proceed_v only_o from_o the_o false_a and_o confuse_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v about_o religious_a matter_n either_o this_o maxim_n have_v no_o sense_n at_o all_o or_o else_o it_o mount_v to_o this_o that_o whosoever_o apply_v himself_o to_o holiness_n and_o goodwork_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o pride_n and_o that_o a_o neglect_n of_o virtue_n contain_v a_o man_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o humility_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v holy_a without_o humility_n and_o humble_a without_o holiness_n two_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o most_o ridiculous_a and_o contradictory_n that_o can_v be_v assert_v at_o this_o rate_n it_o will_v be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n and_o more_o safe_a to_o be_v otherwise_o by_o pursue_v virtue_n and_o holiness_n a_o man_n draw_v near_o to_o sin_n and_o to_o the_o great_a of_o sin_n i_o mean_v pride_n and_o by_o neglect_v holiness_n he_o attain_v humility_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a christian_a virtue_n if_o this_o be_v true_a all_o that_o we_o call_v vice_n or_o virtue_n be_v but_o a_o empty_a sound_n it_o be_v much_o that_o man_n shall_v not_o see_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o holiness_n without_o humility_n nor_o humility_n without_o holiness_n that_o where_o there_o be_v holiness_n there_o be_v humility_n and_o pride_n be_v exclude_v and_o that_o where_o pride_n be_v there_o be_v no_o true_a sanctification_n the_o holy_a a_o man_n grow_v he_o become_v the_o more_o humble_a and_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o come_v the_o near_a to_o pride_n by_o proceed_v in_o holliness_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o remove_v the_o far_o from_o it_o the_o instance_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o be_v both_o perfect_o holy_a and_o perfect_o humble_a be_v a_o proof_n that_o humility_n be_v not_o incompatible_a with_o holiness_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o humility_n be_v not_o well_o understand_v there_o be_v many_o who_o conceive_v no_o other_o humility_n but_o that_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o disorder_n of_o a_o vicious_a and_o irregular_a life_n so_o that_o when_o they_o will_v humble_v good_a man_n they_o rank_v they_o among_o the_o vile_a sinner_n they_o make_v they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o wickedness_n and_o abomination_n in_o they_o and_o that_o they_o have_v deserve_v eternal_a damnation_n by_o innumerable_a sin_n which_o they_o have_v commit_v every_o moment_n of_o their_o life_n and_o even_o by_o the_o best_a action_n they_o have_v do_v the_o strong_a expression_n and_o the_o most_o excessive_a hyperbole_n be_v scarce_o sufficient_a to_o
of_o their_o duty_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o profess_v devotion_n and_o piety_n this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a plea_n of_o man_n of_o business_n of_o worldling_n of_o young_a people_n of_o courtier_n of_o military_a man_n and_o of_o a_o great_a many_o beside_o in_o all_o condition_n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o devotion_n they_o cry_v we_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o world_n and_o with_o this_o shift_n they_o not_o only_o think_v themselves_o excusable_a for_o neglect_v piety_n but_o they_o fancy_v they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o neglect_v it_o and_o that_o they_o do_v a_o great_a deal_n if_o they_o observe_v some_o of_o the_o external_n duty_n of_o it_o one_o can_v hardly_o believe_v that_o these_o person_n be_v in_o carnest_n when_o they_o make_v such_o a_o excuse_n it_o astonish_v a_o man_n to_o find_v christian_n who_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o say_v that_o piety_n be_v not_o their_o business_n that_o they_o be_v of_o another_o profession_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o at_o leisure_n to_o be_v devout_a i_o fancy_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o deceive_v those_o who_o who_o allege_v this_o excuse_n 1._o that_o they_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v what_o devotion_n be_v they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o very_a austere_a and_o singular_a way_n of_o live_v from_o whence_o they_o conclude_v that_o but_o few_o people_n be_v able_a to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o it_o and_o so_o they_o turn_v it_o over_o to_o the_o clergy_n to_o woman_n or_o to_o those_o who_o have_v much_o leisure_n i_o have_v observe_v already_o the_o falseness_n of_o this_o prejudice_n and_o show_v that_o piety_n be_v neither_o singular_a nor_o austere_a 2._o the_o other_o cause_n of_o their_o error_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o piety_n be_v every_o body_n business_n and_o that_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v practise_v by_o all_o men._n not_o but_o that_o secular_a occupation_n and_o calling_n do_v frequent_o obstruct_v piety_n and_o engage_v man_n in_o vice_n and_o therefore_o a_o christian_a shall_v never_o be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n as_o thereby_o to_o disable_v himself_o from_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n but_o after_o all_o a_o man_n may_v live_v like_o a_o good_a christian_a in_o any_o lawful_a call_v and_o in_o that_o sense_n proper_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n teach_v they_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n 11._o world_n tit._n ii_o 11._o do_v those_o who_o plead_v it_o for_o a_o excuse_n that_o they_o do_v not_o profess_v devotion_n imagine_v that_o there_o be_v two_o way_n to_o go_v to_o heaven_n the_o one_o for_o devour_v and_o the_o other_o for_o worldly_a man_n the_o one_o narrow_a and_o the_o other_o broad_a do_v they_o think_v that_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n do_v not_o concern_v all_o man_n that_o there_o be_v respect_n of_o person_n with_o god_n or_o that_o he_o dispense_v with_o his_o own_o law_n how_o can_v they_o prove_v these_o distinction_n be_v not_o we_o all_o christian_n have_v not_o we_o all_o be_v baptise_v do_v not_o god_n give_v we_o all_o the_o same_o law_n or_o have_v some_o more_o reason_n to_o love_n god_n than_o other_o and_o ought_v not_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o our_o salvation_n to_o be_v equal_o dear_a to_o we_o all_o i_o grant_v that_o those_o who_o have_v great_a opportunity_n and_o more_o leisure_n than_o other_o aught_o to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o advantage_n but_o i_o maintain_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o none_o stand_v in_o great_a need_n of_o piety_n than_o those_o who_o say_v we_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o world_n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o devotion_n it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o devout_a that_o their_o condition_n be_v very_o sad_a and_o the_o more_o they_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o world_n the_o great_a be_v the_o temptation_n and_o distraction_n to_o which_o they_o be_v liable_a now_o he_o that_o be_v expose_v to_o a_o storm_n have_v need_n take_v more_o care_n than_o he_o who_o enjoy_v a_o calm_a these_o be_v the_o principal_a maxim_n and_o sentiment_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o authorize_v corruption_n whoever_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o be_v say_v and_o do_v in_o the_o world_n must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o these_o and_o the_o like_a maxim_n be_v vent_v abroad_o every_o day_n so_o that_o in_o order_n to_o obstruct_v the_o progress_n of_o corruption_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o undeceive_v man_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o sentiment_n and_o to_o oppose_v that_o criminal_a boldness_n which_o shameful_o corrup_n the_o truth_n of_o reilgion_n and_o turn_n impiety_n into_o religious_a maxim_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n cause_n iu._n the_o abuse_n of_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v a_o dare_a piece_n of_o confidence_n to_o authorize_v corruption_n with_o maxim_n borrow_v from_o religion_n but_o it_o be_v the_o last_o degree_n of_o audaciousness_n and_o impiety_n to_o turn_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o such_o a_o scandalous_a use_n and_o to_o seek_v in_o that_o divine_a book_n pretence_n and_o apology_n for_o vice_n and_o yet_o the_o extravagance_n and_o temerity_n of_o many_o bad_a christian_n come_v up_o to_o this_o pitch_n several_a declaration_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v make_v by_o they_o as_o many_o maxim_n under_o which_o they_o think_v to_o shelter_v themselves_o and_o if_o we_o believe_v they_o there_o be_v nothing_o either_o in_o their_o practice_n or_o opinion_n but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n and_o intention_n of_o god_n himself_o this_o abuse_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o design_v to_o show_v in_o this_o chapter_n to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n and_o it_o can_v he_o too_o serious_o consider_v the_o passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v abuse_v to_o this_o purpose_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o four_o head_n the_o first_o comprehend_v the_o place_n which_o be_v bring_v against_o the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n under_o the_o second_o we_o will_v examine_v those_o declaration_n of_o scripture_n by_o which_o some_o endeavour_n to_o prove_v that_o all_o man_n without_o exception_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o corruption_n which_o subject_n they_o to_o sin_n in_o the_o three_o place_n we_o shall_v answer_v the_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o example_n of_o those_o saint_n who_o sin_n be_v record_v in_o scripture_n and_o last_o we_o shall_v make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o those_o scrippture_n in_o which_o the_o divine_a mercy_n be_v promise_v to_o the_o great_a sinner_n there_o be_v divers_a passage_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v ill_o understand_v lead_v many_o into_o this_o persuasion_n that_o good_a work_n be_v not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o first_o nothing_o be_v more_o confident_o allege_v to_o this_o purpose_n than_o what_o we_o read_v in_o many_o place_n etc._n place_n rom._n iii_o etc._n etc._n that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o our_o work_n no_o doctrine_n be_v more_o clear_o and_o express_o deliver_v in_o the_o gospel_n than_o that_o of_o justification_n by_o faith_n but_o it_o be_v a_o pervert_v of_o this_o doctrine_n to_o conclude_v from_o it_o that_o salvation_n may_v be_v obtain_v without_o good_a work_n this_o conclusion_n must_v needs_o be_v false_a since_o the_o gospel_n enjoin_v good_a work_n as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n st_o paul_n tell_v we_o that_o 14._o that_o heb._n xx._n 14._o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n and_o do_v not_o that_o import_n that_o none_o shall_v be_v save_v without_o holiness_n and_o good_a work_n the_o same_o apostle_n teach_v we_o that_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o man_n shall_v be_v admit_v into_o or_o exclude_v from_o heaven_n god_n will_v have_v a_o regard_n to_o their_o work_n to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n which_o they_o shall_v have_v do_v 6._o do_v rom._n 11._o 6._o god_n will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n 10._o work_n 2_o cor._n v._o 10._o we_o must_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v do_v whether_o good_a or_o bad_a this_o be_v very_o positive_a and_o therefore_o since_o there_o can_v be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o scripture_n here_o be_v enough_o already_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n have_v nothing_o in_o it_o which_o destroy_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n but_o it_o will_v appear_v yet_o less_o difficult_a to_o reconcile_v these_o two_o doctrine_n if_o we_o suppose_v that_o which_o no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o contest_v
in_o sin_n and_o impenitency_n who_o can_v be_v sure_a that_o god_n will_v give_v he_o â—he_n grace_n to_o recover_v himself_o as_o those_o hoâ—y_a man_n do_v those_o who_o presume_v to_o sin_n as_o they_o do_v in_o hope_n that_o they_o shall_v in_o like_a manner_n wipe_v off_o their_o sin_n by_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n reason_n just_a like_o a_o man_n who_o shall_v swallow_v down_o poison_n and_o conclude_v it_o will_v not_o kill_v he_o because_o some_o who_o have_v be_v poison_v have_v escape_v death_n but_o that_o which_o deserve_v here_o our_o great_a consideration_n be_v the_o time_n which_o those_o saineâ—_n live_v in_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o 〈◊〉_d christian_n and_o the_o good_a man_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n man_n before_o christ_n haâ—_n not_o by_o a_o great_a deal_n that_o light_n which_o we_o have_v and_o do_v not_o know_v as_o we_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n our_o saviour_n teacheâ—_n we_o that_o distinction_n when_o he_o say_v 1._o say_v mat._n xii_o 1._o the_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v the_o great_a among_o they_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o woman_n but_o that_o the_o leâ—â—_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v great_a theâ—_n john_n the_o baptist_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o christian_n have_v a_o much_o great_a light_n than_o either_o john_n baptist_n or_o all_o the_o ancient_a prephet_n have_v now_o the_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o piety_n and_o therefore_o christian_n ought_v to_o excel_v the_o jew_n in_o holiness_n what_o god_n do_v bear_v with_o as_o that_o time_n will_v be_v in_o we_o altogether_o intoleable_a and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o imitate_v the_o ancient_n in_o their_o vice_n when_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o surpass_v their_o virtue_n this_o principle_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o without_o it_o we_o can_v hardly_o silence_v profane_a person_n a_o libertine_n insist_v upon_o precedent_n will_v say_v that_o polygamy_n he_o keep_v of_o concubine_n murder_n divorce_v upon_o the_o slight_a pretence_n and_o such_o like_a disorder_n be_v not_o so_o criminal_a as_o they_o be_v imagine_v to_o be_v he_o will_v produce_v the_o instance_n of_o abraham_n and_o jacob_n of_o the_o judge_n of_o israel_n of_o david_n and_o the_o jew_n far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o detract_v from_o the_o honour_n and_o praise_v due_a to_o those_o ancient_a worthy_n they_o have_v do_v much_o for_o the_o time_n they_o live_v in_o but_o god_n forbid_v too_o that_o we_o shall_v lessen_v the_o glory_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n if_o we_o speak_v like_o christian_n we_o will_v say_v that_o god_n in_o his_o goodness_n do_v pass_v over_o many_o thing_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o time_n and_o of_o the_o natural_a temper_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v a_o gross_a and_o carnal_a people_n our_o saviour_n answer_n to_o the_o pharisee_n coneern_v divorce_n be_v very_o much_o to_o our_o purpose_n xix_o purpose_n mat._n xix_o moses_n suffer_v you_o to_o put_v away_o your_o wife_n but_o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o then_o he_o add_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v imitate_v the_o jew_n and_o do_v that_o which_o have_v be_v do_v and_o tolerate_v till_o then_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o adultery_n we_o may_v easy_o apply_v this_o answer_n to_o the_o instance_n of_o st._n peter_n since_o before_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n the_o apostle_n be_v weak_a as_o yet_o and_o possess_v with_o various_a prejudices_fw-la but_o i_o think_v myself_o bind_v to_o add_v a_o word_n or_o two_o concern_v the_o example_n of_o st._n paul_n because_o it_o be_v common_o mistake_v that_o apostle_n say_v 15._o say_v 1_o tim._n i._n 13_o 15._o that_o he_o be_v a_o blasphemer_n a_o persecutor_n who_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v a_o apostle_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n at_o the_o first_o hear_v of_o these_o word_n many_o imagine_v that_o st._n paul_n have_v be_v a_o profligate_n man_n a_o swearer_n and_o a_o godless_a wretch_n and_o yet_o he_o mean_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o he_o have_v once_o persecute_v the_o church_n for_o otherwise_o st._n paul_n before_o his_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n be_v a_o good_a man_n and_o his_o life_n be_v blameless_a and_o exemplary_a for_o this_o he_o appeal_v to_o god_n and_o the_o jew_n act_n xxiii_o 1._o and_o xxvi_o 4._o if_o he_o do_v persecute_v the_o church_n then_o it_o be_v through_o a_o blind_a zeal_n and_o ignorance_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n as_o he_o tell_v we_o himself_o ver_fw-la 13._o he_o obtain_v mercy_n from_o god_n be_v not_o this_o quite_o another_o case_n than_o that_o of_o those_o christian_n who_o know_o and_o wilful_o allow_v themselves_o in_o sin_n it_o be_v another_o mistake_n to_o make_v st._n paul_n say_v as_o some_o do_v that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a of_o sinner_n he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o say_v only_o that_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a or_o the_o first_o of_o those_o sinner_n who_o jesus_n christ_n do_v save_v his_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o hold_v the_o first_o rank_n among_o convert_a sinner_n that_o he_o be_v a_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o that_o jesus_n have_v begin_v by_o he_o to_o show_v his_o clemency_n and_o goodness_n thus_o he_o explain_v himself_o verse_n 16._o for_o this_o cause_n say_v he_o i_o obtain_v mercy_n that_o in_o i_o first_o jesus_n christ_n may_v show_v forth_o all_o long-suffering_a for_o a_o pattern_n to_o they_o which_o shall_v hereafter_o believe_v on_o he_o this_o be_v exact_o what_o he_o mean_v for_o as_o to_o what_o some_o imagine_v that_o st._n paul_n out_o of_o humility_n acknowledge_v himself_o the_o great_a of_o all_o sinner_n i_o think_v that_o explication_n be_v wrong_a and_o that_o it_o neither_o agree_v with_o truth_n nor_o piety_n nor_o good_a sense_n a_o good_a man_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o think_v himself_o worse_o than_o the_o great_a sinner_n on_o the_o contrary_a he_o ought_v to_o bless_v god_n for_o that_o good_a which_o the_o divine_a grace_n have_v wrought_v if_o he_o but_o as_o the_o last_o refuge_n of_o sinner_n be_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n so_o they_o common_o abuse_v those_o place_n which_o set_v forth_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o mercy_n they_o find_v this_o principal_o upon_o these_o word_n where_o sin_n do_v abound_v grace_n do_v much_o more_o abound_v under_o the_o covert_a of_o this_o short_a sentence_n the_o most_o flagitious_a sinner_n think_v themselves_o safe_a but_o the_o bare_a read_n of_o st._n paul_n discourse_n will_v soon_o convince_v we_o that_o this_o be_v to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n into_o a_o false_a and_o pernicious_a sense_n the_o apostle_n design_n be_v to_o show_v that_o all_o man_n be_v render_v sinner_n in_o adam_n and_o by_o the_o law_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v so_o great_a that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o save_o they_o through_o jesus_n christ_n in_o order_n to_o establish_v this_o truth_n he_o have_v prove_v thâ—_n before_o christ_n sin_n and_o death_n reign_v erery_a where_n not_o only_o among_o the_o heathen_a but_o also_o among_o the_o jew_n upon_o this_o â—â—adds_n that_o where_o sin_n do_v abound_v grace_n â—â—mercy_o more_o abound_v to_o signify_v god_n hauâ—â—â—_n mercy_n on_o they_o when_o they_o be_v involve_v in_o sin_n and_o death_n in_o a_o word_n st._n pâ—â—_n set_v the_o happy_a condition_n to_o which_o mâ—â—_n be_v advance_v by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o which_o they_o be_v in_o before_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o place_n and_o the_o drift_n of_o the_o whole_a epistle_n can_v any_o one_o infer_v from_o thence_o that_o now_o we_o may_v free_o sin_n and_o that_o grace_n will_v exert_v in_o self_n reward_v we_o whatever_o sin_n we_o may_v commit_v it_o be_v fit_a to_o observe_v beside_o that_o whiâ—â—_n st._n paul_n speak_v of_o grace_n he_o do_v not_o only_o mean_v the_o pardon_v but_o likewise_o the_o sanctify_a grace_n which_o destroy_v the_o pretention_n of_o the_o libertine_n the_o apoâ—â—_n himself_o confute_v it_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o vehemence_n he_o foresee_v that_o some_o will_v ague_n like_o those_o we_o now_o contend_v with_o aâ—â—_n he_o make_v this_o objection_n to_o himself_o 12._o himself_o rom._n 6.1_o 2_o 3_o 11_o 12._o whâ—â—_n then_o shall_v we_o continue_v in_o sin_n that_o grace_n may_v bound_v and_o this_o be_v his_o answer_n god_n forbid_v how_o shall_v we_o that_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n live_v 〈◊〉_d long_o therein_o we_o who_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n death_n that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n reckon_v you_o also_o yourselves_o dead_a unto_o sin_n but_o alive_a unto_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n let_v not_o sin_n therefore_o reign_v in_o your_o mortal_a body_n
that_o you_o shall_v obey_v it_o in_o the_o lust_n hereof_o the_o apostle_n pursue_v these_o exhortation_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n 2._o the_o promise_n and_o instance_n of_o god_n mercy_n be_v frequent_o also_o take_v in_o a_o sense_n which_o favour_v corruption_n and_o security_n all_o that_o the_o gospel_n say_v upon_o this_o head_n be_v interpret_v by_o vicious_a man_n as_o if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o give_v man_n a_o licence_n to_o sin_n to_o this_o purpose_n the_o instance_n of_o that_o woman_n who_o be_v a_o sinner_n of_o zacheus_n and_o the_o convert_a thief_n be_v often_o allege_v as_o likewise_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n of_o the_o publican_n and_o of_o the_o labourer_n and_o from_o these_o instance_n as_o well_o as_o from_o our_o saviour_n declaration_n 11.13_o declaration_n mat._n 11.13_o that_o he_o be_v not_o come_v to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n it_o be_v conclude_v that_o the_o great_a sinner_n may_v obtain_v salvation_n as_o well_o as_o the_o just_a but_o if_o those_o who_o quote_v these_o instance_n do_v narrow_o examine_v they_o they_o will_v read_v in_o they_o their_o own_o condemnation_n for_o first_o all_o these_o sinner_n mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n do_v repent_v and_o be_v convert_v that_o woman_n who_o have_v be_v a_o notorious_a sinner_n express_v the_o most_o lively_a sorrow_n the_o publican_n smite_v his_o breast_n the_o prodigal_n come_v to_o himself_o again_o and_o detest_v his_o former_a excess_n zacheus_n if_o he_o be_v a_o unjust_a man_n restore_v fourfold_a from_o these_o instance_n we_o may_v very_o well_o infer_v that_o god_n never_o reject_v return_v sinner_n but_o even_o this_o be_v a_o invincible_a argument_n that_o there_o be_v no_o mercy_n for_o those_o who_o persist_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o that_o too_o in_o hope_n of_o pardon_n beside_o we_o must_v know_v that_o our_o saviour_n design_n in_o all_o these_o parable_n and_o instance_n be_v to_o inform_v man_n that_o he_o be_v come_v to_o invite_v the_o great_a sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o especial_o to_o let_v the_o jew_n understand_v that_o for_o all_o the_o high_a opinion_n they_o have_v of_o their_o own_o dignity_n and_o merit_n the_o heathen_n who_o live_v in_o the_o great_a corruption_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o god_n covenaâ—_n and_o to_o have_v a_o share_n in_o his_o favour_n which_o actual_o happen_v to_o all_o those_o heathen_n who_o do_v believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n these_o instance_n and_o parable_n then_o represent_v the_o stare_v man_n be_v in_o at_o that_o time_n and_o not_o the_o state_n of_o those_o who_o be_v enter_v already_o into_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o can_v never_o be_v say_v too_o much_o nor_o remember_v too_o often_o in_o the_o read_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o those_o heathen_n who_o never_o hear_v a_o word_n of_o god_n or_o jesus_n christâ—_n and_o christian_n who_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o church_n and_o live_v in_o the_o covenant_n with_o god_n thus_o i_o think_v i_o have_v examine_v those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v most_o common_o abuse_v by_o the_o libertine_n if_o i_o have_v omit_v any_o i_o hope_v what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o this_o chapter_n may_v serve_v to_o suggest_v pertinent_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o they_o cause_n v._o a_o false_a modesty_n corruption_n be_v not_o whole_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o that_o ignorance_n or_o to_o those_o prejudices_fw-la and_o loose_a opinion_n which_o prevail_v among_o christian_n for_o man_n do_v not_o always_o sin_n through_o want_n of_o knowledge_n or_o out_o of_o mere_a wantonness_n and_o libertinism_n there_o be_v many_o who_o acknowledge_v the_o viciousness_n of_o the_o age_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o yet_o they_o neglect_v their_o dury_n entire_o or_o at_o least_o they_o be_v very_o remiss_a in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o act_v for_o the_o most_o part_n against_o their_o own_o persuasion_n there_o must_v be_v then_o other_o spring_n of_o corruption_n in_o man_n beside_o those_o which_o we_o have_v hitherto_o discover_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o search_v into_o these_o and_o to_o find_v out_o if_o possible_a why_o many_o person_n who_o want_v no_o instruction_n and_o be_v solicit_v by_o the_o motion_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n to_o embrace_v the_o side_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n do_v not_o withstand_v continue_v in_o vice_n and_o corruption_n this_o seem_v to_o proceed_v chief_o from_o two_o disposition_n which_o man_n be_v common_o iâ—_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o be_v restrain_v by_o a_o ill_a shame_n from_o act_v suitable_o to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o put_v off_o their_o conversion_n hope_v that_o they_o shall_v one_o day_n make_v up_o all_o the_o irregularity_n of_o their_o conduct_n by_o repentance_n i_o look_v upon_o these_o two_o disposition_n as_o two_o of_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o corruption_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v in_o may_v be_v proper_a to_o consider_v they_o both_o distinct_o i_o design_v to_o treat_v of_o false_a modesty_n in_o this_o chapter_n and_o to_o show_v 1._o the_o nature_n and_o 2._o the_o effect_n of_o it_o 1._o by_o false_a modesty_n i_o mean_v that_o shame_n which_o hinder_v man_n to_o do_v that_o which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n i_o call_v this_o shame_n vicious_a or_o illl_v to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o another_o kind_n of_o shame_n which_o be_v good_a and_o commendable_a which_o consist_v in_o be_v ashamed_a to_o do_v ill_a thing_n if_o false_a shame_n be_v a_o source_n of_o corruption_n that_o other_o shame_n which_o restrain_v from_o evil_a be_v a_o principle_n of_o virtue_n and_o a_o preservative_n against_o sin_n and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o careful_o cherish_v and_o maintain_v as_o vicious_a shame_n shall_v be_v avoid_v or_o shake_v off_o for_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o commendable_a shame_n be_v go_v innocency_n be_v irrecoverable_o lose_v it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o character_n of_o sinner_n in_o scripture_n that_o their_o wickedness_n raise_v no_o blush_a or_o confusion_n in_o they_o i_o say_v then_o that_o this_o false_a shame_n keep_v man_n from_o do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n what_o they_o know_v and_o approve_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v under_o that_o notion_n particular_o that_o i_o be_o to_o consider_v it_o here_o it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n to_o speak_v of_o that_o shame_n which_o arise_v from_o ignorance_n or_o contempt_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o those_o profane_a and_o worldly_a man_n who_o because_o they_o do_v not_o know_v religion_n or_o judge_v it_o unworthy_a of_o their_o application_n think_v it_o a_o disgrace_n to_o follow_v its_o maxim_n i_o refer_v such_o man_n to_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n and_o to_o some_o further_a consideration_n which_o i_o be_o to_o insist_v upon_o elsewhere_o the_o shame_n i_o speak_v of_o at_o present_a suppose_v some_o knowledge_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o some_o value_n for_o and_o inclination_n to_o piety_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v how_o dangerous_a the_o effect_n of_o that_o shame_n be_v and_o how_o important_a it_o be_v to_o know_v and_o observe_v they_o since_o it_o seduce_v and_o corrupt_v even_o those_o who_o be_v none_o of_o the_o worst_a man_n and_o of_o who_o otherwise_o we_o may_v reasonable_o hope_v well_o now_o to_o apprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o vicious_a shame_n it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o shame_v common_o spring_v from_o two_o cause_n sometime_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o be_v ashamed_a of_o or_o from_o the_o opinion_n we_o have_v of_o it_o thus_o man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o thing_n which_o either_o be_v or_o appear_v dishonest_a in_o their_o nature_n but_o sometime_o also_o shame_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o regard_n we_o bear_v to_o other_o man_n judgement_n and_o then_o we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o do_v thing_n which_o may_v bring_v contempt_n upon_o we_o and_o disgrace_v we_o in_o the_o world_n one_o may_v soon_o perceive_v that_o the_o shame_n that_o be_v vicious_a do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o first_o of_o these_o cause_n religion_n have_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o be_v shameful_a arid_a dishonest_a for_o far_o from_o that_o it_o be_v of_o all_o thing_n the_o most_o comely_a and_o honourable_a and_o the_o most_o worthy_a of_o a_o man_n and_o it_o appear_v such_o even_o to_o those_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o a_o groundless_a shame_n dare_v not_o practice_v the_o rule_n of_o it_o the_o true_a cause_n then_o of_o this_o false_a modesty_n be_v a_o feeble_a regard_n to_o man_n judgement_n and_o a_o fear_n of_o fall_v under_o their_o contempt_n
what_o he_o say_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o these_o together_o make_v up_o above_o the_o half_n of_o mankind_n upon_o this_o i_o ask_v even_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v time_n enough_o for_o a_o man_n to_o repent_v when_o he_o see_v death_n come_v whether_o it_o will_v not_o be_v folly_n and_o madness_n for_o he_o to_o venture_v his_o salvation_n upon_o the_o hope_n of_o repent_v then_o it_o seem_v to_o many_o that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o drive_v sinner_n into_o despair_n to_o tell_v they_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o build_v the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n upon_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v in_o the_o extremity_n of_o life_n but_o what_o i_o have_v say_v just_a now_o prove_v evident_o that_o if_o salvation_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o manner_n of_o die_v man_n must_v live_v in_o continual_a fear_n and_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o '_o desperation_n since_o their_o salvation_n will_v depend_v upon_o a_o thing_n which_o the_o half_n of_o mankind_n can_v reckon_v upon_o on_o the_o contrary_a nothing_o be_v more_o comfortable_a to_o man_n than_o to_o know_v that_o god_n grant_v they_o their_o whole_a life_n to_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n in_o and_o that_o if_o they_o improve_v to_o that_o purpose_n the_o leisure_n and_o convenience_n they_o have_v their_o death_n will_v be_v happy_a which_o way_n soever_o it_o may_v happen_v but_o though_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v not_o true_a and_o though_o all_o may_v assure_v themselves_o that_o they_o shall_v perceive_v the_o approach_n of_o death_n and_o have_v time_n to_o prepare_v for_o that_o last_o passage_n yet_o what_o certainty_n have_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o that_o opportunity_n and_o that_o their_o conversion_n will_v not_o be_v most_o difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a conversion_n be_v not_o wrought_v without_o god_n interpose_v by_o those_o mean_n which_o grace_n use_v for_o that_o end_n and_o can_v any_o man_n flatter_v himself_o with_o the_o hope_n that_o these_o mean_n shall_v be_v offer_v he_o to_o the_o last_o and_o that_o god_n in_o his_o just_a anger_n will_v not_o withdraw_v they_o from_o he_o there_o be_v neither_o particular_a revelation_n nor_o general_n promise_v to_o give_v such_o assurance_n to_o any_o man_n live_v so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o god_n tell_v we_o many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n which_o leave_v no_o ground_n for_o hope_n to_o those_o who_o abuse_v his_o mercy_n but_o further_a what_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v do_v in_o favour_n of_o a_o harden_a sinner_n at_o the_o time_n of_o death_n when_o god_n have_v make_v use_n of_o the_o preach_a of_o his_o word_n of_o exhortation_n promise_n threaten_n inward_a suggestion_n and_o motion_n of_o his_o grace_n when_o god_n i_o say_v have_v use_v all_o these_o mean_n for_o twenty_o thirty_o or_o forty_o year_n without_o any_o success_n i_o can_v apprehend_v what_o man_n expect_v that_o he_o shall_v do_v more_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o can_v by_o a_o particular_a dispensation_n by_o sudden_a inspiration_n by_o a_o kind_n of_o miracle_n convert_v a_o sinner_n in_o his_o last_o minute_n i_o will_v not_o dispute_v what_o god_n can_v do_v but_o i_o will_v not_o scruple_n to_o say_v that_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o grace_n conversion_n be_v not_o wrought_v by_o sudden_a and_o miraculous_a inspiration_n the_o gospel_n speak_v of_o nothing_o like_o that_o and_o those_o who_o look_v for_o such_o miracle_n have_v best_o see_v what_o they_o find_v their_o hope_n upon_o it_o be_v certain_a beside_o that_o repentance_n be_v most_o difficult_a on_o man_n part_n when_o he_o be_v at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n if_o a_o man_n have_v live_v in_o ignorance_n and_o vice_n be_v he_o not_o in_o great_a danger_n of_o die_v ignorant_a and_o harden_a how_o will_v he_o perform_v duty_n then_o of_o which_o he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o notion_n can_v a_o man_n at_o that_o time_n change_v his_o ill_a inclination_n and_o shake_v of_o his_o vicious_a habit_n of_o a_o sudden_a all_o those_o who_o have_v apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n know_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o conquest_n i_o will_v not_o say_v of_o many_o but_o of_o one_o single_a vice_n have_v require_v both_o time_n and_o assiduous_a and_o constant_a care_n vicious_a habit_n be_v not_o to_o be_v destroy_v but_o by_o degree_n and_o good_a one_o be_v acquire_v only_o by_o reiterated_a acts._n it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o man_n nature_n that_o this_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o a_o instant_a how_o can_v any_o one_o then_o reckon_v that_o so_o considerable_a a_o change_n as_o that_o which_o true_a conversion_n require_v will_v be_v effect_v in_o the_o short_a time_n of_o a_o sickness_n and_o if_o this_o be_v possible_a and_o through_o great_a endeavour_n may_v be_v do_v yet_o can_v any_o man_n assure_v himself_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v then_o all_o that_o freedom_n and_o all_o that_o strength_n of_o mind_n and_o body_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o set_v about_o this_o general_a reformation_n be_v the_o time_n of_o sickness_n wherein_o a_o man_n be_v so_o much_o sink_v and_o have_v the_o least_o either_o of_o leisure_n or_o strength_n so_o very_o sit_v for_o a_o business_n of_o this_o importance_n all_o that_o a_o man_n can_v do_v then_o be_v to_o betake_v himself_o to_o some_o confuse_a and_o abrupt_a devotion_n the_o ordinary_a refuge_n of_o those_o sinner_n who_o have_v live_v in_o a_o state_n of_o obduration_n but_o will_v that_o serve_v the_o turn_n be_v some_o hasty_a reflection_n upon_o a_o man_n past_a life_n some_o act_n of_o contrition_n some_o prayer_n proceed_v from_o trouble_n and_o agony_n and_o extort_a only_o by_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n some_o sob_n and_o groan_v indistinct_o breathe_v up_o to_o heaven_n be_v these_o i_o say_v sufficient_a to_o make_v amends_o for_o all_o that_o be_v past_a to_o extirpate_v many_o inveterate_a habit_n and_o to_o secure_v to_o a_o sinner_n a_o eternity_n of_o bliss_n i_o shall_v add_v two_o consideration_n which_o be_v convince_v and_o can_v be_v contest_v 1._o by_o grow_v in_o year_n man_n lose_v the_o sense_n and_o remembrance_n of_o their_o sin_n age_n and_o custom_n produce_v this_o effect_n except_v some_o extraordinary_a sin_n which_o can_v be_v forget_v most_o man_n do_v not_o remember_v their_o fault_n and_o how_o shall_v they_o remember_v they_o since_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o do_v not_o perceive_v when_o they_o commit_v they_o we_o daily_o see_v man_n who_o will_v lie_v and_o swear_v and_o fly_v out_o into_o passion_n almost_o every_o minute_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o reflect_v upon_o it_o nay_o they_o think_v themselves_o free_a from_o those_o fault_n this_o error_n proceed_v so_o far_o that_o some_o very_a great_a sinner_n who_o be_v live_v in_o criminal_a practice_n fancy_n themselves_o pious_a and_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n now_o since_o the_o custom_n of_o sin_v do_v blind_a man_n to_o such_o a_o degree_n be_v it_o likely_a that_o after_o they_o have_v spend_v their_o life_n in_o this_o security_n they_o will_v effectual_o repent_v at_o their_o death_n can_v a_o man_n repent_v who_o do_v not_o know_v the._n reason_n why_o he_o shall_v who_o doc_v not_o feel_v or_o have_v forget_v his_o sin_n and_o who_o think_v beside_o that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o good_a state_n and_o that_o he_o need_v no_o repentance_n 2._o if_o repentance_n suppose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o sin_n it_o suppose_v beside_o a_o hatred_n of_o it_o but_o hew_v ho_o have_v love_v sin_n to_o the_o last_o be_v less_o able_a than_o to_o hate_v than_o he_o be_v to_o know_v his_o sin_n i_o can_v comprehend_v how_o a_o man_n who_o have_v love_v the_o world_n all_o his_o life_n who_o have_v make_v it_o his_o only_a delight_n and_o study_v to_o gratify_v his_o lust_n and_o who_o have_v always_o be_v cold_a and_o indifferent_a towards_o religion_n shall_v when_o death_n appear_v sudden_o change_v his_o inclination_n hate_v what_o he_o love_v and_o love_v what_o till_o then_o he_o look_v upon_o with_o indifference_n so_o quick_a a_o passage_n from_o the_o love_n to_o the_o hatred_n of_o sin_n be_v very_o rare_a the_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n and_o the_o hatred_n of_o it_o be_v always_o faint_a and_o weak_a in_o the_o beginning_n of_o repentance_n even_o in_o those_o who_o repent_v sincere_o conversion_n proceed_v by_o degree_n a_o man_n must_v have_v discontinue_v sin_v and_o be_v already_o settle_v in_o the_o habit_n of_o virtue_n before_o he_o can_v have_v a_o strong_a aversion_n to_o sin_n and_o what_o kind_n of_o repentance_n then_o can_v that_o be_v which_o begin_v in_o the_o extremity_n of_o life_n 1._o but_o here_o it_o be_v object_v first_o that_o god_n be_v always_o
ready_a to_o restore_v the_o great_a sinner_n to_o his_o favour_n when_o they_o have_v recourse_n to_o his_o mercy_n and_o that_o there_o be_v express_a promise_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o assure_v we_o of_o this_o i_o grant_v it_o god_n never_o reject_v a_o repent_a sinner_n but_o before_o a_o man_n can_v build_v upon_o this_o the_o hope_n of_o be_v receive_v into_o god_n favour_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n he_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o he_o shall_v then_o sincere_o repent_v now_o i_o think_v i_o have_v demonstrate_v that_o this_o be_v what_o no_o man_n can_v depend_v upon_o as_o to_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o repentance_n in_o the_o gospel_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v apply_v in_o a_o good_a sense_n to_o all_o sinner_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v make_v in_o favour_n of_o those_o who_o god_n be_v to_o call_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o chief_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o heathen_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v to_o assure_v all_o man_n that_o the_o sin_n they_o have_v commit_v shall_v not_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n provide_v they_o do_v sincere_o mourn_v for_o they_o and_o part_n with_o they_o when_o the_o heathen_n come_v to_o baptism_n nothing_o else_o be_v require_v of_o they_o but_o that_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o make_v a_o solemn_a vow_n of_o be_v holy_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v but_o as_o to_o christian_n it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o god_n demand_v nothing_o of_o they_o but_o repentance_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n for_o he_o call_v they_o to_o holiness_n upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n preach_v repentance_n and_o by_o this_o we_o may_v know_v how_o much_o christianity_n be_v decay_v that_o repentance_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o in_o a_o resolution_n to_o forsake_v they_o be_v the_o duty_n at_o which_o the_o heathen_n begin_v this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n require_v of_o they_o it_o be_v preparatory_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n st._n paul_n vi._n paul_n heb._n vi._n place_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n among_o the_o fundamental_a point_n and_o the_o first_o duty_n in_o which_o the_o catechuman_n be_v instruct_v before_o baptism_n but_o now_o christian_n look_v upon_o repentance_n as_o the_o duty_n with_o which_o they_o be_v to_o end_v their_o life_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o design_v to_o end_v where_o the_o heathen_n begin_v and_o to_o enter_v heaven_n at_o the_o same_o gate_n which_o admit_v pagan_n into_o the_o church_n 2._o it_o will_v be_v say_v further_o that_o sometime_o man_n who_o have_v live_v in_o sin_n die_v to_o all_o appearance_n in_o very_o good_a disposition_n to_o this_o i_o reply_v that_o we_o see_v a_o great_a many_o more_o of_o those_o person_n who_o die_v in_o a_o state_n of_o insensibility_n and_o that_o by_o consequence_n a_o sinner_n who_o put_v off_o his_o repentance_n have_v more_o reason_n to_o fear_v than_o to_o hope_v for_o who_o have_v tell_v he_o that_o the_o fate_n of_o these_o last_o will_v not_o be_v his_o and_o what_o sure_a presage_v can_v there_o be_v of_o so_o tragical_a a_o death_n than_o the_o present_a hardness_n of_o his_o heart_n beside_o i_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o it_o happen_v frequent_o as_o the_o objection_n seem_v to_o suppose_v that_o person_n who_o have_v live_v ill_o be_v well_o dispose_v when_o they_o die_v if_o repentance_n can_v be_v save_v and_o effectual_a when_o it_o begin_v only_o upon_o a_o deathbed_n every_o body_n must_v own_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o lively_a and_o deep_a attend_v with_o demonstration_n of_o the_o most_o bitter_a sorrow_n and_o with_o all_o the_o proof_n that_o a_o die_a man_n can_v give_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o conversion_n but_o we_o do_v not_o see_v many_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n there_o be_v but_o few_o great_a sinner_n who_o express_v a_o lively_a compunction_n at_o their_o death_n or_o a_o sincere_a detestation_n of_o their_o sin_n who_o have_v a_o due_a sense_n of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v to_o make_v reparation_n for_o it_o who_o practice_n restitution_n and_o edify_v all_o about_o they_o by_o discharge_v the_o other_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n it_o be_v but_o seldom_o that_o we_o see_v such_o penitent_n beside_o the_o expression_n of_o devotion_n and_o repentance_n which_o be_v use_v by_o die_a man_n be_v not_o always_o sincere_a it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o their_o repentance_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o certain_a emotion_n which_o the_o necessity_n of_o die_v and_o the_o approach_n of_o god_n judgement_n must_v needs_o raise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o every_o man_n who_o have_v his_o wit_n about_o he_o and_o have_v some_o idea_n of_o religion_n nothing_o be_v more_o deceitful_a than_o the_o judge_n of_o a_o man_n by_o what_o he_o either_o say_v or_o do_v when_o he_o be_v under_o the_o effect_n of_o fear_n or_o trouble_n it_o be_v common_o say_v of_o those_o who_o have_v give_v some_o sign_n of_o piety_n upon_o their_o deathbed_n that_o they_o have_v make_v a_o very_a christian_a end_n but_o there_o be_v often_o a_o great_a mistake_n in_o that_o judgement_n and_o to_o be_v satisfy_v of_o it_o we_o need_v but_o observe_v what_o happen_v to_o some_o who_o have_v escape_v death_n or_o some_o eminent_a danger_n while_o the_o peril_n last_v who_o can_v be_v more_o humble_a and_o holy_a than_o they_o they_o show_v so_o much_o devotion_n and_o utter_v such_o discourse_n that_o all_o the_o standard_n by_o be_v edisy_v by_o they_o their_o tear_n their_o prayer_n their_o protestation_n of_o amendment_n in_o a_o word_n their_o whole_a deportment_n have_v in_o all_o appearance_n so_o much_o of_o christian_a zeal_n in_o it_o that_o the_o beholder_n be_v strike_v with_o admiration_n but_o be_v there_o many_o of_o these_o who_o when_o the_o danger_n be_v over_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o disposition_n remember_v their_o promise_n or_o alter_v any_o thing_n in_o their_o former_a course_n of_o life_n almost_o all_o of_o they_o return_v to_o their_o old_a habit_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o calamity_n be_v past_a these_o be_v general_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o repentance_n which_o be_v excite_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n in_o those_o who_o recover_v and_o what_o effect_n then_o can_v it_o have_v in_o respect_n of_o those_o that_o dye_n i_o confess_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o condemn_v any_o body_n but_o i_o think_v we_o shall_v not_o pronounce_v a_o definitive_a sentence_n in_o favour_n of_o those_o who_o have_v lead_v a_o ill_a life_n for_o though_o man_n judgement_n make_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a yet_o it_o may_v have_v a_o very_a pernicious_a effect_n upon_o the_o live_n who_o conclude_v from_o it_o that_o a_o man_n may_v die_v well_o though_o he_o have_v live_v ill_o and_o while_o i_o be_o upon_o this_o subject_a i_o must_v say_v that_o nothing_o contribute_v more_o to_o the_o keep_n up_o of_o these_o dangerous_a opinion_n than_o when_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n commend_v without_o discretion_n the_o piety_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o yet_o this_o be_v frequent_o do_v especial_o in_o great_a town_n and_o in_o the_o court_n of_o prince_n there_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o those_o place_n mean-spirited_n and_o unworthy_a preacher_n who_o prostitute_v their_o tongue_n and_o their_o pen_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o some_o person_n who_o have_v nothing_o of_o christianity_n in_o their_o life_n and_o who_o condition_n shall_v rather_o make_v a_o man_n tremble_v but_o if_o some_o remnant_n of_o shame_n restrain_v they_o from_o carry_v their_o flattery_n so_o far_o as_o to_o commend_v the_o life_n of_o those_o who_o panegyric_n they_o have_v undertake_v then_o they_o seek_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o praise_n in_o some_o sign_n of_o piety_n which_o those_o person_n give_v before_o they_o leave_v the_o world_n now_o i_o dare_v say_v that_o the_o most_o atheistical_a discourse_n and_o the_o corrupte_v maxim_n of_o libertine_n be_v not_o by_o much_o so_o subtle_a a_o poison_n as_o such_o kind_n of_o eulogy_n deliver_v before_o man_n who_o be_v engage_v in_o all_o the_o disorder_n of_o the_o age_n and_o then_o disperse_v through_o the_o world_n 3._o the_o instance_n of_o the_o convert_v thief_n who_o pray_v to_o our_o saviour_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v receive_v into_o paradise_n be_v seldom_o forget_v but_o this_o instance_n be_v general_o very_o ill_o understand_v first_o it_o be_v suppose_v without_o any_o ground_n for_o it_o that_o this_o thief_n repent_v only_o upon_o the_o cross_n and_o that_o his_o conversion_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o sudden_a inspiration_n but_o
of_o good_a thing_n be_v sprinkle_v with_o that_o spirit_n of_o fanaticism_n i_o shall_v not_o stand_v to_o give_v here_o the_o character_n of_o those_o book_n nor_o to_o show_v the_o mischief_n they_o may_v do_v in_o relation_n to_o libertine_n or_o to_o those_o person_n who_o want_v either_o knowledge_n or_o a_o discern_a judgement_n because_o i_o will_v not_o repeat_v what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o mystical_a piety_n part_n i._o cause_n ii_o art_n viii_o 3._o some_o author_n who_o have_v put_v out_o book_n of_o piety_n have_v make_v it_o their_o whole_a business_n to_o administer_v comfort_n those_o who_o read_v their_o work_n may_v easy_o see_v that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o comfortable_a side_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o their_o principal_a design_n be_v to_o fill_v their_o reader_n with_o confidence_n hope_n and_o joy_n without_o doubt_v it_o be_v a_o laudable_a and_o pious_a design_n to_o use_v one_o endeavour_n to_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a and_o particular_o good_a man_n and_o i_o confess_v that_o we_o find_v in_o the_o book_n which_o have_v be_v compose_v with_o that_o view_n many_o edify_a thing_n and_o noble_a sentiment_n of_o piety_n but_o for_o all_o that_o those_o book_n may_v easy_o inspire_v man_n with_o security_n when_o the_o consolation_n which_o they_o dispense_v be_v not_o attend_v with_o great_a circumspection_n and_o prudence_n i_o can_v wish_v that_o all_o those_o who_o have_v publish_v book_n of_o this_o kind_n have_v well_o consider_v these_o two_o follow_a truth_n the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o comfort_n which_o religion_n afford_v belong_v only_o to_o true_a christian_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o comforter_n careful_o to_o distinguish_v person_n and_o to_o mark_v clear_o who_o those_o be_v that_o have_v aright_o to_o religious_a comfort_n the_o second_o be_v that_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o sanctify_v as_o it_o be_v to_o comfort_n man_n nay_o that_o the_o sanctify_a they_o be_v the_o more_o necessary_a of_o the_o two_o because_o holiness_n be_v more_o essential_a to_o a_o good_a man_n than_o consolation_n and_o joy_n and_o also_o because_o man_n be_v much_o more_o incline_v to_o presume_v than_o to_o condemn_v themselves_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v but_o few_o who_o want_v comfort_n in_o comparison_n with_o those_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v testify_v the_o consolation_n of_o which_o the_o book_n of_o piety_n be_v full_a be_v intend_v either_o for_o afflict_a person_n or_o for_o sinner_n as_o for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v better_a to_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o make_v a_o good_a life_n of_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o examine_v and_o amend_v their_o life_n than_o to_o discourse_v to_o they_o upon_o some_o general_a topick_n of_o comfort_n which_o perhaps_o will_v only_o lay_v they_o fast_o asleep_o in_o security_n and_o which_o be_v beside_o general_o misapply_v for_o all_o that_o the_o gospel_n say_v of_o affliction_n be_v common_o lay_v together_o and_o that_o too_o with_o no_o great_a judgement_n and_o what_o be_v say_v only_o of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o faithful_a who_o suffer_v for_o christ_n sake_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o affliction_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o mankind_n it_o be_v much_o more_o necessary_a to_o teach_v man_n how_o to_o die_v well_o than_o to_o fortify_v they_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n nay_o we_o can_v give_v they_o a_o more_o substantial_a comfort_n than_o if_o we_o persuade_v they_o to_o live_v well_o since_o a_o good_a life_n will_v most_o certain_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o happy_a death_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v particular_o cautious_a when_o we_o comfort_v sinner_n and_o give_v they_o assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n for_o if_o this_o be_v not_o do_v with_o great_a circumspection_n we_o may_v easy_o harden_v and_o ruin_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o we_o be_v comfort_v they_o this_o be_v the_o mischief_n of_o those_o book_n which_o speak_v but_o little_a of_o repentance_n and_o insist_v much_o upon_o confidence_n who_o only_a design_n it_o be_v to_o encourage_v the_o great_a sinner_n and_o to_o exhort_v they_o to_o a_o bold_a reliance_n upon_o god_n mercy_n without_o fear_v either_o the_o heinousness_n or_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o sin_n such_o consolation_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o good_a sense_n but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o propose_v with_o due_a explication_n and_o restriction_n vast_a number_n of_o people_n will_v abuse_v they_o that_o which_o have_v be_v write_v by_o some_o author_n in_o book_n of_o devotion_n concern_v sin_n and_o good_a work_n be_v apt_a to_o lead_v man_n into_o this_o fancy_n that_o good_a work_n signify_v nothing_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n and_o that_o sin_n do_v not_o obstruct_v it_o under_o pretence_n of_o answer_v the_o accusation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o the_o law_n these_o author_n enervate_a the_o strong_a argument_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n they_o confute_v the_o declaration_n of_o scripture_n concern_v sanctification_n and_o they_o destroy_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o precept_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o what_o they_o call_v the_o accusation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o the_o law_n be_v sometime_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o just_a apprehension_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n which_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o which_o shall_v be_v cherish_v and_o fortify_v to_o bring_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n instead_o of_o be_v remove_v by_o ill_o dispense_v consolation_n it_o be_v say_v to_o this_o that_o sinner_n be_v not_o to_o be_v drive_v to_o despair_n but_o do_v we_o make_v sinner_n desperate_a by_o say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n when_o real_o they_o be_v not_o do_v we_o not_o comfort_v they_o enough_o when_o we_o exhort_v they_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o god_n mercy_n and_o to_o repent_v what_o if_o we_o shall_v by_o unseasonable_a consolation_n fill_v they_o with_o a_o vain_a and_o groundless_a confidence_n will_v not_o that_o security_n ruin_v they_o more_o certain_o than_o desperation_n to_o make_v man_n fearless_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o undo_v they_o after_o all_o i_o can_v imagine_v why_o people_n shall_v talk_v so_o much_o of_o despair_n and_o seem_v so_o huge_o afraid_a of_o it_o by_o the_o endeavour_n use_v in_o book_n and_o sermon_n to_o keep_v sinner_n from_o it_o one_o will_v think_v that_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o fear_v on_o that_o hand_n and_o that_o nothing_o be_v more_o ordinary_a than_o for_o man_n to_o despair_v of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o unusual_a for_o one_o sinner_n who_o be_v terrify_v with_o his_o sin_n thousand_o be_v undo_v by_o security_n it_o be_v remarkable_a than_o the_o scripture_n speak_v but_o seldom_o of_o despair_n and_o when_o we_o have_v well_o examine_v all_o the_o place_n which_o be_v think_v to_o mention_v it_o we_o shall_v not_o find_v many_o that_o speak_v positive_o of_o it_o many_o churchman_n who_o have_v cure_n of_o soul_n confess_v that_o they_o never_o see_v any_o person_n afflict_v with_o despair_n and_o as_o for_o the_o instance_n which_o be_v allege_v to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o what_o be_v call_v desperation_n be_v common_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o fit_a of_o the_o spleen_n and_o a_o effect_n of_o grief_n and_o melancholy_n so_o that_o those_o who_o make_v long_a discourse_n to_o prevent_v sinner_n fall_v into_o despair_n take_v great_a pain_n to_o little_a purpose_n and_o do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n fight_v with_o a_o shadow_n 4._o there_o be_v another_o fault_n in_o some_o book_n of_o devotion_n quite_o contrary_a to_o this_o i_o have_v now_o observe_v which_o be_v that_o they_o terrify_v their_o reader_n without_o reason_n if_o author_n otherwise_o pious_a and_o learned_a have_v not_o speak_v in_o their_o write_n of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o reprobation_n despair_n the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o some_o other_o matter_n many_o people_n will_v have_v be_v free_a from_o those_o terrible_a fright_v which_o the_o indiscreet_a handle_n of_o those_o subject_n do_v throw_v they_o into_o the_o read_n of_o such_o book_n have_v occasion_v and_o do_v still_o produce_v great_a mischief_n when_o they_o be_v read_v by_o man_n of_o weak_a head_n that_o be_v incline_v to_o melancholy_a and_o the_o number_n of_o such_o person_n be_v very_o considerable_a some_o have_v fancy_v they_o have_v commit_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v possess_v with_o that_o dismal_a thought_n they_o have_v spend_v their_o life_n in_o dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o which_o nothing_o can_v cure_v they_o other_o have_v imagine_v that_o their_o case_n cure_v they_o other_o have_v imagine_v that_o their_o case_n be_v