spoil_n and_o triumph_v of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n now_o by_o the_o wonderful_a power_n of_o the_o almighty_a this_o be_v raise_v up_o again_o out_o of_o its_o own_o ash_n or_o out_o of_o whatever_o more_o desperate_a estate_n it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v in_o and_o unite_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o old_a inmate_n again_o that_o so_o the_o whole_a man_n may_v be_v happy_a this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o felicity_n which_o as_o it_o be_v not_o natural_o due_a to_o man_n but_o depend_v upon_o a_o voluntary_a act_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n so_o also_o it_o can_v no_o otherwise_o be_v prove_v but_o by_o divine_a revelation_n and_o those_o that_o be_v destitute_a of_o that_o light_n whatever_o raise_v apprehension_n they_o may_v have_v of_o future_a reward_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o life_n can_v never_o with_o all_o their_o philosophy_n make_v any_o discovery_n of_o this_o nay_o it_o be_v so_o far_o out_o of_o the_o road_n of_o their_o thought_n that_o it_o be_v a_o well_o know_v story_n of_o synesius_n who_o for_o his_o learning_n and_o piety_n be_v make_v of_o a_o philosopher_n a_o christian_a bishop_n that_o he_o confess_v his_o philosophy_n represent_v this_o point_n as_o utter_o incredible_a to_o he_o upon_o which_o account_n he_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v that_o dignity_n in_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o great_a pagan_a wit_n they_o laugh_v at_o and_o deride_v this_o doctrine_n when_o it_o be_v preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o indeed_o 32._o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v so_o very_o wonderful_a that_o have_v we_o not_o the_o plain_a and_o infallible_a promise_n of_o he_o to_o who_o nothing_o be_v impossible_a and_o therewithal_o a_o satisfaction_n to_o our_o reason_n that_o he_o that_o can_v bring_v all_o thing_n out_o of_o nothing_o at_o first_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v able_a to_o effect_v other_o thing_n also_o above_o our_o apprehension_n it_o will_v stagger_v christian_a faith_n itself_o to_o assent_v to_o it_o therefore_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o we_o must_v leave_v that_o to_o he_o but_o for_o the_o matter_n it_o be_v as_o i_o say_v as_o certain_a as_o divine_a testimony_n can_v make_v it_o and_o be_v believe_v be_v of_o unspeakable_a consolation_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o comfortable_a then_o to_o be_v assert_v from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o grave_n and_o rescue_v from_o death_n and_o mortality_n to_o have_v our_o soul_n refit_v with_o organ_n and_o all_o the_o bodily_a power_n awaken_v again_o so_o as_o to_o lose_v nothing_o by_o our_o fall_n when_o death_n shall_v like_v a_o faithful_a depositary_a restore_v we_o our_o whole_a self_n perfect_a and_o entire_a be_v not_o the_o spring_n very_o pleasant_a after_o a_o sharp_a and_o severe_a winter_n wherein_o though_o the_o seed_n of_o all_o thing_n have_v be_v preserve_v yet_o they_o have_v be_v benumb_v and_o render_v inactive_a wherein_o the_o heaven_n frown_v the_o sea_n wrinkle_v her_o face_n and_o the_o earth_n grow_v effete_a and_o barren_a as_o if_o her_o youth_n be_v over_o to_o see_v now_o god_n renew_v the_o face_n of_o all_o thing_n render_v they_o their_o wont_a vigour_n and_o clothing_n they_o with_o their_o former_a verdure_n to_o observe_v the_o sea_n smooth_v her_o brow_n the_o field_n smile_v every_o thing_n gay_a and_o glorious_a and_o heaven_n and_o earth_n sing_v by_o way_n of_o antiphone_n to_o each_o other_o in_o praise_n of_o their_o great_a creator_n and_o in_o a_o word_n whole_a nature_n triumph_v as_o in_o a_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a but_o now_o to_o see_v man_n after_o disease_n have_v act_v all_o their_o spite_n upon_o he_o and_o death_n have_v deflower_v his_o beauty_n and_o bind_v up_o all_o his_o power_n and_o the_o grave_n have_v hold_v he_o long_o in_o possession_n wherein_o his_o body_n have_v undergo_v a_o thousand_o change_n from_o flesh_n to_o earth_n from_o earth_n to_o grass_n from_o grass_n to_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o or_o that_o beast_n etc._n etc._n and_o after_o all_o this_o to_o see_v he_o restore_v again_o fresh_a and_o glorious_a sprightly_a and_o vigorous_a like_o a_o giant_n refresh_v with_o wine_n and_o this_o same_o body_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o its_o proper_a spirit_n by_o more_o firm_a and_o indissoluble_a ligament_n and_o be_v again_o useful_a for_o all_o its_o office_n and_o purpose_n how_o happy_a must_v this_o meeting_n how_o great_a must_v this_o joy_n be_v and_o not_o much_o unlike_a that_o we_o have_v late_o before_o we_o in_o the_o parable_n when_o the_o long_a sorrowful_a and_o indulgent_a father_n recover_v his_o lose_a and_o deplore_v son_n i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n when_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o their_o body_n be_v able_a to_o understand_v and_o perform_v some_o of_o their_o most_o proper_a and_o spiritual_a function_n for_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o soul_n shall_v so_o much_o depend_v upon_o matter_n as_o to_o be_v utter_o inactive_a without_o it_o especial_o when_o i_o consider_v that_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n we_o govern_v it_o prescribe_v to_o it_o deny_v it_o expose_v it_o to_o hardship_n and_o sometime_o act_v direct_o cross_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o it_o and_o beside_o this_o we_o find_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o our_o mind_n take_v notice_n of_o which_o the_o bodily_a faculty_n can_v give_v no_o intelligence_n of_o and_o other_o thing_n which_o our_o mind_n apprehend_v at_o first_o before_o the_o exercise_n of_o any_o faculty_n at_o all_o as_o in_o first_o principle_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o be_v it_o necessary_a to_o insist_v upon_o that_o point_n now_o will_v afford_v sufficient_a argument_n to_o convince_v the_o mistake_n of_o those_o that_o assert_v the_o sleep_n of_o the_o soul_n during_o its_o state_n of_o separation_n nay_o i_o make_v no_o question_n but_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o good_a man_n be_v in_o the_o actual_a perception_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o some_o measure_n of_o happiness_n before_o the_o resurrection_n for_o beside_o that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o will_v very_o much_o abate_v their_o joy_n here_o and_o so_o be_v apt_a to_o take_v off_o the_o edge_n of_o their_o endeavour_n but_o most_o certain_o it_o will_v marvellous_o glue_v man_n to_o this_o life_n and_o make_v they_o extreme_o unwilling_a to_o die_v beside_o this_o i_o say_v and_o all_o other_o argument_n of_o that_o nature_n the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v so_o clear_a and_o express_v in_o several_a place_n touch_v this_o point_n that_o a_o man_n may_v almost_o with_o as_o good_a confidence_n deny_v the_o world_n to_o come_v as_o disbelieve_v this_o among_o the_o rest_n i_o will_v only_o offer_v these_o two_o passage_n to_o the_o reader_n be_v consideration_n viz._n phil._n 1._o 21_o 22._o &_o 2._o cor._n 5._o 1_o 4._o in_o the_o first_o the_o apostle_n speak_v on_o this_o wise_a i_o be_o in_o a_o strait_a betwixt_o two_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a nevertheless_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v more_o needful_a for_o you_o q._n d._n i_o can_v tell_v whether_o to_o desire_v to_o live_v long_o or_o to_o die_v soon_o be_v press_v with_o argument_n on_o both_o side_n for_o if_o i_o consult_v myself_o and_o my_o own_o good_a it_o be_v doubtless_o better_a for_o i_o to_o die_v and_o to_o enter_v present_o into_o happiness_n but_o then_o if_o i_o consult_v your_o convenience_n it_o be_v better_a i_o shall_v live_v long_o in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v serviceable_a to_o your_o edification_n now_o i_o think_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o the_o apostle_n can_v have_v suppose_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v enter_v into_o a_o state_n of_o silence_n after_o death_n and_o not_o present_o be_v in_o the_o fruition_n of_o bliss_n there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o strait_a in_o the_o case_n nor_o any_o dispute_n but_o that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o live_v still_o in_o the_o world_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o comfort_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o of_o do_v good_a to_o other_o rather_o than_o to_o fall_v into_o a_o state_n of_o insensibility_n and_o inactivity_n in_o the_o other_o place_n the_o same_o apostle_n express_v himself_o thus_o for_o we_o know_v that_o if_o this_o earthly_a house_n of_o our_o tabernacle_n be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o build_n of_o god_n a_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n but_o eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n for_o we_o that_o be_v in_o this_o tabernacle_n do_v groan_v be_v burden_v not_o that_o we_o will_v be_v unclothe_v but_o clothe_v upon_o that_o mortality_n may_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n q._n d._n we_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o from_o such_o time_n as_o these_o body_n of_o we_o be_v dissolve_v by_o death_n which_o be_v
intend_v but_o as_o tent_n or_o tabernacle_n for_o our_o short_a and_o temporary_a residence_n thenceforward_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o more_o settle_a state_n of_o life_n and_o happiness_n and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o groan_v and_o desire_v to_o die_v not_o mere_o because_o we_o be_v weary_a of_o our_o station_n and_o impatient_a of_o this_o present_a life_n but_o because_o we_o have_v then_o hope_v to_o be_v forthwith_o in_o a_o far_o better_a condition_n be_v put_v into_o a_o unalterable_a estate_n of_o life_n notwithstanding_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o which_o it_o will_v nevertheless_o be_v uncomfortable_a to_o good_a man_n if_o they_o have_v not_o a_o prospect_n of_o the_o union_n of_o their_o soul_n again_o with_o their_o body_n not_o only_o because_o few_o man_n be_v so_o metaphysical_a as_o to_o have_v any_o clear_a and_o satisfy_a notion_n of_o this_o separate_a state_n and_o the_o most_o of_o man_n have_v be_v always_o use_v to_o a_o body_n will_v be_v in_o fear_n of_o lose_v their_o be_v if_o they_o be_v not_o relieve_v with_o the_o expectation_n of_o be_v unite_v to_o they_o again_o but_o principal_o because_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o however_o the_o soul_n can_v exist_v and_o perform_v some_o action_n of_o life_n without_o the_o organ_n of_o the_o body_n yet_o it_o be_v create_v in_o a_o middle_a rank_n between_o pure_o spiritual_a and_o mere_o corporeal_a being_n and_o be_v apta_fw-la nata_fw-la fit_a and_o ordain_v to_o inform_v a_o body_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o inclination_n thereunto_o and_o especial_o in_o regard_n most_o of_o its_o accustom_a action_n do_v require_v the_o help_n of_o the_o bodily_a power_n for_o though_o it_o may_v understand_v without_o they_o love_n god_n adhere_v to_o goodness_n reflect_v upon_o itself_o and_o feel_v the_o comfort_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n upon_o a_o well-performed_n life_n etc._n etc._n yet_o it_o be_v not_o intelligible_a how_o it_o can_v see_v without_o eye_n move_v local_o or_o apply_v itself_o to_o society_n without_o they_o now_o forasmuch_o as_o god_n intend_v that_o the_o whole_a man_n shall_v be_v happy_a and_o complete_o comfortable_a in_o the_o other_o world_n therefore_o he_o have_v resolve_v with_o himself_o and_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o body_n shall_v be_v raise_v again_o and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n lay_v so_o much_o stress_n upon_o the_o resurrection_n as_o if_o man_n happiness_n be_v adjourn_v to_o that_o great_a day_n to_o which_o this_o be_v also_o to_o be_v add_v that_o the_o body_n we_o then_o be_v encourage_v to_o expect_v will_v be_v as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o spiritual_a body_n that_o be_v raise_v and_o sublime_v from_o this_o drossy_a feculency_n free_v from_o sickness_n pain_n weariness_n hunger_n heaviness_n and_o all_o the_o other_o imperfection_n of_o gross_a matter_n and_o so_o be_v fit_a to_o correspond_v with_o the_o vigour_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o bless_a state_n in_o all_o which_o together_o i_o place_v the_o first_o instance_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o whoever_o well_o consider_v will_v find_v it_o to_o be_v a_o very_a great_a and_o glorious_a one_o but_o second_o man_n shall_v not_o only_o be_v restore_v to_o himself_o and_o to_o all_o his_o capacity_n but_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v there_o shall_v be_v the_o most_o delightful_a object_n and_o entertainment_n provide_v for_o and_o present_v to_o all_o his_o power_n so_o as_o to_o employ_v fill_v and_o ravish_v they_o we_o intimate_v under_o the_o former_a head_n that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o body_n shall_v be_v raise_v and_o improve_v the_o body_n be_v make_v spiritual_a and_o fine_a by_o which_o mean_v also_o the_o intellectual_a power_n will_v be_v much_o advance_v have_v then_o exterior_a organ_n capable_a of_o more_o generous_a use_n and_o employment_n but_o to_o have_v power_n enlarge_v without_o object_n whereupon_o to_o employ_v and_o wherein_o to_o delight_v themselves_o will_v be_v a_o torment_n instead_o of_o a_o happiness_n for_o the_o very_a reason_n of_o pain_n and_o grief_n lie_v in_o nothing_o else_o but_o either_o that_o some_o power_n be_v destitute_a of_o their_o proper_a object_n or_o that_o the_o power_n and_o object_n be_v mis-matched_n and_o unproportionate_a to_o each_o other_o who_o will_v go_v about_o to_o appease_v hunger_n with_o music_n or_o content_v any_o one_o sense_n with_o the_o object_n of_o another_o or_o think_v to_o satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o a_o man_n with_o the_o repast_n of_o a_o beast_n we_o see_v both_o extreme_a little_a and_o excessive_o great_a and_o glorious_a object_n be_v alike_o troublesome_a to_o the_o eye_n and_o as_o well_o excessive_a joy_n as_o grief_n break_v and_o disturb_v the_o mind_n all_o discontent_n and_o uneasiness_n of_o man_n spirit_n with_o their_o condition_n be_v from_o hence_o that_o some_o power_n of_o they_o be_v either_o not_o provide_v for_o or_o less_o benign_o deal_v with_o then_o it_o desire_v so_o that_o felicity_n or_o misery_n arise_v neither_o from_o the_o absolute_a nature_n of_o thing_n but_o from_o their_o relative_a consideration_n nor_o from_o that_o mere_o unless_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v relative_o good_a and_o proper_a be_v also_o proportion_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o power_n that_o receive_v and_o feel_v they_o now_o therefore_o as_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a creator_n of_o all_o thing_n never_o bring_v any_o creature_n into_o be_v which_o he_o have_v not_o fit_v with_o a_o satisfaction_n in_o its_o kind_n nor_o open_v any_o power_n for_o which_o he_o have_v not_o provide_v proportionable_a enjoyment_n because_o have_v he_o do_v otherwise_o he_o have_v be_v the_o author_n of_o evil_n and_o misery_n and_o can_v not_o have_v look_v over_o his_o work_n and_o pronounce_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v good_a so_o much_o less_o will_v he_o permit_v that_o in_o the_o other_o world_n wherein_o he_o intend_v to_o make_v the_o full_a demonstration_n of_o his_o goodness_n there_o shall_v be_v any_o instance_n of_o unhappiness_n by_o reason_n of_o defect_n or_o disproportion_n or_o especial_o that_o such_o holy_a man_n as_o he_o there_o design_n to_o reward_v for_o all_o their_o faithful_a adherence_n and_o service_n to_o he_o shall_v have_v enlarge_v power_n and_o scanty_a satisfaction_n but_o the_o one_o answerable_a to_o the_o other_o agreeable_o to_o which_o it_o be_v that_o that_o state_n be_v represent_v by_o a_o feast_n as_o we_o have_v observe_v already_o where_o care_n be_v always_o take_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o offensive_a to_o the_o guest_n and_o that_o none_o of_o the_o participant_n may_v go_v away_o without_o full_a measure_n of_o what_o be_v desirable_a to_o they_o wherewith_o also_o accord_v those_o other_o expression_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o describe_v god_n as_o make_v preparation_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 9_o matth._n 25._o 34._o as_o we_o have_v intimate_v before_o in_o conformity_n to_o this_o notion_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n will_v be_v adorn_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n than_o be_v attainable_a in_o this_o life_n partly_o as_o it_o be_v exercise_v about_o high_a and_o more_o noble_a object_n than_o those_o we_o converse_v withal_o here_o below_o partly_o also_o as_o it_o will_v have_v a_o clear_a apprehension_n and_o quick_a perception_n than_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o whilst_o it_o be_v cloud_v by_o the_o fume_n of_o a_o gross_a body_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 12._o here_o we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o but_o there_o we_o shall_v see_v clear_o as_o we_o be_v see_v there_o we_o shall_v contemplate_v thing_n in_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o cause_n which_o here_o we_o have_v but_o a_o faint_a reflection_n of_o there_o we_o shall_v understand_v all_o the_o admirable_a wisdom_n of_o divine_a providence_n which_o be_v here_o a_o mystery_n to_o we_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n we_o modest_o and_o humble_o believe_v that_o all_o thing_n wrought_v for_o good_a but_o then_o we_o shall_v clear_o understand_v the_o manner_n thereof_o here_o we_o have_v a_o narrow_a sphere_n but_o there_o we_o move_v in_o a_o clear_a and_o free_a air_n and_o have_v a_o vast_a and_o unbounded_a prospect_n before_o we_o in_o which_o our_o mind_n may_v ravish_v themselves_o with_o admiration_n and_o expatiate_v without_o bound_n or_o limit_n there_o all_o the_o secret_n of_o nature_n the_o mystery_n of_o grace_n the_o knot_n of_o theology_n and_o the_o very_a areana_fw-la imperii_fw-la will_v be_v open_a to_o we_o as_o be_v now_o interioris_fw-la admissionis_fw-la of_o the_o privy_a council_n of_o heaven_n and_o this_o will_v be_v as_o much_o more_o pleasant_a than_o
drift_n of_o the_o parable_n be_v make_v plain_a and_o perspicuous_a to_o a_o ordinary_a capacity_n wherefore_o now_o i_o proceed_v to_o handle_v the_o particular_a branch_n of_o it_o of_o which_o there_o be_v these_o three_o most_o remarkable_a in_o the_o parable_n and_o which_o as_o i_o have_v already_o intimate_v be_v the_o design_a subject_n of_o the_o subsequent_a discourse_n first_o we_o have_v here_o a_o graphical_a description_n of_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o a_o habitual_a sinner_n before_o repentance_n from_o vers_fw-la 11._o to_o vers_n 17._o second_o a_o type_n or_o portraiture_n of_o true_a repentance_n and_o turn_n to_o god_n from_o vers_fw-la 17._o to_o vers_n 20._o three_o a_o emblematical_a representation_n of_o god_n unspeakable_a mercy_n in_o the_o gracious_a reception_n of_o such_o penitent_n from_o vers_fw-la 20._o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n but_o especial_o to_o vers_n 24._o of_o these_o three_o point_n i_o will_v treat_v in_o order_n according_a as_o the_o series_n of_o the_o parable_n lead_v i_o but_o yet_o because_o i_o apprehend_v it_o will_v be_v not_o only_o profitable_a in_o itself_o but_o also_o peculiarly_a subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o present_a design_n that_o before_o i_o apply_v myself_o to_o a_o direct_a prosecution_n of_o the_o trace_n of_o the_o parable_n i_o give_v a_o strict_a and_o philosophical_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o several_a station_n of_o sinner_n as_o which_o will_v give_v both_o light_n and_o weight_n especial_o to_o the_o first_o of_o the_o mention_v particular_n and_o in_o good_a measure_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n this_o therefore_o i_o will_v endeavour_v in_o the_o next_o immediate_a chapter_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o divers_a state_n of_o sinner_n the_o content_n §_o i._o a_o definition_n of_o sin_n the_o three_o sort_n of_o law_n mankind_n be_v under_o viz._n natural_a divine_a and_o humane_a all_o sin_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o some_o or_o other_o of_o they_o the_o mischief_n of_o mistake_n herein_o §_o ii_o a_o law_n that_o oblige_v must_v be_v know_v or_o knowable_a several_a way_n of_o promulge_v the_o divine_a law_n the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n rise_v in_o proportion_n to_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o promulgation_n of_o that_o law_n whereof_o it_o be_v a_o violation_n the_o mischief_n of_o mistake_n herein_o and_o the_o remedy_n §_o iii_o all_o sin_n be_v voluntary_a caution_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o that_o assertion_n the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o absurd_a consequence_n of_o the_o contrary_n §_o iv._o a_o passage_n of_o s._n james_n chap._n i._o vers_fw-la 13._o etc._n etc._n explain_v and_o the_o nativity_n of_o sin_n thereby_o discover_v §_o v._o the_o usefulness_n of_o the_o forego_n definition_n and_o explication_n the_o distinction_n between_o presumptuous_a sin_n and_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n and_o their_o different_a effect_n §_o vi_o of_o reluctancy_n of_o conscience_n and_o whether_o that_o extenuate_v or_o increase_v the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n §_o vii_o of_o the_o several_a state_n and_o mansion_n of_o sinner_n upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o which_o return_n be_v make_v to_o the_o parable_n §_o i._o if_o we_o take_v just_a measure_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o it_o fall_v under_o our_o present_a consideration_n for_o it_o be_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o my_o subject_n to_o treat_v of_o original_a sin_n it_o be_v thus_o to_o be_v define_v namely_o sin_n be_v a_o voluntary_a breach_n of_o a_o know_a law_n or_o to_o speak_v more_o full_o and_o distinct_o there_o be_v these_o three_o thing_n concurrent_a to_o make_v man_n guilty_a or_o to_o denominate_v any_o action_n of_o his_o sinful_a 1._o that_o by_o some_o act_n or_o omission_n of_o he_o there_o be_v a_o go_v contrary_a to_o and_o violation_n of_o some_o law_n in_o be_v 2._o that_o the_o law_n so_o violate_v be_v such_o as_o be_v or_o may_v have_v be_v know_v to_o the_o offender_n 3._o that_o the_o action_n or_o omission_n by_o which_o such_o law_n be_v violate_v be_v consent_v to_o and_o the_o breach_n voluntary_a all_o these_o three_o thing_n together_o in_o conjunction_n be_v the_o ingredient_n which_o make_v up_o the_o deadly_a poison_n of_o sin_n and_o for_o defect_n of_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o necessary_a concurrence_n of_o all_o of_o they_o to_o that_o unhappy_a production_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v whether_o great_a error_n have_v ensue_v in_o doctrine_n or_o more_o vice_n in_o practice_n whether_o more_o perplexity_n have_v infest_a man_n conscience_n or_o more_o uncharitableness_n have_v embitter_v their_o spirit_n for_o if_o the_o first_o ingredient_n be_v leave_v out_o sin_n be_v thereby_o render_v either_o nothing_o at_o all_o or_o of_o so_o indefinite_a and_o uncertain_a a_o nature_n as_o that_o loose_a and_o profane_a man_n will_v laugh_v at_o it_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a good_a and_o devout_a person_n will_v never_o be_v free_a from_o suspicion_n of_o it_o if_o the_o second_o be_v omit_v the_o consequence_n will_v be_v that_o severe_a and_o sad_a judgement_n will_v be_v pass_v upon_o the_o final_a estate_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o therewith_o very_o unworthy_a reflection_n be_v make_v upon_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o if_o the_o three_o branch_n be_v omit_v the_o number_n of_o sin_n will_v be_v vast_o multiply_v but_o the_o nature_n and_o guilt_n thereof_o so_o extenuate_v as_o that_o man_n will_v be_v tempt_v to_o be_v more_o afraid_a of_o god_n then_o of_o sin_v against_o he_o but_o all_o this_o and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o will_v better_o appear_v upon_o a_o brief_a explication_n of_o the_o particular_n first_o then_o wherever_o there_o be_v sin_n there_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o some_o law_n in_o be_v this_o though_o it_o be_v not_o the_o full_a and_o adequate_a notion_n yet_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n of_o sin_n and_o according_o we_o may_v easy_o observe_v that_o in_o most_o if_o not_o in_o all_o language_n the_o very_a word_n that_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o express_v moral_a evil_a or_o sin_n do_v all_o import_v the_o breach_n of_o some_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o action_n especial_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n which_o be_v most_o significant_a in_o this_o kind_n have_v three_o word_n most_o usual_a in_o the_o case_n which_o we_o find_v all_o together_o psal_n 32._o v._n 1_o 2._o and_o all_o lead_v we_o direct_o to_o this_o notion_n of_o sin_n bless_a be_v be_v who_o transgression_n be_v forgive_v who_o sin_n be_v cover_v bless_a be_v the_o man_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n impute_v not_o iniquity_n the_o first_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v transgression_n proper_o signify_v to_o pass_v set_v bound_n or_o transgress_v prefix_v limit_n the_o second_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o translate_v sin_n denote_v a_o miss_n of_o the_o aim_n or_o mark_v we_o be_v to_o have_v direct_v ourselves_o towards_o and_o the_o last_o of_o the_o three_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d iniquity_n imply_v the_o make_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o wander_a path_n so_o that_o we_o see_v whatever_o kind_n condition_n or_o degree_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v that_o be_v speak_v of_o it_o be_v still_o express_v by_o respect_n to_o some_o law_n or_o rule_n in_o deviation_n from_o which_o it_o consist_v the_o like_a may_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n in_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n and_o general_o in_o other_o language_n but_o we_o need_v not_o insist_v upon_o nicety_n when_o that_o which_o we_o be_v say_v be_v the_o express_a assertion_n of_o two_o apostle_n st._n paul_n and_o st._n john_n the_o former_a tell_v we_o rom._n 4._o 15._o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n the_o other_o ep._n 1._o chap._n 3._o vers_fw-la 4._o he_o that_o sin_v transgress_v also_o the_o law_n for_o sin_n be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n now_o for_o that_o law_n which_o sin_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o it_o be_v threefold_a viz._n either_o first_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n that_o be_v those_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v of_o itself_o able_a to_o collect_v by_o attentive_a consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o our_o relation_n to_o he_o the_o state_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o the_o mutual_a aspect_n of_o the_o several_a part_n thereof_o upon_o each_o other_o and_o upon_o ourselves_o of_o which_o we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v more_o hereafter_o or_o second_o the_o express_a and_o positive_a declaration_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n concern_v thing_n to_o be_v do_v or_o avoid_v by_o we_o which_o be_v common_o call_v revelation_n or_o divine_a law_n or_o three_o the_o
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
the_o penitent_n pardon_v saint_n t._n peter_n cor_fw-la contritum_fw-la s_o t._n mary_n magdalene_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o penitent_n pardon_v or_o a_o discourse_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o repentance_n under_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n by_o j._n goodman_n d._n d._n rectour_n of_o hadham_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d s._n chrysost_o london_n print_v by_o e._n flesher_n for_o r._n royston_n bookseller_n to_o his_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n an._n dom._n mdclxxix_o imprimatur_fw-la hic_fw-la libre_fw-la cui_fw-la titulus_fw-la the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_n son_n maii_n 14._o 1678._o guil._n sill_n r._n p._n d._n henr._n episc_n lond._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la domesticis_fw-la to_o the_o right_n honourable_a arthur_z earl_n of_o essex_n viscount_n malden_n baron_n of_o hadham_n lord_n lieutenant_z of_o the_o county_n of_o hartford_n one_o of_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy_a council_n etc._n etc._n my_o lord_n i_o have_v so_o deep_a a_o sense_n of_o those_o manifold_a and_o great_a favour_n which_o through_o the_o course_n of_o many_o year_n without_o interruption_n it_o have_v please_v your_o lordship_n to_o confer_v upon_o i_o that_o though_o i_o know_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o i_o to_o make_v any_o proportionable_a return_n yet_o it_o be_v equal_o impossible_a for_o i_o to_o omit_v any_o opportunity_n of_o make_v my_o just_a acknowledgement_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o my_o obligation_n to_o your_o lordship_n be_v as_o well_o know_v to_o the_o world_n as_o great_a in_o themselves_o i_o think_v it_o become_v i_o and_o be_o persuade_v all_o man_n but_o your_o lord_n shp_n expect_v it_o from_o i_o that_o i_o shall_v make_v some_o public_a expression_n of_o my_o gratitude_n i_o will_v therefore_o do_v that_o right_n to_o myself_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o when_o i_o first_o deliberate_v about_o the_o adventure_n these_o paper_n to_o the_o press_n it_o be_v a_o principal_a argument_n to_o determine_v i_o so_o to_o do_v because_o by_o the_o dedication_n of_o this_o part_n of_o my_o study_n to_o your_o lordship_n name_n i_o shall_v have_v opportunity_n of_o perform_v so_o just_a a_o duty_n and_o of_o do_v honour_n to_o so_o great_a virtue_n and_o goodness_n but_o my_o lord_n i_o must_v needs_o confess_v that_o when_o i_o come_v to_o make_v reflection_n upon_o the_o subject_a and_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o present_a discourse_n i_o be_v quick_o sensible_a how_o great_a a_o error_n my_o zeal_n be_v likely_a to_o betray_v i_o into_o in_o intitle_v a_o work_n almost_o whole_o level_v against_o debauchery_n to_o a_o personage_n of_o so_o severe_a virtue_n and_o sanctity_n for_o i_o consider_v your_o lordship_n early_a as_o well_o as_o eminent_a and_o habitual_a piety_n and_o what_o need_n think_v i_o be_v there_o of_o physic_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o perfect_a health_n and_o if_o as_o s._n paul_n assert_n the_o law_n be_v not_o make_v for_o a_o righteous_a man_n because_o such_o be_v able_a to_o be_v a_o law_n to_o themselves_o much_o less_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n suitable_o preach_v to_o those_o that_o in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n need_v no_o repentance_n thus_o i_o feel_v a_o conflict_n within_o myself_o my_o discretion_n oppose_v the_o design_n of_o my_o gratitude_n and_o my_o present_a reason_n stagger_v my_o former_a resolution_n but_o then_o my_o lord_n i_o consider_v also_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o see_v the_o divine_a majesty_n himself_o be_v well_o please_v with_o those_o oblation_n that_o be_v beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n though_o they_o be_v not_o useful_a to_o himself_o nor_o make_v any_o addition_n to_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o happiness_n i_o can_v not_o doubt_v but_o your_o lordship_n who_o have_v so_o great_a a_o zeal_n to_o the_o common_a good_a of_o mankind_n will_v permit_v your_o name_n to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o countenance_v a_o design_n of_o bring_v man_n home_n to_o god_n to_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o happiness_n and_o of_o recover_v the_o age_n from_o the_o mischief_n of_o extravagancy_n and_o debauchery_n which_o it_o too_o lamentable_o groan_v under_o and_o this_o my_o lord_n refixed_n my_o resolution_n to_o entitle_v your_o lordship_n to_o this_o plain_a piece_n of_o practical_a divinity_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o because_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o hope_v that_o the_o direct_v man_n eye_n and_o thought_n to_o so_o great_a and_o rare_a a_o example_n of_o clear_a and_o unspotted_a virtue_n amid_o all_o the_o disturbance_n of_o business_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o a_o plentiful_a fortune_n will_v be_v able_a to_o confute_v all_o their_o objection_n against_o the_o possibility_n of_o heroic_a goodness_n and_o may_v have_v as_o much_o efficacy_n to_o convince_v and_o shame_v they_o out_o of_o their_o folly_n as_o the_o very_a reason_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o encourage_v their_o amendment_n and_o shall_v i_o now_o as_o well_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o design_n of_o my_o book_n as_o of_o my_o gratitude_n make_v a_o draught_n of_o your_o lordship_n in_o your_o full_a proportion_n that_o be_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v you_o as_o great_a as_o your_o own_o virtue_n add_v to_o the_o nobility_n of_o your_o blood_n have_v make_v you_o i_o may_v if_o my_o skill_n fail_v i_o not_o exhibit_v to_o the_o world_n a_o piece_n of_o that_o masculine_a perfection_n wherein_o the_o most_o curious_a will_v not_o know_v what_o to_o desire_v nor_o the_o most_o envious_a what_o to_o suspect_v forasmuch_o as_o not_o only_o this_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o that_o of_o ireland_n but_o several_a of_o the_o neighbour_n state_n and_o kingdom_n also_o can_v bear_v witness_n to_o your_o lordship_n steadiness_n in_o the_o protestant_a religion_n your_o loyalty_n to_o your_o prince_n your_o piety_n humanity_n justice_n temperance_n prudence_n courage_n and_o all_o other_o great_a and_o illustrious_a ornament_n nor_o do_v i_o fear_v by_o such_o a_o character_n to_o derive_v any_o envy_n upon_o your_o lordship_n since_o very_o few_o of_o your_o laurel_n be_v the_o mere_a favour_n of_o fortune_n but_o that_o reward_n of_o virtue_n the_o acquest_n of_o prudence_n and_o conduct_n and_o win_v by_o wise_a counsel_n by_o generous_a resolution_n and_o noble_a employment_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o man_n will_v not_o have_v the_o impudence_n to_o envy_n the_o effect_n when_o they_o have_v not_o the_o bravery_n to_o imitate_v the_o cause_n thus_o my_o lord_n i_o can_v satisfy_v my_o own_o conscience_n and_o do_v right_a to_o the_o world_n in_o set_v before_o they_o such_o a_o pattern_n as_o will_v at_o once_o inflame_v the_o generous_a and_o shame_v the_o slothful_a and_o vicious_a but_o i_o know_v your_o lordship_n temper_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o your_o mind_n too_o well_o to_o think_v that_o hereby_o i_o shall_v do_v a_o acceptable_a service_n to_o your_o lordship_n wherefore_o i_o add_v no_o more_o but_o my_o hearty_a prayer_n that_o it_o will_v please_v almighty_a god_n to_o bless_v your_o lordship_n and_o your_o most_o noble_a and_o pious_a countess_n with_o long_a life_n and_o prosperity_n to_o succeed_v your_o lordship_n study_n and_o endeavour_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o religion_n your_o prince_n and_o country_n and_o to_o preserve_v your_o hopeful_a offspring_n that_o they_o may_v uphold_v your_o family_n name_n and_o honour_n to_o after_o generation_n this_o my_o lord_n be_v the_o constant_a duty_n and_o shall_v be_v the_o incessant_a desire_n of_o my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n be_v most_o humble_a servant_n jo._n goodman_n octob._n 1._o 1678._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a that_o these_o paper_n may_v a_o little_a surprise_v some_o of_o those_o into_o who_o hand_n they_o may_v fall_v not_o so_o much_o in_o regard_n that_o this_o subject_n have_v be_v handle_v by_o other_o for_o i_o modest_o hope_v that_o notwithstanding_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v see_v or_o hear_v of_o from_o other_o pen_n this_o discourse_n may_v have_v its_o place_n and_o use_v but_o because_o i_o be_o aware_a that_o some_o of_o my_o friend_n who_o have_v be_v privy_a to_o my_o intention_n and_o to_o the_o course_n of_o my_o study_n have_v make_v i_o a_o debtor_n to_o the_o public_a of_o a_o work_n of_o a_o different_a nature_n from_o this_o which_o i_o now_o present_a and_o i_o be_o not_o unwilling_a so_o far_o to_o own_o the_o obligation_n as_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o i_o have_v now_o for_o a_o good_a time_n apply_v my_o thought_n to_o the_o discovery_n and_o explication_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o religion_n in_o general_a and_o i_o do_v hope_n if_o it_o please_v god_n to_o continue_v i_o life_n and_o health_n that_o in_o due_a time_n i_o shall_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n acquit_v the_o credit_n of_o
my_o friend_n in_o that_o point_n and_o satisfy_v the_o expectation_n of_o sober_a man_n but_o because_o a_o work_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o importance_n require_v the_o most_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o exact_a discussion_n and_o because_o i_o willing_o confess_v myself_o to_o be_v none_o of_o those_o who_o be_v as_o wise_a at_o the_o first_o prospect_n of_o a_o business_n as_o ever_o they_o intend_v to_o be_v and_o who_o as_o if_o they_o have_v a_o intuitive_a knowledge_n present_o jump_v into_o a_o infallibility_n of_o opinion_n which_o they_o can_v never_o after_o find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o retract_v or_o outgrow_a i_o therefore_o think_v it_o both_o fit_a and_o safe_a that_o a_o work_n of_o that_o nature_n shall_v be_v digest_v by_o several_a reflection_n upon_o it_o and_o ripen_v by_o time_n which_o certain_o be_v the_o best_a counsellor_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o this_o account_n kind_a reader_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o instead_o of_o a_o more_o close_a and_o speculative_a this_o plain_a and_o practical_a discourse_n be_v now_o put_v into_o thy_o hand_n and_o recommend_v to_o thy_o candour_n which_o notwithstanding_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v due_o consider_v be_v not_o altogether_o so_o remote_a from_o the_o design_n of_o the_o other_o as_o may_v at_o first_o glimpse_n be_v imagine_v for_o it_o be_v very_o considerable_a that_o the_o apostle_n s_o paul_n gal._n 5._o 20._o reckon_v heresy_n among_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n as_o if_o the_o exorbitancy_n of_o man_n opinion_n be_v occasion_v by_o the_o irregularity_n and_o violence_n of_o their_o passion_n and_o the_o sentiment_n of_o man_n mind_n deprave_a and_o bias_v by_o the_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o the_o animal_n power_n and_o if_o we_o observe_v the_o world_n we_o shall_v find_v not_o only_o very_o witty_a man_n to_o be_v oftentimes_o most_o absurd_o and_o barbarous_o vicious_a but_o which_o be_v more_o strange_a we_o shall_v see_v very_o bad_a man_n of_o very_a good_a opinion_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a very_o good_a and_o virtuous_a person_n under_o most_o silly_a and_o despicable_a persuasion_n by_o which_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o reason_n and_o the_o right_a notion_n of_o thing_n do_v not_o so_o much_o govern_v the_o world_n as_o either_o natural_a probity_n or_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o last_o mention_v case_n or_o else_o interest_n and_o humour_n in_o the_o other_o from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o the_o platonist_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o may_v calculate_v what_o religious_a pretension_n most_o man_n will_v be_v of_o from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o their_o temper_n or_o interest_n for_o so_o we_o shall_v see_v a_o swagger_a hector_n become_v a_o easy_a proselyte_n to_o the_o hobbian_a philosophy_n a_o licentious_a voluptuary_n present_o commence_v a_o epicurean_a atheist_n and_o a_o undevout_a temper_n set_v up_o for_o a_o theist_n or_o something_o worse_o upon_o consideration_n of_o all_o which_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o the_o most_o successful_a way_n of_o recover_v the_o generality_n of_o man_n to_o right_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o put_v they_o under_o the_o power_n of_o they_o be_v to_o imitate_v physician_n who_o when_o the_o head_n be_v ill_o affect_v apply_v not_o immediate_o to_o that_o which_o though_o it_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n be_v seldom_o primary_o affect_v but_o to_o the_o stomach_n or_o hypochondria_n or_o some_o other_o inferior_a faculty_n which_o influence_n upon_o it_o and_o make_v it_o bear_v a_o share_n of_o the_o consequence_n of_o their_o respective_a disorder_n agreeable_o whereunto_o i_o have_v endeavour_v in_o this_o treatise_n to_o strike_v at_o debauchery_n as_o at_o the_o root_n of_o most_o of_o the_o calamity_n of_o religion_n and_o which_o do_v not_o more_o deform_v man_n life_n then_o distort_v their_o reason_n and_o either_o stifle_v or_o pervert_v the_o very_a principle_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n and_o though_o i_o will_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o libel_v the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o by_o rip_v up_o the_o disorder_n thereof_o thereby_o to_o raise_v the_o value_n of_o this_o small_a performance_n yet_o i_o be_o certain_a of_o these_o two_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v both_o design_v public_a good_a in_o this_o undertake_n and_o not_o vary_v from_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o which_o i_o have_v tell_v thou_o be_v my_o first_o projection_n but_o dismiss_v all_o further_a consideration_n of_o that_o kind_n as_o for_o the_o present_a discourse_n i_o have_v neither_o such_o a_o fondness_n to_o my_o own_o production_n nor_o be_o so_o much_o a_o stranger_n either_o to_o the_o humour_n of_o man_n or_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o time_n but_o that_o i_o think_v it_o have_v be_v much_o easy_a to_o have_v gratify_v the_o curiosity_n of_o both_o some_o other_o way_n notwithstanding_o since_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o there_o be_v now_o a_o day_n more_o light_a than_o heat_n and_o less_o seriousness_n then_o either_o and_o consequent_o more_o need_n that_o the_o principle_n of_o conscience_n shall_v be_v stir_v up_o than_o any_o notion_n start_v or_o controversy_n move_v i_o be_o therefore_o apt_a to_o hope_v this_o labour_n will_v not_o seem_v unseasonable_a or_o however_o i_o be_o well_o content_a to_o be_v one_o of_o those_o that_o have_v rather_o save_v one_o soul_n then_o please_v ten_o thousand_o i_o know_v there_o be_v nothing_o so_o serious_a but_o may_v be_v expose_v to_o drollery_n by_o atheistical_a wit_n who_o have_v have_v the_o impudence_n not_o to_o spare_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n itself_o and_o i_o know_v the_o world_n be_v never_o free_a from_o a_o sort_n of_o idle_a invidious_a person_n who_o find_v it_o a_o far_o easy_a matter_n to_o find_v fault_n then_o to_o mend_v carp_n at_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v public_a under_o this_o only_a security_n that_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o own_o unprofitableness_n and_o sloth_n no_o body_n can_v find_v any_o thing_n of_o they_o wherein_o to_o pay_v they_o in_o their_o own_o coin_n neither_o of_o these_o sort_n of_o man_n will_v i_o trouble_v myself_o about_o and_o as_o for_o wise_a man_n i_o know_v they_o will_v see_v many_o imperfection_n in_o this_o book_n but_o they_o will_v also_o pardon_v they_o especial_o consider_v that_o no_o man_n can_v think_v or_o write_v in_o all_o thing_n just_a to_o the_o gust_n of_o another_o but_o only_o those_o that_o have_v mercenary_a pen_n and_o parasytical_a prostitute_a conscience_n it_o may_v be_v some_o of_o those_o who_o i_o design_n to_o profit_v by_o this_o discourse_n will_v think_v they_o observe_v some_o very_a necessary_a thing_n omit_v or_o but_o slight_o touch_v upon_o such_o as_o especial_o concern_v faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n etc._n etc._n to_o which_o my_o answer_n be_v that_o i_o will_v as_o glad_o and_o as_o copious_o have_v discourse_v on_o that_o point_n as_o any_o other_o have_v either_o the_o nature_n of_o my_o design_n or_o indeed_o the_o series_n of_o the_o parable_n lead_v i_o thereto_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o do_v good_a to_o as_o many_o as_o i_o can_v and_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o none_o neither_o to_o the_o jew_n nor_o to_o the_o greek_a nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n if_o any_o thing_n seem_v obscure_a in_o any_o one_o part_n of_o this_o book_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o he_o that_o read_v on_o shall_v find_v it_o clear_v up_o in_o some_o other_o place_n but_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v unadvised_o deliver_v which_o god_n forbid_v that_o be_v either_o not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n i_o wish_v it_o unsay_v and_o hereby_o retract_v it_o under_o my_o hand_n the_o bookseller_n be_v not_o unwilling_a to_o be_v at_o the_o charge_n to_o represent_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o parable_n in_o sculpture_n which_o if_o it_o serve_v either_o to_o illustrate_v the_o matter_n or_o to_o invite_v thy_o attention_n the_o cost_n be_v well_o bestow_v the_o content_n of_o the_o several_a part_n and_o chapter_n of_o this_o work_n part_n i._n chap._n i._n the_o curious_a and_o admirable_a structure_n of_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n brief_o represent_v page_z 1_o 2._o the_o special_a design_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o the_o usefullness_n of_o explain_v it_o and_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o author_n in_o the_o present_a explication_n p._n 3_o 4_o 5._o of_o parable_n in_o general_n of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o gentile_a oracle_n old_a philosopher_n etc._n etc._n and_o of_o the_o figurative_a way_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n p._n 5_o 6._o some_o reason_n of_o the_o affect_a obscurity_n of_o pagan_a writer_n p._n 7._o reason_n of_o the_o
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
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
of_o mind_n and_o mistrust_n that_o he_o shall_v one_o day_n fall_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o saul_n his_o rage_n against_o nabal_n etc._n etc._n but_o in_o regard_n these_o be_v but_o imperfect_o voluntary_a therefore_o they_o make_v no_o blot_n in_o his_o character_n but_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o vriah_n the_o fact_n be_v horrible_a there_o be_v time_n for_o deliberation_n the_o use_n of_o cunning_a and_o contrivance_n and_o therefore_o full_a consent_n wherefore_o this_o be_v quite_o of_o another_o consideration_n from_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o leave_v such_o a_o stain_n upon_o he_o as_o require_v many_o tear_n and_o prayer_n and_o a_o very_a serious_a and_o signal_n repentance_n to_o cleanse_v he_o from_o §_o vi_o thus_o much_o i_o have_v think_v sufficient_a for_o the_o clear_n the_o distinction_n between_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n and_o presumption_n but_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o mistake_n equal_o common_a and_o dangerous_a which_o wherever_o it_o take_v place_n do_v not_o only_o render_v all_o we_o have_v hitherto_o say_v useless_a but_o be_v of_o fatal_a consequence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n it_o be_v to_o this_o effect_n when_o man_n be_v about_o the_o commission_n of_o some_o great_a and_o enormous_a sin_n it_o be_v not_o unusual_a for_o they_o to_o find_v some_o reluctancy_n and_o abhorrence_n within_o themselves_o now_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o they_o think_v that_o although_o they_o yield_v to_o the_o temptation_n and_o commit_v the_o sin_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v esteem_v altogether_o a_o voluntary_a transgression_n but_o will_v admit_v of_o great_a abatement_n by_o reason_n of_o such_o combat_n and_o conflict_n which_o they_o find_v in_o themselves_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n they_o apply_v that_o passage_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 7._o 15._o that_o which_o i_o do_v i_o allow_v not_o for_o what_o i_o will_v that_o do_v i_o not_o but_o what_o i_o will_v not_o that_o i_o do_v and_o that_o which_o follow_v also_o vers_fw-la 17._o so_o than_o it_o be_v no_o more_o i_o that_o do_v it_o but_o sin_n that_o dwell_v in_o i_o but_o to_o remove_v so_o dangerous_a a_o mistake_n it_o will_v be_v well_o consider_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o however_o some_o have_v learned_a to_o call_v such_o a_o reluctancy_n as_o aforesaid_a by_o the_o specious_a name_n of_o the_o combat_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n or_o the_o regenerate_a and_o unregenerate_a part_n as_o the_o same_o man_n love_v to_o speak_v it_o be_v certain_o nothing_o else_o but_o mere_o some_o remain_v of_o natural_a conscience_n in_o man_n and_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o some_o measure_n in_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o man_n that_o be_v in_o all_o but_o those_o who_o conscience_n be_v sear_v and_o utter_o insensible_a it_o be_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o conscience_n itself_o which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o kind_n of_o internal_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n implant_v by_o god_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o a_o man_n may_v more_o easy_o destroy_v any_o of_o his_o outward_a sense_n than_o quite_o extinguish_v this_o the_o apostle_n take_v notice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o roman_n chap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 15._o who_o vice_n be_v yet_o so_o notorious_a as_o that_o they_o be_v utter_o out_o of_o capacity_n of_o be_v account_v regenerate_v man_n indeed_o if_o a_o man_n find_v in_o himself_o so_o quick_a a_o sense_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o be_v so_o tender_a of_o all_o degree_n of_o evil_a that_o his_o conscience_n not_o only_o check_v but_o call_v he_o off_o and_o restrain_v he_o upon_o the_o first_o appearance_n or_o approach_n of_o sin_n this_o as_o i_o have_v intimate_v before_o will_v be_v a_o good_a sign_n of_o regeneration_n and_o such_o beginning_n of_o evil_a so_o resist_v will_v not_o be_v impute_v as_o wilful_a transgression_n but_o when_o a_o man_n conscience_n only_o check_v he_o but_o he_o go_v on_o and_o commit_v the_o sin_n the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o it_o be_v only_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sear_a conscience_n and_o yet_o such_o a_o man_n be_v in_o a_o fair_a way_n to_o that_o also_o for_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o body_n by_o be_v often_o rub_v and_o hurt_v grow_v at_o last_o callous_a and_o insensible_a so_o the_o conscience_n be_v often_o resist_v in_o its_o intimation_n and_o stifle_v and_o overbear_v by_o the_o fury_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n grow_v at_o last_o stupid_a and_o dead_a so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 1._o 28._o because_o they_o like_v not_o to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o mind_n he_o give_v they_o up_o to_o vain_a imagination_n and_o because_o they_o give_v themselves_o to_o sensuality_n he_o give_v they_o up_o to_o unnatural_a lust_n and_o so_o by_o degree_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n to_o a_o state_n of_o stupidity_n a_o spirit_n of_o injudiciousness_n to_o lose_v the_o feel_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o extenuate_v the_o guilt_n of_o a_o man_n sin_n that_o his_o heart_n smite_v he_o for_o it_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o his_o presumption_n that_o he_o go_v on_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o if_o a_o man_n can_v say_v he_o do_v not_o so_o well_o know_v his_o duty_n as_o he_o shall_v and_o therefore_o his_o conscience_n not_o be_v right_o inform_v do_v not_o give_v he_o warning_n of_o it_o or_o that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o hurry_n and_o can_v not_o consider_v or_o confess_v his_o rashness_n and_o precipitancy_n these_o be_v some_o mitigation_n for_o as_o s._n clemens_n well_o pronounce_v 〈◊〉_d that_o which_o be_v involuntary_a be_v sudden_a and_o where_o a_o man_n can_v deliberate_v 2._o he_o scarce_o consent_v but_o when_o the_o case_n be_v such_o that_o a_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v he_o know_v what_o he_o do_v he_o think_v of_o it_o and_o condemn_v it_o and_o yet_o do_v it_o this_o sure_o be_v a_o aggravation_n if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v so_o it_o be_v say_v a_o generous_a heathen_a 〈◊〉_d plutarch_n by_o name_n a_o most_o unmanly_a and_o brutish_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n that_o know_v what_o he_o shall_v do_v soft_o and_o effeminate_o to_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o the_o swing_n of_o intemperate_a passion_n in_o short_a if_o when_o a_o man_n confess_v the_o truth_n must_v say_v he_o have_v reason_n against_o what_o he_o do_v but_o confront_v it_o his_o conscience_n shame_v he_o but_o he_o resolve_v to_o be_v shameless_a he_o have_v weapon_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o resist_v temptation_n but_o he_o cast_v they_o down_o and_o yield_v all_o which_o be_v imply_v when_o a_o man_n say_v his_o conscience_n smite_v he_o when_o he_o go_v about_o a_o sin_n but_o nevertheless_o he_o persist_v and_o commit_v it_o i_o say_v if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o voluntary_a sin_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n incident_a to_o mankind_n §_o vii_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o guilt_n or_o malignity_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o general_a now_o brief_o for_o the_o various_a state_n and_o mansion_n of_o sinner_n which_o we_o shall_v the_o more_o easy_o understand_v if_o we_o first_o consider_v the_o several_a degree_n of_o virtue_n or_o so_o many_o high_a and_o low_a capacity_n as_o there_o be_v of_o be_v good_a and_o holy_a and_o i_o know_v not_o where_o to_o find_v these_o more_o exact_o reckon_v up_o and_o describe_v then_o by_o s._n clement_n of_o alexandria_n who_o make_v four_o station_n of_o perfection_n 〈◊〉_d 1._o not_o to_o sin_n at_o all_o which_o say_v he_o be_v the_o felicity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o to_o be_v sure_a not_o the_o condition_n of_o any_o mere_a man_n in_o this_o world_n 2._o not_o to_o commit_v any_o wilful_a or_o voluntary_a sin_n which_o be_v the_o attainment_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n or_o true_a gnostick_n 1._o as_o he_o use_v to_o speak_v 3._o rare_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o inadvertency_n or_o involuntary_a lapse_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o good_a proficient_a in_o religion_n 4._o and_o last_o when_o a_o man_n have_v sin_v to_o recover_v himself_o early_o by_o repentance_n and_o not_o lie_v under_o the_o guilt_n nor_o much_o less_o grow_v into_o a_o habit_n of_o sin_n which_o low_a degree_n though_o it_o be_v vast_o different_a from_o every_o of_o the_o former_a yet_o it_o be_v tolerable_a and_o acceptable_a through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v anon_o now_o in_o some_o proportion_n to_o this_o discourse_n we_o will_v suppose_v 4_o station_n or_o degree_n of_o wickedness_n 1._o such_o as_o do_v nothing_o but_o sin_n which_o we_o only_o mention_v for_o method-sake_n for_o as_o we_o be_v certain_a non_fw-la datur_fw-la summum_fw-la
malum_fw-la or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o be_v absolute_o evil_a as_o the_o manichee_n imagine_v so_o it_o be_v very_o questionable_a whether_o the_o very_a devil_n himself_o do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v evil_a but_o it_o be_v out_o of_o all_o question_n with_o i_o that_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o vicious_o incline_v man_n do_v some_o good_a and_o for_o those_o that_o can_v assert_v the_o most_o virtuous_a action_n of_o unregenerate_a man_n to_o be_v express_a sin_n they_o may_v pretend_v what_o patron_n they_o will_v of_o their_o opinion_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a neither_o scripture_n nor_o reason_n will_v countenance_v it_o for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o best_a action_n of_o such_o man_n be_v not_o acceptable_a as_o the_o condition_n of_o eternal_a life_n because_o they_o be_v disjoin_v from_o habitual_a sanctification_n and_o true_a holiness_n yet_o that_o they_o be_v not_o therefore_o sin_n will_v sufficient_o appear_v by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v not_o long_o since_o in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n neither_o because_o they_o be_v defective_a in_o some_o circumstance_n do_v they_o cease_v to_o be_v good_a or_o become_v sin_n for_o then_o the_o best_a performance_n of_o the_o best_a man_n in_o this_o world_n will_v be_v sin_n too_o because_o they_o be_v also_o defective_a in_o circumstance_n 2._o the_o second_o or_o rather_o first_o rank_n of_o sinner_n consist_v of_o such_o as_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o great_a and_o enormous_a sin_n whether_o of_o one_o kind_a or_o of_o many_o i_o confess_v at_o the_o first_o sight_n one_o will_v think_v these_o shall_v be_v divide_v into_o two_o class_n whereof_o the_o first_o shall_v be_v those_o profligate_v wretch_n and_o son_n of_o belial_n who_o perfect_o abandon_v themselves_o to_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o fury_n of_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o add_v drunkenness_n to_o thirst_n as_o the_o scripture_n express_v it_o or_o run_v from_o one_o kind_n of_o sin_n to_o another_o with_o a_o kind_n of_o greediness_n as_o if_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o love_v evil_a for_o its_o own_o sake_n or_o have_v a_o spite_n both_o at_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o second_o shall_v be_v those_o more_o reserve_v and_o cautious_a sinner_n who_o perhaps_o may_v carry_v it_o very_o demure_o in_o many_o respect_n but_o maintain_v some_o bosom_n sin_n which_o be_v as_o dear_a to_o they_o as_o their_o right_a eye_n and_o as_o necessary_a as_o their_o right_a hand_n and_o this_o they_o hope_v god_n will_v indulge_v they_o oh_o it_o be_v a_o little_a one_o and_o their_o soul_n shall_v live_v i_o say_v i_o shall_v in_o civility_n have_v provide_v these_o a_o form_n by_o themselves_o and_o not_o set_v they_o with_o the_o open_a and_o scandalous_a sinner_n but_o that_o i_o observe_v god_n make_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o his_o servant_n you_o be_v say_v the_o apostle_n to_o who_o you_o obey_v and_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n whether_o a_o man_n have_v many_o master_n or_o one_o he_o be_v equal_o a_o slave_n that_o be_v lead_v captive_a either_o way_n and_o so_o 8._o james_n in_o that_o most_o remarkable_a passage_n chap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 10._o whosoever_o shall_v keep_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o offend_v in_o one_o point_n be_v guilty_a of_o all_o of_o which_o seem_a paradox_n he_o give_v account_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n for_o he_o that_o say_v do_v not_o commit_v adultery_n say_v also_o do_v not_o kill_v etc._n etc._n i._n e._n the_o reverence_n of_o every_o branch_n of_o god_n law_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n and_o right_a to_o prescribe_v to_o we_o which_o he_o impeache_n whosoever_o dispense_v with_o himself_o in_o the_o habitual_a breach_n of_o any_o one_o of_o his_o command_n for_o whatever_o particular_a he_o choose_v to_o transgress_v in_o he_o derogate_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a beside_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o all_o sin_n can_v stand_v together_o some_o sin_n be_v as_o repugnant_a and_o contradictory_n to_o each_o other_o as_o all_o be_v to_o virtue_n and_o moreover_o non_fw-la omnis_fw-la fert_fw-la omne_fw-la tellus_fw-la it_o may_v be_v not_o the_o humour_n or_o interest_n or_o not_o suitable_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o some_o man_n to_o act_v some_o sin_n when_o yet_o it_o be_v neither_o love_n of_o virtue_n nor_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n which_o make_v he_o abstain_v from_o it_o these_o therefore_o be_v just_o join_v together_o namely_o all_o such_o as_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o one_o or_o more_o notorious_a sin_n 3._o a_o three_o rank_n be_v such_o as_o though_o they_o live_v not_o in_o the_o habit_n yet_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o act_n of_o some_o very_a great_a and_o flagitious_a crime_n for_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n very_o deadly_a even_o in_o single_a act_n as_o either_o contain_v a_o complication_n of_o many_o wickedness_n together_o as_o sacrilege_n adultery_n sedition_n or_o such_o as_o can_v never_o be_v revoke_v nor_o amends_o be_v make_v for_o they_o as_o take_v away_o a_o man_n life_n or_o never_o repeat_v nor_o repent_v of_o as_o to_o murder_v a_o man_n self_n and_o several_a other_o now_o these_o be_v of_o so_o deadly_a a_o nature_n every_o man_n that_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o virtue_n or_o care_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n ought_v ever_o to_o be_v sufficient_o guard_v against_o they_o and_o at_o utter_a defiance_n of_o they_o and_o he_o that_o can_v be_v so_o careless_a as_o to_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o any_o such_o betray_v the_o great_a atheism_n and_o security_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o miscarriage_n of_o david_n in_o the_o business_n of_o bathshebah_n and_o vriah_n lay_v such_o a_o horrible_a blot_n upon_o he_o and_o need_v all_o that_o repentance_n whereof_o we_o have_v the_o footstep_n in_o the_o 51._o psalm_n 4._o the_o four_o and_o last_o rank_n be_v they_o that_o avoid_v both_o the_o habit_n and_o the_o act_n of_o great_a sin_n yet_o allow_v themselves_o in_o the_o frequent_a commission_n of_o lesser_a and_o persevere_v in_o they_o without_o repentance_n by_o lesser_a sin_n i_o mean_v both_o such_o as_o i_o reckon_v up_o before_o under_o the_o name_n of_o infirmity_n and_o more_o particular_o such_o as_o these_o follow_v when_o a_o man_n dare_v not_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o beastly_a sensuality_n yet_o will_v too_o much_o humour_n and_o caress_n his_o body_n in_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o pleasure_n or_o will_v not_o steal_v and_o cozen_v but_o will_v be_v covetous_a and_o have_v his_o heart_n too_o much_o upon_o the_o world_n that_o dare_v not_o cast_v off_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o will_v indulge_v himself_o to_o be_v remiss_a and_o flat_a in_o they_o and_o several_a of_o this_o nature_n too_o easy_a to_o be_v observe_v now_o these_o kind_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a in_o that_o partly_o our_o conscience_n not_o be_v present_o startle_v at_o they_o as_o at_o great_a crime_n we_o more_o easy_o admit_v they_o or_o they_o insensible_o steal_v upon_o we_o from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o become_v frequent_a and_o so_o arise_v to_o a_o great_a number_n and_o seem_v to_o equal_v that_o way_n what_o they_o have_v not_o in_o weight_n these_o therefore_o if_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o pass_v unregarded_a grow_v to_o a_o great_a danger_n since_o no_o danger_n be_v little_a when_o once_o it_o be_v esteem_v so_o and_o beside_o though_o these_o may_v pass_v for_o inadvertency_n when_o they_o be_v once_o or_o rare_o commit_v yet_o it_o must_v be_v a_o vicious_a neglect_n of_o ourselves_o when_o they_o be_v frequent_a and_o ordinary_a forasmuch_o as_o all_o sincere_a virtue_n be_v awaken_v to_o great_a diligence_n by_o every_o sensible_a declension_n to_o which_o add_v especial_o that_o whatsoever_o sin_n and_o how_o little_a soever_o it_o be_v be_v not_o repent_v of_o when_o it_o be_v come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n be_v by_o that_o mean_v become_v a_o voluntary_a transgression_n increase_v its_o guilt_n ex_fw-la post_fw-la pacto_fw-la these_o be_v the_o principal_a station_n of_o sin_n or_o the_o several_a way_n upon_o which_o a_o man_n be_v denominate_v a_o sinner_n in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o wise_a man_n but_o to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v render_v this_o important_a point_n as_o clear_a as_o we_o can_v and_o now_o also_o come_v more_o direct_o to_o the_o parable_n before_o we_o we_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o psalmist_n david_n distribution_n of_o sinner_n into_o a_o threefold_a classis_fw-la psal_n 1._o vers_fw-la 1._o bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o ungodly_a nor_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n nor_o sit_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o
resolution_n and_o that_o practice_n so_o much_o more_o on_o the_o other_o from_o a_o man_n practice_n we_o may_v ordinary_o pronounce_v of_o his_o resolution_n and_o from_o that_o certain_o calculate_v his_o meditation_n but_o to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n i_o say_v the_o prodigal_n have_v delay_v too_o long_o already_o i_o may_v consider_v and_o make_v resolution_n and_o yet_o sit_v and_o starve_v it_o must_v be_v do_v must_v rescue_v i_o from_o my_o misery_n so_o he_o arise_v and_o so_o do_v the_o true_a penitent_n but_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v pass_v over_o thus_o superficial_o therefore_o we_o will_v handle_v they_o particular_o and_o according_o §_o ii_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o viz._n consideration_n or_o deliberation_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v not_o a_o mopish_a and_o ineffective_a dozinesse_n when_o man_n seem_v to_o think_v profound_o but_o apprehend_v nothing_o at_o all_o distinct_o their_o understanding_n be_v amuse_v and_o baffle_v with_o a_o new_a and_o strange_a prospect_n as_o if_o look_v back_o upon_o their_o former_a miscarriage_n have_v with_o lot_n wife_n transform_v they_o into_o a_o pillar_n of_o salt_n much_o less_o do_v i_o mean_v a_o solemn_a austerity_n of_o temper_n and_o rigid_a fixation_n of_o spirit_n as_o if_o man_n have_v forgo_v all_o touch_n of_o humanity_n and_o be_v become_v a_o kind_n of_o walk_a ghost_n both_o these_o be_v passion_n of_o the_o body_n not_o motion_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o counterfeit_v tend_v more_o to_o desperation_n then_o conversion_n and_o there_o be_v danger_n lest_o such_o man_n be_v fall_v from_o a_o vicious_a frenzy_n as_o we_o not_o long_o since_o call_v it_o to_o a_o strict_o literal_a and_o more_o incurable_a madness_n but_o by_o consideration_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o business_n in_o hand_n i_o understand_v nothing_o more_o nor_o less_o but_o a_o manly_a and_o a_o serious_a application_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o take_v a_o just_a and_o impartial_a view_n of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o most_o concern_v we_o to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v govern_v our_o determination_n and_o carriage_n according_o for_o the_o full_a apprehension_n of_o this_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v what_o i_o have_v in_o part_n intimate_v before_o that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n have_v these_o four_o privilege_n 1._o it_o have_v not_o only_o a_o perceptive_a power_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v present_a which_o be_v common_a to_o the_o inferior_a and_o animal_n faculty_n but_o have_v a_o large_a sphere_n of_o cognizance_n recall_v thing_n past_a and_o have_v a_o solicitude_n and_o forethink_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v 2._o the_o rational_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o mere_o passive_a as_o the_o inferior_a be_v which_o only_o take_v notice_n of_o such_o image_n of_o thing_n in_o transitu_fw-la and_o glance_n as_o be_v reflect_v upon_o they_o from_o the_o sense_n but_o these_o can_v fix_v themselves_o and_o their_o object_n can_v hold_v the_o image_n of_o thing_n steady_a and_o stay_v and_o arrest_v their_o own_o motion_n towards_o they_o 3._o the_o mind_n of_o man_n do_v not_o take_v so_o superficial_a a_o view_n of_o thing_n as_o to_o discern_v only_o the_o pleasantness_n or_o unpleasantness_n of_o they_o wherein_o natural_a good_a and_o evil_n consist_v but_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v and_o pronounce_v of_o a_o high_a and_o more_o exquisite_a beauty_n or_o deformity_n excellency_n or_o turpitude_n from_o the_o relation_n to_o god_n to_o the_o community_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o to_o the_o time_n to_o come_v wherein_o consist_v that_o which_o we_o call_v moral_a good_a and_o evil_n and_o this_o be_v that_o rational_a sense_n or_o relish_v the_o criterion_n or_o standard_n of_o the_o soul_n i_o former_o speak_v of_o last_o the_o soul_n be_v able_a also_o to_o reflect_v upon_o itself_o to_o measure_v its_o own_o motion_n and_o its_o own_o state_n by_o the_o standard_n aforesaid_a and_o so_o become_v aware_a of_o and_o correct_v its_o own_o error_n for_o the_o time_n past_a and_o take_v better_a aim_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v now_o the_o exercise_v of_o these_o several_a capacity_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v that_o which_o we_o mean_v by_o consideration_n namely_o than_o a_o man_n consider_v when_o in_o the_o first_o place_n he_o suffer_v not_o himself_o to_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o the_o prejudice_n of_o sense_n nor_o confine_v his_o thought_n to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v thereby_o present_v to_o he_o but_o enlarge_v his_o prospect_n look_v round_o about_o he_o takes_z one_o thing_n with_o another_o and_o embrace_n in_o his_o mind_n the_o whole_a nature_n tendency_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n this_o be_v well_o intimate_v by_o the_o latin_n in_o either_o of_o these_o word_n contemplari_fw-la and_o considerare_fw-la which_o seem_v to_o allude_v to_o astronomical_a calculation_n wherein_o man_n ought_v not_o ad_fw-la pauca_fw-la respicere_fw-la to_o confine_v their_o observation_n to_o some_o one_o appearance_n but_o to_o look_v round_o about_o they_o to_o survey_v the_o whole_a orb_n and_o salve_v all_o the_o phaenomena_n thus_o a_o man_n consider_v moral_o that_o observe_v his_o own_o action_n that_o recollect_n what_o have_v befall_v himself_o or_o other_o man_n upon_o so_o do_v and_o forecast_v what_o may_v befall_v he_o or_o they_o hereafter_o again_o when_o a_o man_n live_v not_o extempore_o but_o premeditate_v nor_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v overbear_v either_o by_o the_o presence_n and_o importunity_n of_o sensual_a object_n or_o by_o the_o solicitation_n and_o hurry_n of_o passion_n but_o check_v his_o own_o carrier_n and_o give_v himself_o leisure_n calm_o and_o mature_o to_o understand_v the_o just_a nature_n of_o thing_n defix_n his_o thought_n and_o suspend_v his_o determination_n till_o he_o see_v plain_a reason_n to_o incline_v he_o this_o way_n or_o that_o this_o be_v a_o considerative_a man_n especial_o when_o a_o man_n take_v not_o thing_n in_o the_o gross_a as_o if_o all_o be_v alike_o trivial_a or_o alike_o momentous_a nor_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v lead_v along_o by_o common_a custom_n opinion_n and_o example_n that_o take_v not_o the_o price_n of_o thing_n from_o public_a fame_n but_o appeal_v to_o and_o estimate_n all_o thing_n by_o the_o just_a standard_n of_o reason_n and_o according_o govern_v his_o desire_n and_o prosecution_n the_o man_n i_o say_v that_o distinguish_v and_o make_v a_o discrimination_n betwixt_o one_o thing_n and_o another_o that_o go_v not_o by_o tale_n and_o number_n but_o by_o weight_n and_o proof_n be_v just_o esteem_v a_o think_v and_o serious_a person_n for_o so_o the_o greek_a word_n use_v in_o this_o case_n import_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v to_o confer_v compare_n and_o distinguish_v as_o also_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o state_n the_o matter_n to_o cast_v up_o account_n and_o so_o also_o the_o latin_a word_n deliberare_fw-la which_o festus_n derive_v from_o libra_n as_o decide_v the_o matter_n by_o the_o scale_n in_o like_a manner_n examinare_fw-la to_o observe_v quà _fw-la lanx_fw-la exeat_fw-la which_o way_n the_o scale_n turn_v last_o when_o a_o man_n turn_v his_o eye_n inward_a study_v himself_o make_v himself_o his_o theme_n and_o comment_n upon_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o action_n have_v his_o eye_n in_o his_o head_n mind_v his_o own_o way_n have_v propound_v a_o destine_a mark_n and_o aim_v of_o his_o action_n keep_v it_o constant_o in_o his_o eye_n and_o shape_n his_o course_n according_o not_o like_o the_o fool_n in_o the_o proverb_n of_o solomon_n that_o have_v his_o eye_n rove_a and_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n this_o be_v that_o the_o hebrew_n express_v by_o the_o phrase_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o lay_v to_o heart_n or_o in_o the_o other_o phrase_n of_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 4._o 4._o to_o commune_v with_o one_o own_o heart_n this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o mean_v by_o considerativeness_n or_o in_o other_o word_n the_o work_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o discharge_n of_o both_o its_o office_n and_o by_o such_o kind_n of_o consideration_n as_o this_o do_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a spirit_n begin_v the_o work_n of_o conversion_n and_o herein_o do_v the_o first_o stricture_n and_o essay_n of_o piety_n discover_v themselves_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v say_v by_o the_o platonist_n that_o knowledge_n be_v nothing_o but_o remembrance_n and_o that_o all_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n which_o we_o in_o this_o state_n be_v able_a with_o all_o our_o labour_n and_o diligence_n to_o make_v be_v but_o a_o revival_n and_o recovery_n of_o those_o idea_n of_o thing_n we_o have_v in_o a_o former_a state_n and_o which_o now_o become_v obscure_a and_o confuse_a by_o our_o be_v immerse_v in_o matter_n and_o body_n but_o let_v that_o
pandora_n box_n of_o calamity_n if_o there_o be_v none_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o repent_v fruitless_a to_o weep_v endless_a to_o bewail_v madness_n to_o add_v to_o my_o own_o infelicity_n if_o there_o be_v a_o rigid_a fate_n upon_o i_o i_o will_v curse_v god_n and_o die_v but_o sure_o while_o there_o be_v a_o god_n there_o must_v be_v goodness_n his_o name_n speak_v his_o nature_n will_v he_o break_v a_o bruise_a reed_n will_v he_o contend_v with_o dust_n and_o ash_n can_v infinite_a perfection_n be_v implacable_a and_o inexorable_a it_o be_v true_a he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o i_o but_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o can_v delight_v in_o my_o misery_n he_o can_v repent_v and_o change_v his_o mind_n because_o his_o wisdom_n foresee_v from_o the_o beginning_n all_o possible_a contingency_n but_o if_o i_o repent_v and_o change_v my_o mind_n the_o same_o inchangeableness_n of_o he_o will_v oblige_v he_o as_o well_o then_o to_o save_v i_o as_o before_z to_o destroy_v i_o how_o far_o he_o will_v extend_v mercy_n and_o what_o instance_n he_o will_v make_v of_o it_o i_o can_v define_v but_o who_o know_v but_o he_o may_v yet_o admit_v of_o my_o submission_n however_o i_o can_v be_v worse_a than_o i_o be_o and_o it_o be_v possible_a my_o condition_n may_v be_v better_a here_o i_o perish_v certain_o if_o i_o cast_v myself_o upon_o his_o goodness_n i_o can_v but_o perish_v therefore_o i_o will_v try_v i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o his_o deliberation_n bring_v he_o to_o resolution_n which_o be_v the_o second_o stage_n of_o repentance_n chap._n ii_o of_o resolution_n the_o content_n §_o i._o that_o consideration_n and_o all_o those_o other_o previous_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n mention_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n frequent_o miscarry_v and_o be_v nothing_o till_o they_o be_v fix_v by_o resolution_n §_o ii_o the_o nature_n of_o resolution_n of_o the_o will_n and_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n thereof_o which_o be_v show_v to_o be_v such_o as_o that_o the_o devil_n nor_o any_o other_o be_v under_o god_n can_v force_v it_o the_o importance_n of_o that_o truth_n brief_o show_v and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o from_o experience_n §_o iii_o the_o property_n of_o a_o true_a penitent_a resolution_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o rash_a but_o deliberate_a 2._o that_o it_o be_v peremptory_a 3._o present_a and_o 4._o uniform_a and_o universal_a §_o iv._o the_o inducement_n of_o a_o penitent_a resolution_n 1._o it_o be_v availableness_n with_o god_n by_o the_o exorableness_n of_o his_o nature_n 2._o the_o possibility_n of_o perform_v it_o and_o 3._o the_o easiness_n of_o it_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n 4._o the_o flat_a necessity_n of_o come_v to_o it_o §_o i._o we_o have_v see_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n the_o motion_n of_o a_o awaken_v conscience_n the_o work_n of_o a_o trouble_a mind_n and_o therein_o the_o first_o glimpse_n of_o hope_n and_o sign_n of_o recovery_n but_o let_v not_o any_o man_n think_v that_o when_o he_o be_v arrive_v at_o this_o condition_n his_o work_n be_v do_v his_o peace_n make_v with_o god_n and_o he_o become_v a_o true_a convert_n for_o if_o he_o stay_v here_o he_o perish_v as_o certain_o as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o make_v any_o reflection_n or_o consider_v at_o all_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v apprehensive_a of_o one_o danger_n and_o a_o far_o great_a to_o have_v escape_v it_o the_o discovery_n of_o a_o disease_n be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o cure_n but_o it_o be_v far_o from_o the_o cure_n itself_o it_o be_v a_o unhappy_a but_o not_o a_o unusual_a sight_n to_o see_v man_n upon_o who_o either_o the_o pain_n of_o some_o present_a affliction_n or_o the_o fearful_a prospect_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n hereafter_o may_v have_v so_o far_o prevail_v as_o to_o make_v they_o with_o great_a shame_n and_o abhorrence_n reflect_v upon_o their_o former_a disorder_n and_o cast_v up_o their_o pleasant_a morsel_n who_o yet_o shall_v quick_o return_v again_o to_o their_o own_o vomit_n and_o resume_v their_o usual_a extravagancy_n a_o rock_n itself_o may_v be_v observe_v to_o drop_v upon_o change_n of_o weather_n which_o nevertheless_o relent_v not_o but_o be_v as_o hard_o and_o as_o much_o a_o rock_n as_o ever_o and_o some_o extraordinary_a accident_n may_v rouse_v the_o most_o careless_a sinner_n and_o put_v he_o upon_o a_o effort_n of_o purge_v off_o his_o impurity_n who_o yet_o when_o the_o storm_n be_v over_o shall_v settle_v again_o upon_o his_o lees._n it_o be_v no_o very_o rare_a thing_n to_o observe_v man_n dissolve_v into_o tear_n and_o weep_v as_o hearty_o over_o their_o old_a sin_n as_o ancient_a friend_n do_v when_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o part_v and_o yet_o like_o they_o wish_v and_o hope_v to_o meet_v and_o enjoy_v each_o other_o again_o therefore_o as_o we_o see_v the_o former_o dissolute_a but_o now_o relent_a son_n in_o the_o text_n content_v not_o himself_o with_o passionate_a expression_n or_o ineffective_a wish_n but_o resolve_v upon_o action_n i_o will_v arise_v say_v he_o and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n so_o the_o true_a penitent_a sinner_n that_o be_v in_o earnest_a to_o save_v his_o soul_n sit_v not_o down_o under_o a_o doze_a melancholy_n please_v not_o himself_o with_o wish_v and_o complain_v spend_v not_o his_o time_n in_o doubt_v and_o dispute_v but_o put_v himself_o forward_o upon_o the_o business_n for_o say_v he_o while_o i_o sit_v still_o time_n pass_v away_o life_n fly_v away_o apace_o and_o death_n and_o judgement_n be_v come_v on_o wherefore_o some_o speedy_a course_n must_v be_v take_v and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n what_o afford_v any_o hope_n which_o be_v that_o of_o real_a reformation_n in_o which_o case_n no_o deliberation_n shall_v hold_v i_o long_o in_o suspense_n no_o sloth_n shall_v benumb_v i_o nothing_o shall_v tempt_v i_o to_o delay_v any_o long_o i_o be_o resolve_v i_o will_v make_v the_o experiment_n of_o become_v a_o new_a man_n from_o a_o old_a sinner_n and_o upon_o these_o term_n i_o will_v cast_v myself_o upon_o god_n mercy_n and_o if_o i_o perish_v i_o perish_v §_o ii_o this_o be_v the_o second_o stage_n of_o repentance_n viz._n resolution_n which_o i_o be_o now_o further_o to_o treat_v of_o but_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v already_o that_o the_o resolution_n we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a logical_a conclusion_n by_o way_n of_o inference_n from_o premise_n that_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v best_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v do_v for_o every_o man_n that_o use_v his_o reason_n can_v choose_v but_o speculative_o assent_v to_o this_o as_o his_o duty_n and_o his_o interest_n the_o proceed_n of_o reason_n be_v as_o natural_a and_o necessary_a as_o those_o of_o sense_n insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o a_o man_n power_n to_o deny_v a_o plain_a consequence_n or_o disbelieve_v what_o there_o be_v evident_a reason_n for_o there_o be_v therefore_o no_o moral_a virtue_n in_o such_o a_o conclusion_n and_o so_o a_o man_n may_v perish_v notwitstanding_n as_o it_o be_v too_o notorious_a that_o many_o do_v who_o act_n contrary_a to_o such_o conclusion_n of_o their_o reason_n but_o the_o resolution_n we_o here_o intend_v and_o which_o we_o make_v the_o second_o step_n of_o repentance_n be_v practical_a and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o will_n namely_o its_o decretory_n and_o definitive_a sentence_n for_o the_o actual_a prosecution_n of_o such_o a_o course_n as_o by_o consideration_n and_o the_o former_a process_n of_o reason_n be_v discover_v to_o be_v fit_a and_o necessary_a or_o rather_o it_o be_v the_o will_n actual_a application_n of_o itself_o to_o the_o business_n in_o conformity_n to_o which_o all_o the_o inferior_a power_n be_v put_v into_o action_n also_o as_o be_v subject_a to_o its_o authority_n influence_v upon_o by_o its_o power_n and_o carry_v about_o with_o the_o swinge_n of_o this_o primum_fw-la mobile_a this_o first_o and_o great_a orb_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o more_o clear_a understanding_n of_o this_o power_n of_o the_o will_n and_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o resolution_n let_v we_o suppose_v reason_n and_o sense_n as_o two_o party_n plead_v their_o respective_a cause_n and_o interest_n in_o which_o case_n if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v a_o kind_n of_o draw_a battle_n between_o they_o and_o the_o matter_n leave_v in_o aequilibrio_fw-la notwithstanding_o it_o be_v within_o the_o power_n of_o the_o will_v to_o give_v the_o cause_n which_o way_n it_o please_v or_o suppose_v also_o that_o reason_n acquitt_v itself_o never_o so_o well_o and_o baffle_v its_o adversary_n yet_o all_o will_v be_v but_o a_o speculation_n and_o no_o effect_n follow_v till_o the_o will_n interpose_v its_o sovereignty_n and_o decree_n peremptory_o what_o shall_v be_v do_v and_o
forsake_v thou_o but_o it_o be_v only_o a_o heat_n and_o a_o bravery_n of_o the_o apostle_n he_o have_v not_o serious_o consider_v the_o business_n nor_o forecast_v what_o may_v ensue_v there_o be_v no_o mature_a deliberation_n no_o preparation_n for_o a_o real_a encounter_n and_o therefore_o it_o speed_v according_o and_o he_o come_v off_o shameful_o and_o in_o he_o we_o have_v a_o stand_a example_n of_o the_o frailty_n of_o the_o great_a passion_n and_o of_o the_o necessity_n that_o counsel_n and_o deliberation_n ground_n our_o resolution_n by_o which_o mean_v also_o they_o will_v become_v 2._o decretory_n and_o peremptory_a which_o be_v the_o second_o property_n of_o virtuous_a resolution_n there_o be_v some_o man_n who_o a_o affectionate_a discourse_n a_o serious_a sermon_n or_o any_o notable_a accident_n will_v put_v into_o a_o fit_a of_o devotion_n which_o shall_v last_v only_o until_o something_o else_o come_v in_o the_o way_n and_o then_o theformer_n impression_n give_v way_n to_o the_o latter_a these_o we_o common_o call_v good_a nature_a man_n who_o facility_n of_o temper_n put_v they_o at_o the_o mercy_n of_o every_o contingency_n and_o they_o be_v good_a and_o bad_a as_o occasion_n serve_v cloud_n they_o be_v without_o water_n carry_v about_o of_o every_o wind_n as_o st._n judas_n express_v it_o vers_n 12._o or_o as_o st._n james_n double_v mind_v man_n and_o unstable_a in_o all_o their_o way_n jam._n 1._o 8._o that_o have_v no_o settle_a principle_n nothing_o fix_v and_o constant_a to_o govern_v themselves_o by_o to_o these_o the_o prophecy_n of_o jacob_n concern_v his_o son_n reuben_n may_v fit_o be_v apply_v gen._n 49._o 4._o unstable_a as_o water_n therefore_o thou_o shall_v not_o excel_v such_o irresolute_a temper_n can_v never_o arrive_v at_o any_o excellency_n of_o virtue_n the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v no_o doubt_n a_o good_a mind_n to_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n notwithstanding_o whenever_o they_o meet_v with_o any_o difficulty_n then_o will_v to_o god_n we_o be_v again_o by_o the_o fleshpot_n of_o egypt_n and_o none_o of_o these_o light_n and_o mutable_a person_n ever_o come_v to_o the_o good_a land_n there_o be_v anakim_v and_o giant_n and_o a_o thousand_o difficulty_n run_v in_o their_o head_n which_o enfeeble_v they_o for_o the_o enterprise_n only_a joshua_n and_o caleb_n and_o such_o as_o be_v animate_v by_o their_o brave_a example_n and_o say_v come_v let_v we_o go_v up_o for_o we_o be_v able_a to_o conquer_v only_o such_o i_o say_v come_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o it_o 1_o king_n 18._o 21._o how_o long_o halt_v you_o between_o two_o opinion_n say_v the_o prophet_n to_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n if_o baal_n be_v god_n serve_v he_o but_o if_o jehovah_n be_v god_n then_o serve_v he_o q._n d._n whether_o you_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n or_o the_o false_a irresolution_n spoil_v all_o devotion_n either_o way_n for_o whilst_o you_o doubt_v and_o dispute_v your_o way_n you_o do_v but_o halt_v towards_o your_o end_n and_o design_n according_o moses_n endeavour_n to_o raise_v a_o generosity_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n by_o those_o word_n deut._n 26._o 17._o thou_o have_v vouch_v the_o lord_n this_o day_n to_o be_v thy_o god_n q._n d._n it_o now_o become_v you_o to_o be_v religious_a in_o earnest_n to_o serve_v god_n with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o a_o willing_a mind_n for_o you_o have_v now_o put_v it_o past_o all_o dispute_n you_o have_v choose_v and_o resolve_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v your_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v consistent_a with_o yourselves_o there_o be_v no_o virtue_n in_o a_o faint_a velleity_n when_o man_n shall_v speak_v as_o agrippa_n in_o the_o act_n almost_o thou_o persuade_v i_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n it_o be_v no_o wisdom_n to_o put_v in_o caution_n now_o it_o be_v only_o the_o language_n of_o the_o sluggard_n to_o say_v there_o be_v a_o lion_n in_o the_o way_n postquam_fw-la consulueris_fw-la maturè_fw-la facto_fw-la opus_fw-la est_fw-la all_o gallantry_n of_o mind_n be_v now_o after_o deliberation_n to_o take_v up_o a_o immovable_a resolution_n for_o virtue_n be_v neither_o a_o wary_a diffidence_n nor_o a_o hot_a fit_n of_o zeal_n but_o a_o constant_a vital_a heat_n and_o a_o settle_a temper_n of_o mind_n the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n st._n mark_v 10._o 22._o come_v to_o our_o saviour_n good_a master_n what_o good_a thing_n shall_v i_o do_v that_o i_o may_v inherit_v eternal_a life_n he_o think_v it_o a_o fine_a thing_n to_o be_v a_o candidate_n of_o the_o other_o world_n eternal_a life_n which_o our_o saviour_n preach_v and_o promise_v be_v a_o glorious_a and_o very_a desirable_a thing_n and_o he_o can_v be_v well_o content_a to_o become_v a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o do_v some_o very_a good_a thing_n that_o he_o may_v attain_v it_o for_o indeed_o eternal_a life_n be_v that_o which_o no_o man_n can_v choose_v but_o desire_n to_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v save_v be_v no_o sign_n of_o grace_n for_o a_o man_n must_v express_o hate_v himself_o shall_v he_o do_v otherwise_o thus_o far_o therefore_o he_o be_v right_a but_o after_o all_o this_o he_o go_v away_o sorrowful_a without_o his_o errand_n he_o have_v not_o thorough_o resolve_v with_o himself_o to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o he_o can_v not_o find_v in_o his_o heart_n like_o the_o wise_a merchant_n to_o sell_v and_o part_n with_o all_o he_o have_v to_o purchase_v this_o pearl_n of_o inestimable_a price_n but_o the_o true_a penitent_n set_v down_o a_o immovable_a resolution_n to_o go_v through_o whatever_o it_o cost_v he_o i_o have_v faulter_v too_o long_o already_o faith_n he_o now_o stat_fw-la sententia_fw-la it_o be_v as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n with_o i_o nothing_o shall_v dispense_v with_o my_o purpose_n or_o assoil_v my_o resolution_n i_o will_v now_o return_v and_o that_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o 3._o third_z property_n of_o a_o virtuous_a resolution_n it_o be_v de_fw-fr praesenti_fw-la a_o present_a resolution_n like_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 119._o vers_fw-la 59_o 60._o i_o think_v upon_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n to_o thy_o precept_n i_o make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o to_o keep_v thy_o righteous_a judgement_n q._n d._n my_o consideration_n lead_v i_o to_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n and_o i_o find_v the_o nature_n and_o consequence_n of_o that_o be_v such_o as_o to_o admit_v of_o no_o delay_n i_o therefore_o set_v present_o about_o it_o a_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n which_o commence_v not_o present_o but_o intend_v to_o do_v it_o hereafter_o be_v no_o repentance_n nor_o any_o good_a sign_n of_o grace_n forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n at_o least_o under_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o who_o have_v ever_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o or_o think_v of_o god_n and_o another_o life_n but_o have_v some_o time_n or_o other_o resolve_v to_o become_v a_o new_a man_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o most_o fatal_a cheat_v man_n put_v upon_o themselves_o and_o i_o fear_v now_o there_o be_v multitude_n enter_v into_o the_o chamber_n of_o darkness_n and_o a_o irreversible_a estate_n that_o for_o a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o life_n carry_v along_o with_o they_o both_o conviction_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o reformation_n and_o resolution_n one_o time_n or_o other_o to_o set_v about_o it_o exemplar_n for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o it_o be_v but_o self-love_n to_o desire_v eternal_a life_n and_o no_o man_n that_o consider_v at_o all_o can_v think_v but_o something_o must_v be_v do_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o or_o so_o think_v can_v so_o desperate_o abandon_v himself_o as_o not_o to_o intend_v to_o do_v it_o but_o he_o understand_v not_o sufficient_o either_o the_o evil_a or_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_n much_o less_o have_v any_o true_a sense_n of_o virtue_n 3_o that_o can_v find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o procrastinate_v and_o adjourn_v the_o resolution_n of_o cast_v off_o the_o former_a and_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o latter_a 19_o for_o where_o the_o mischief_n be_v intolerable_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n 5._o and_o the_o good_a and_o happiness_n the_o most_o unspeakable_a and_o high_a that_o can_v be_v on_o the_o other_o there_o can_v be_v neither_o wisdom_n nor_o safety_n in_o any_o other_o course_n than_o that_o which_o solomon_n direct_v eccles_n 9_o 10._o whatever_o thy_o hand_n find_v to_o do_v do_v it_o with_o all_o thy_o might_n for_o there_o be_v no_o work_n nor_o device_n nor_o knowledge_n nor_o wisdom_n in_o the_o grave_n whither_o thou_o go_v when_o once_o death_n have_v close_v our_o eye_n the_o time_n of_o probation_n be_v over_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n certain_o shut_v in_o and_o the_o night_n come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v
zeal_n as_o can_v but_o be_v very_o observable_a nay_o his_o fervour_n be_v so_o great_a in_o these_o thing_n that_o the_o only_a danger_n be_v of_o run_v into_o some_o excess_n lest_o he_o outgo_v the_o health_n and_o strength_n of_o his_o body_n and_o forget_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o common_a affair_n of_o life_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v great_a diversity_n in_o these_o passionate_a expression_n of_o devotion_n according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o man_n temper_n and_o constitution_n but_o yet_o in_o every_o true_a convert_n it_o be_v at_o the_o low_a quite_o another_o thing_n from_o the_o common_a flatness_n and_o formality_n that_o be_v too_o easy_a to_o be_v see_v in_o other_o man_n nay_o the_o transport_v of_o this_o kind_n in_o new_a convert_v be_v usual_o so_o great_a that_o it_o often_o give_v they_o occasion_n afterward_o to_o question_v their_o station_n and_o to_o doubt_v whether_o they_o have_v not_o apostatise_v and_o fall_v from_o their_o first_o love_n when_o they_o find_v they_o can_v maintain_v those_o springtide_n constant_o at_o the_o same_o height_n through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o this_o be_v to_o be_v add_v that_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o a_o man_n sincerity_n that_o he_o want_v some_o of_o the_o passionate_a expression_n of_o devotion_n which_o he_o have_v at_o first_o in_o regard_n then_o the_o fresh_a sense_n he_o have_v of_o his_o miscarriage_n of_o his_o horrible_a danger_n together_o with_o the_o ravish_a joy_n at_o the_o first_o glimpse_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ_n be_v able_a strange_o to_o move_v all_o his_o power_n and_o to_o draw_v even_o those_o bodily_a passion_n into_o compliance_n with_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o must_v certain_o flag_n afterward_o and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v a_o sure_a sign_n he_o be_v no_o convert_n i_o mean_v from_o a_o debauch_a and_o wicked_a life_n who_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o something_o extraordinary_a in_o this_o kind_n at_o first_o yet_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v no_o sign_n of_o decay_v in_o grace_n if_o he_o find_v not_o the_o like_o all_o along_o 2._o but_o to_o proceed_v second_o when_o the_o son_n arise_v and_o go_v to_o his_o father_n it_o be_v imply_v that_o he_o become_v obedient_a to_o his_o command_n as_o well_o as_o that_o he_o live_v in_o his_o presence_n and_o family_n and_o according_o the_o penitent_a in_o the_o next_o place_n content_v not_o himself_o with_o any_o or_o all_o of_o the_o forementioned_a act_n of_o devotion_n as_o not_o intend_v to_o put_v off_o god_n with_o complemental_a address_n for_o all_o worship_n without_o obedience_n be_v no_o better_a but_o apply_v himself_o with_o all_o humility_n and_o seriousness_n to_o frame_v his_o life_n according_a to_o his_o command_n heretofore_o he_o be_v a_o son_n of_o belial_n lawless_a and_o disobedient_a but_o now_o he_o say_v with_o st_n paul_n upon_o his_o conversion_n act_v 9_o 6._o what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v lord_n he_o have_v now_o find_v what_o hard_a service_n the_o devil_n put_v his_o vassal_n to_o and_o have_v have_v so_o bad_a a_o master_n of_o he_o he_o do_v not_o discourage_v himself_o with_o suspicion_n but_o submit_v his_o neck_n to_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v grievous_a as_o be_v of_o opinion_n with_o the_o falisci_n 5._o who_o tell_v fabricius_n melius_fw-la nos_fw-la sub_fw-la vestro_fw-la imperio_fw-la quam_fw-la sub_fw-la nostris_fw-la legibus_fw-la victuri_fw-la sumus_fw-la god_n service_n be_v perfect_a freedom_n and_o it_o be_v liberty_n enough_o to_o obey_v wisdom_n and_o goodness_n according_o he_o endeavour_v from_o henceforth_o to_o live_v in_o all_o the_o statute_n and_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n blameless_a and_o exercise_n himself_o to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n he_o confine_v not_o his_o care_n to_o some_o one_o branch_n or_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n which_o be_v the_o common_a guise_n of_o hypocrite_n but_o resolve_v to_o be_v universal_o good_a and_o holy_a for_o he_o not_o only_o consider_v that_o one_o sin_n be_v sufficient_a to_o ruin_v a_o man_n as_o well_o as_o many_o as_o one_o disease_n may_v destroy_v a_o man_n life_n as_o well_o as_o a_o complication_n but_o also_o he_o observe_v that_o the_o main_a difficulty_n of_o virtue_n lie_v in_o that_o man_n do_v not_o uniform_o carry_v on_o the_o whole_a business_n before_o they_o and_o so_o the_o devil_n get_v that_o ground_n in_o one_o place_n which_o he_o seem_v to_o lose_v in_o another_o beside_o the_o very_a principle_n that_o act_n and_o govern_v he_o be_v the_o hearty_a love_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n which_o make_v he_o have_v a_o equal_a hatred_n to_o all_o sin_n and_o a_o zeal_n of_o every_o duty_n he_o forsake_v all_o his_o debauch_n for_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o make_v experiment_n whether_o victory_n over_o his_o passion_n be_v not_o as_o delightful_a as_o the_o gratification_n of_o they_o and_o whether_o intellectual_a joy_n be_v not_o as_o ravish_v as_o sensual_a enjoyment_n and_o a_o regular_a conversation_n as_o easy_a and_o agreeable_a as_o the_o lawless_a and_o licentious_a he_o bring_v his_o sense_n in_o subjection_n to_o his_o reason_n and_o make_v all_o those_o power_n and_o faculty_n tributary_n to_o religion_n which_o before_o make_v war_n against_o it_o this_o head_n of_o i_o say_v he_o which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v employ_v in_o contrivance_n for_o the_o world_n or_o in_o cater_v for_o my_o lust_n shall_v now_o be_v exercise_v in_o study_v how_o i_o may_v do_v most_o honour_n to_o my_o maker_n this_o wit_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o go_v out_o in_o froth_n or_o in_o scoff_v at_o all_o that_o be_v serious_a shall_v now_o make_v apology_n for_o what_o before_o it_o blaspheme_v this_o tongue_n shall_v learn_v to_o bless_v that_o be_v use_v to_o curse_v and_o swear_v my_o hand_n shall_v now_o dispense_v as_o liberal_o to_o charitable_a purpose_n as_o they_o have_v sordid_o rake_v together_o before_o i_o will_v be_v as_o exemplary_a for_o sobriety_n and_o chastity_n as_o ever_o i_o be_v notorious_a for_o excess_n and_o wherever_o i_o have_v wrong_v any_o body_n in_o my_o deal_n i_o will_v now_o spare_v from_o myself_o to_o make_v they_o a_o recompense_n in_o short_a by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n from_o henceforward_o there_o be_v neither_o pleasure_n shall_v tempt_v i_o nor_o profit_n allure_v i_o nor_o ambition_n corrupt_v i_o nor_o example_n sway_v i_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o i_o know_v to_o be_v evil_a and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o shall_v neither_o difficulty_n discourage_v i_o nor_o tediousness_n of_o the_o course_n weary_v i_o in_o the_o race_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o he_o may_v always_o make_v good_a this_o ground_n and_o persevere_v in_o this_o course_n he_o call_v in_o all_o the_o auxiliary_n of_o divine_a grace_n place_n himself_o under_o the_o most_o advantageous_a circumstance_n and_o retrenche_n himself_o against_o all_o assault_n or_o surprisal_n herewithal_o he_o have_v a_o principal_a care_n to_o keep_v his_o thought_n pure_a and_o holy_a that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o combustible_a matter_n in_o he_o for_o the_o devil_n be_v fiery_a dart_n to_o take_v hold_n of_o nor_o any_o begin_n of_o a_o mutiny_n within_o he_o of_o the_o flesh_n against_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o mean_v a_o passage_n may_v be_v open_v to_o the_o enemy_n and_o yet_o when_o this_o be_v do_v he_o will_v be_v always_o upon_o his_o guard_n too_o not_o trust_v whole_o to_o the_o innocency_n of_o his_o intention_n as_o know_v both_o the_o subtlety_n and_o enterprize_v nature_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o this_o watch_n may_v be_v constant_o keep_v up_o he_o be_v sure_a not_o to_o allow_v himself_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o intemperance_n which_o will_v at_o least_o weaken_v his_o reason_n and_o inflame_v his_o passion_n and_o far_o he_o be_v very_a choice_n of_o his_o company_n and_o very_o desirous_a to_o fortify_v himself_o by_o good_a neighbourhood_n and_o acquaintance_n that_o he_o may_v be_v quicken_v by_o their_o example_n and_o last_o he_o will_v be_v always_o do_v some_o good_a thing_n or_o other_o that_o temptation_n may_v not_o find_v he_o at_o leisure_n to_o give_v it_o entertainment_n moreover_o in_o consideration_n that_o he_o have_v live_v a_o great_a while_n unprofitable_o and_o do_v far_o less_o than_o his_o duty_n he_o will_v strive_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o do_v more_o than_o be_v matter_n of_o express_a duty_n now_o to_o make_v amends_o for_o fomer_n fail_v and_o therefore_o be_v far_o from_o the_o cold_a and_o frugal_a piety_n of_o those_o man_n that_o make_v a_o great_a stir_v in_o seek_v the_o
recollect_v himself_o to_o emerge_n out_o of_o his_o folly_n to_o remember_v his_o father_n house_n and_o to_o thirst_v after_o eternal_a life_n he_o be_v infinite_o please_v with_o it_o and_o cherish_v such_o blossom_n thus_o it_o be_v prophesy_v of_o the_o messiah_n and_o interpret_v and_o apply_v to_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o evangelist_n matth._n 12._o 20._o a_o bruise_a reed_n shall_v he_o not_o break_v and_o smoke_a flax_n shall_v he_o not_o quench_v until_o he_o send_v forth_o judgement_n into_o victory_n i_o e._n he_o will_v neither_o precipitate_v those_o upon_o utter_a ruin_n who_o be_v very_o near_o it_o and_o have_v cast_v themselves_o upon_o the_o brink_n of_o danger_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o hope_n remain_v of_o their_o recovery_n nor_o much_o less_o will_v he_o despise_v and_o extinguish_v the_o least_o spark_n and_o beginning_n of_o good_a but_o encourage_v and_o promote_v they_o and_o this_o we_o observe_v to_o be_v verify_v in_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n 21._o of_o who_o we_o have_v take_v notice_n before_o he_o make_v some_o conscience_n of_o his_o way_n and_o inquire_v after_o eternal_a life_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v something_o to_o attain_v it_o wherefore_o though_o he_o be_v far_o from_o be_v generous_o good_a nevertheless_o the_o text_n tell_v we_o jesus_n look_v upon_o he_o and_o love_v he_o in_o short_a therefore_o whatsoever_o god_n proceed_n shall_v be_v with_o impenitent_a and_o incurable_a sinner_n in_o the_o other_o world_n who_o have_v withstand_v the_o whole_a day_n of_o grace_n and_o abuse_v all_o his_o patience_n and_o kindness_n i_o say_v whatever_o severity_n his_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n may_v then_o require_v when_o man_n have_v treasure_v up_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o fit_v themselves_o for_o destruction_n yet_o certain_o in_o this_o life_n and_o whilst_o there_o be_v any_o hope_n god_n be_v compassionate_a towards_o they_o he_o pity_v those_o he_o can_v love_v and_o love_v those_o that_o pity_n themselves_o and_o delight_n in_o those_o that_o love_v he_o but_o this_o pity_n of_o the_o almighty_a which_o yet_o be_v one_o of_o the_o low_a instance_n of_o his_o benignity_n consist_v not_o as_o it_o do_v often_o in_o man_n in_o a_o soft_a sympathy_n with_o the_o miserable_a or_o ineffective_a wish_n of_o their_o good_a but_o be_v like_o himself_o great_a and_o powerful_a in_o its_o effect_n for_o in_o the_o next_o place_n §_o iv._o 3._o as_o the_o father_n not_o only_o admit_v his_o son_n when_o he_o return_v to_o he_o but_o run_v to_o meet_v he_o so_o do_v the_o almighty_a help_n and_o bring_v on_o sinner_n in_o their_o way_n to_o himself_o st._n jerom_n i_o confess_v understand_v this_o passage_n in_o the_o mystical_a sense_n to_o point_v at_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o saviour_n wherein_o god_n may_v very_o proper_o be_v say_v to_o meet_v man_n take_v our_o humane_a nature_n that_o he_o may_v make_v we_o partaker_n of_o his_o divine_a but_o i_o rather_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o efficacious_a assistance_n which_o god_n give_v by_o his_o grace_n to_o all_o beginning_n of_o good_a in_o man_n 73._o miraris_fw-la homines_fw-la ad_fw-la deos_fw-la ire_n say_v seneca_n deus_fw-la ad_fw-la homines_fw-la venit_fw-la imò_fw-la quod_fw-la propiùs_fw-la est_fw-la in_fw-la homines_fw-la venit_fw-la nulla_fw-la sine_fw-la deo_fw-la mens_fw-la bona_fw-la est_fw-la and_o a_o little_a before_o he_o have_v say_v non_fw-la sunt_fw-la dii_o fastidiosi_fw-la non_fw-la invidi_fw-la admittunt_fw-la &_o ascendentibus_fw-la manus_fw-la porrigunt_fw-la which_o word_n of_o he_o may_v thus_o be_v render_v in_o a_o scripture_n phrase_n god_n though_o he_o be_v the_o high_a and_o lofty_a one_o inhabit_v eternity_n yet_o be_v not_o stately_a and_o disdainful_a he_o neither_o envy_v nor_o grudge_v man_n happiness_n and_o though_o he_o dwell_v in_o the_o high_a and_o holy_a place_n yet_o to_o this_o man_n will_v he_o look_v that_o be_v of_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a spirit_n and_o he_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o repulse_v his_o endeavour_n of_o ascend_v up_o to_o he_o that_o he_o reach_v out_o a_o hand_n of_o mercy_n to_o pull_v he_o up_o to_o himself_o wonder_v not_o then_o that_o man_n attain_v to_o god_n when_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o come_v down_o to_o they_o nay_o to_o come_v in_o to_o they_o for_o never_o be_v any_o virtuous_a mind_n without_o his_o help_n to_o that_o purpose_n speak_v the_o excellent_a moralist_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n most_o express_o phil._n 2._o 12._o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v and_o jo._n 6._o 44._o no_o man_n come_v unto_o i_o except_o my_o father_n which_o have_v send_v i_o draw_v he_o and_o this_o temper_n be_v that_o which_o the_o prophet_n magnificent_o describe_v the_o messiah_n by_o isai_n 40._o 11._o he_o shall_v feed_v his_o flock_n like_o a_o shepherd_n he_o shall_v gather_v the_o lamb_n with_o his_o arm_n and_o carry_v they_o in_o his_o bosom_n and_o shall_v gentle_o lead_v those_o that_o be_v with_o young_a and_o thus_o also_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n set_v forth_o god_n deal_v with_o his_o people_n israel_n hos_n 11._o 3._o i_o teach_v ephraim_n to_o go_v take_v they_o by_o their_o arm_n i_o draw_v they_o with_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n with_o the_o band_n of_o love_n in_o which_o passage_n though_o god_n by_o the_o prophet_n describe_v the_o way_n of_o his_o providence_n with_o literal_a israel_n the_o jewish_a nation_n yet_o as_o that_o people_n be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o spiritual_a israel_n so_o do_v god_n method_n with_o they_o resemble_v the_o gracious_a condescension_n he_o use_v towards_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o their_o conversion_n to_o himself_o i_o can_v upon_o this_o occasion_n omit_v a_o most_o affect_a and_o remarkable_a story_n which_o eusebius_n report_v upon_o the_o credit_n both_o of_o st._n irenaeus_n 17._o and_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n to_o this_o effect_n st._n john_n the_o apostle_n in_o his_o visitation_n of_o the_o church_n near_o about_o ephesus_n happen_v there_o to_o fix_v his_o eye_n upon_o a_o certain_a young_a man_n who_o he_o conjecture_v from_o the_o comeliness_n of_o his_o shape_n vigorous_a cheerfulness_n of_o his_o eye_n and_o other_o indication_n of_o a_o generous_a spirit_n may_v become_v a_o eminent_a and_o useful_a person_n if_o effectual_a care_n be_v take_v of_o his_o education_n he_o therefore_o call_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o place_n and_o solemn_o conjure_v he_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a church_n to_o spare_v no_o pain_n or_o care_n in_o cultivate_v the_o mind_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o young_a man_n the_o bishop_n undertake_v it_o and_o according_o take_v he_o into_o his_o own_o house_n use_v he_o as_o his_o own_o son_n instruct_v he_o baptise_n and_o at_o length_n confirm_v he_o in_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o have_v do_v he_o think_v now_o he_o may_v be_v a_o little_a more_o secure_a of_o he_o and_o trust_v he_o to_o his_o own_o conduct_n but_o he_o have_v no_o soon_o do_v so_o but_o certain_a loose_a young_a man_n present_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o his_o acquaintance_n and_o first_o debauch_v he_o with_o light_a caress_n and_o jovial_a assignation_n and_o then_o as_o it_o often_o happen_v to_o maintain_v those_o excess_n they_o draw_v he_o into_o a_o confederacy_n of_o robbery_n and_o in_o that_o flagitious_a society_n this_o young_a man_n quick_o become_v so_o great_a a_o proficient_a as_o to_o be_v captain_n and_o leader_n of_o the_o fraternity_n at_o this_o season_n as_o god_n will_v have_v it_o the_o apostle_n return_v again_o into_o those_o part_n and_o present_o require_v a_o account_n from_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o young_a man_n commit_v to_o his_o trust_n the_o good_a old_a man_n with_o sorrow_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o tear_n in_o his_o eye_n reply_n alas_o he_o be_v dead_a dead_a i_o say_v to_o god_n and_o all_o goodness_n he_o be_v become_v a_o common_a thief_n and_o cutthroat_n have_v desert_v the_o church_n where_o i_o train_v he_o up_o and_o now_o keep_v his_o station_n in_o the_o mountain_n hard_a by_o from_o whence_o he_o make_v his_o frequent_a sally_n to_o commit_v all_o kind_n of_o villainy_n the_o apostle_n age_v as_o he_o be_v consider_v not_o his_o own_o infirmity_n but_o the_o recovery_n of_o the_o young_a man_n and_o therefore_o call_v for_o a_o horse_n and_o a_o guide_n present_o issue_v forth_o into_o the_o mountain_n where_o he_o have_v be_v tell_v his_o haunt_n be_v there_o he_o no_o soon_o arrive_v but_o he_o be_v arrest_v by_o the_o centinel_n thief_n whereat_o he_o betray_v no_o fear_n or_o surprisal_n as_o have_v in_o part_n attain_v what_o he_o seek_v show_v i_o say_v he_o your_o captain_n the_o captain_n hear_v this_o and_o wonder_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o errand_n present_v himself_o arm_v
very_a pitiful_a plight_n either_o quite_o naked_a or_o at_o most_o cover_v with_o rag_n he_o therefore_o call_v for_o the_o best_a robe_n and_o put_v it_o on_o he_o that_o not_o only_a necessity_n may_v be_v provide_v for_o and_o his_o nakedness_n cover_v but_o he_o will_v have_v he_o appear_v in_o a_o equipage_n suitable_a to_o the_o son_n of_o such_o a_o father_n again_o second_o whereas_o the_o son_n in_o contemplation_n of_o his_o present_a distress_n and_o former_a miscarriage_n have_v no_o high_a ambition_n then_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o hire_a servant_n now_o the_o father_n on_o the_o other_o side_n will_v have_v he_o adorn_v with_o the_o ensign_n of_o a_o person_n of_o quality_n and_o of_o a_o son_n and_o therefore_o put_v a_o ring_n on_o his_o hand_n which_o have_v in_o all_o age_n and_o among_o most_o nation_n be_v use_v to_o denote_v either_o eminent_a quality_n or_o singular_a favour_n three_o the_o son_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o rebellion_n among_o other_o misfortune_n become_v a_o slave_n as_o we_o have_v observe_v before_o and_o among_o most_o nation_n it_o have_v be_v the_o custom_n for_o such_o to_o go_v barefoot_a and_o only_a freeman_n to_o be_v shod_a now_o the_o father_n in_o token_n of_o his_o son_n emancipation_n command_v to_o put_v shoe_n on_o his_o foot_n all_o which_o three_o thing_n together_o amount_v to_o this_o that_o the_o father_n have_v forgive_v his_o son_n upon_o his_o submission_n and_o return_n now_o put_v he_o into_o as_o good_a a_o condition_n in_o all_o respect_n as_o he_o be_v in_o before_o his_o rebellion_n and_o from_o thence_o according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o the_o parable_n we_o may_v infer_v that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n upon_o the_o sincere_a repentance_n of_o sinner_n be_v so_o full_o reconcile_v to_o they_o that_o they_o stand_v upon_o the_o same_o term_n with_o he_o as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o sin_v they_o be_v restore_v to_o as_o good_a a_o condition_n as_o that_o of_o adam_n in_o innocency_n and_o we_o may_v content_v ourselves_o with_o this_o general_a application_n but_o that_o st._n chrysostom_n st._n jerom_n st._n austin_n theophylact_fw-mi and_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o ancient_n carry_v it_o further_o and_o make_v a_o particular_a interpretation_n of_o these_o several_a passage_n in_o conformity_n to_o who_o judgement_n we_o will_v thus_o render_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o three_o aforesaid_a favour_n 1._o by_o the_o best_a robe_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o excellent_a ornament_n of_o more_o complete_a holiness_n and_o full_a sanctification_n which_o god_n work_v in_o and_o bestow_v upon_o a_o sinner_n upon_o his_o reconciliation_n to_o himself_o 2._o by_o the_o ring_n be_v intimate_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v confer_v upon_o those_o man_n that_o be_v justify_v and_o sanctify_v as_o the_o pledge_n of_o their_o adoption_n and_o earnest_n of_o their_o inheritance_n 3._o by_o the_o shoe_n the_o honour_n of_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n for_o the_o draw_v other_o home_n to_o he_o the_o ground_n of_o which_o interpretation_n i_o will_v assign_v as_o i_o handle_v the_o particular_n several_o and_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o 1._o the_o best_a robe_n stolam_fw-la say_v st._n jerom_n quam_fw-la adam_n peccando_fw-la perdiderat_fw-la stolam_fw-la quae_fw-la in_o alia_fw-la parabola_fw-la dicitur_fw-la indumentum_fw-la nuptiale_fw-la the_o robe_n which_o adam_n lose_v when_o he_o sin_v and_o in_o defect_n of_o which_o he_o cover_v himself_o with_o figleaf_n that_o robe_n which_o in_o another_o parable_n be_v call_v the_o wedding_n garment_n 〈◊〉_d and_o st._n chrysostom_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n the_o garment_n of_o a_o heavenly_a contexture_n the_o white_a robe_n which_o they_o be_v clothe_v with_o that_o be_v baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n agreeable_o herewith_o theophylact_v the_o best_a or_o first_o robe_n for_o so_o the_o greek_a word_n in_o the_o text_n import_v that_o be_v say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o ancient_a robe_n which_o we_o wear_v before_o we_o sin_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n mean_v when_o it_o say_v put_v you_o on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v put_v you_o off_o the_o old_a vicious_a habit_n and_o practice_n and_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o put_v on_o the_o holy_a temper_n of_o the_o gospel_n whosoever_o have_v be_v ever_o so_o little_o conversant_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n can_v but_o have_v observe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o usual_a stile_n thereof_o to_o denote_v both_o the_o inward_a quality_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o outward_a accustomary_a action_n of_o the_o life_n by_o the_o garment_n of_o the_o body_n and_o it_o will_v be_v unnecessary_a and_o therefore_o tedious_a to_o recite_v the_o many_o passage_n there_o to_o be_v find_v to_o that_o purpose_n but_o i_o can_v omit_v that_o in_o the_o revelation_n chap._n 19_o verse_n 8._o to_o she_o be_v give_v to_o be_v array_v in_o fine_a linen_n clean_a and_o white_a for_o white_a linen_n be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o saint_n by_o the_o woman_n be_v there_o mean_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n call_v the_o lamb_n wife_n who_o ornament_n be_v righteousness_n and_o holiness_n and_o they_o be_v metaphorical_o represent_v by_o white_a garment_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v all_o the_o use_n of_o garment_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o exact_o correspond_v therewith_o nor_o more_o fit_a to_o be_v figurative_o express_v by_o allusion_n to_o they_o then_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a qualification_n for_o if_o garment_n be_v use_v for_o distinction_n what_o make_v a_o great_a and_o true_a distinction_n betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n then_o their_o life_n and_o temper_n it_o be_v not_o be_v high_a or_o low_o rich_a or_o poor_a noble_a or_o ignoble_a learned_a or_o idiotical_a which_o make_v so_o great_a a_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o as_o when_o one_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a and_o another_o vicious_a and_o profane_a if_o garment_n be_v for_o ornament_n and_o to_o cover_v our_o uncomeliness_n what_o be_v there_o represent_v a_o man_n more_o lovely_a and_o beautiful_a than_o the_o ornament_n of_o a_o quiet_a mind_n a_o just_a temper_n a_o holy_a life_n and_o what_o disguise_n and_o deform_v man_n like_a to_o vice_n and_o debauchery_n if_o again_o garment_n be_v for_o defence_n against_o the_o injury_n of_o weather_n and_o other_o accident_n what_o be_v there_o that_o give_v a_o man_n that_o security_n and_o confidence_n which_o innocency_n of_o life_n and_o sincere_a piety_n afford_v he_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n what_o expose_v and_o lay_v a_o man_n open_a to_o all_o the_o calamity_n of_o this_o life_n and_o to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v but_o naughty_a and_o evil_a practice_n proceed_v from_o a_o corrupt_a and_o vicious_a temper_n wherefore_o there_o be_v both_o plain_a reason_n and_o good_a authority_n of_o all_o kind_n to_o make_v this_o application_n of_o the_o first_o favour_n which_o the_o reconcile_a father_n vouchsafe_v his_o return_a son_n and_o to_o say_v that_o thereby_o be_v denote_v in_o the_o figurative_a sense_n that_o god_n when_o he_o have_v pardon_v the_o penitent_a then_o confer_v further_a measure_n of_o sanctification_n upon_o he_o §_o ii_o but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o sanctification_n must_v go_v before_o justification_n inasmuch_o as_o though_o a_o earthly_a parent_n may_v be_v reconcile_v to_o his_o son_n that_o be_v not_o true_o good_a yet_o god_n can_v be_v reconcile_v to_o sinner_n continue_v so_o or_o until_o they_o become_v new_a man_n and_o therefore_o some_o other_o allegory_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v here_o and_o not_o that_o which_o we_o concurrent_o with_o the_o father_n have_v pitch_v upon_o i_o answer_v the_o doctrine_n be_v true_a which_o this_o objection_n be_v ground_v upon_o but_o the_o inference_n therefrom_o will_v not_o reach_v we_o for_o i_o have_v show_v already_o that_o some_o measure_n of_o real_a sanctification_n must_v go_v before_o justification_n and_o pardon_n because_o god_n though_o he_o bear_v a_o constant_a goodwill_n to_o mankind_n yet_o as_o the_o objection_n well_o suggest_v and_o we_o have_v acknowledge_v before_o be_v he_o not_o transport_v with_o any_o fondness_n towards_o any_o man_n mere_a person_n so_o as_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o whilst_o he_o stand_v at_o defiance_n with_o himself_o because_o he_o be_v a_o pure_a holy_a and_o just_a majesty_n and_o consequent_o can_v without_o deny_v himself_o and_o contradiction_n to_o his_o own_o nature_n either_o delight_n in_o a_o vicious_a person_n or_o hate_v a_o good_a man_n and_o beside_o if_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o his_o nature_n yet_o will_v not_o his_o wisdom_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n permit_v that_o he_o cause_v
relish_n and_o remembrance_n of_o good_a thing_n pass_v make_v the_o succession_n of_o evil_n most_o pungent_a and_o intolerable_a nay_o which_o be_v more_o the_o very_a fear_n and_o expectation_n of_o this_o vicissitude_n make_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o great_a present_a flat_a and_o insignificant_a it_o will_v questionless_a be_v a_o great_a relief_n to_o the_o soul_n in_o hell_n and_o a_o remission_n of_o their_o torment_n if_o they_o can_v conceive_v any_o hope_n of_o emerge_v at_o last_o out_o of_o that_o condition_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a abatement_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n if_o any_o suspicion_n shall_v enter_v there_o that_o possible_o that_o felicity_n may_v one_o time_n or_o other_o expire_v but_o this_o be_v the_o very_a hell_n of_o hell_n that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o cranny_n through_o which_o to_o spy_v light_n beyond_o those_o dark_a region_n no_o hope_n but_o they_o that_o come_v thither_o be_v for_o ever_o abandon_v by_o god_n and_o make_v the_o triumph_n of_o his_o vengeance_n and_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o celestial_a glory_n the_o crown_n of_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n that_o it_o be_v eternal_a that_o the_o river_n of_o life_n be_v inexhaustible_a that_o the_o glorious_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o bless_a state_n never_o fail_v and_o that_o man_n shall_v ever_o live_v to_o enjoy_v they_o o_o eternal_a eternal_a that_o word_n speak_v sea_n of_o comfort_n and_o a_o boundless_a glory_n it_o fill_v we_o with_o wonder_n and_o astonishment_n it_o be_v that_o which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v and_o therefore_o fit_a to_o be_v the_o supreme_a happiness_n eternal_a life_n be_v all_o the_o world_n and_o more_o than_o ten_o thousand_o world_n in_o one_o word_n it_o be_v high_a than_o the_o heaven_n great_a than_o the_o universe_n it_o be_v all_o thing_n it_o be_v the_o flower_n of_o joy_n the_o quintessence_n of_o comfort_n the_o pinnacle_n of_o glory_n the_o crown_n of_o blessedness_n the_o very_a soul_n and_o spirit_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v all_o miracle_n all_o ecstasy_n all_o that_o we_o can_v wish_v all_o that_o we_o can_v receive_v all_o that_o god_n can_v give_v nay_o all_o that_o he_o himself_o can_v enjoy_v but_o the_o wonder_n rise_v high_a yet_o if_o we_o consider_v who_o it_o be_v that_o be_v make_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o bless_a eternity_n if_o it_o have_v be_v some_o glorious_a angelical_a be_v who_o be_v by_o nature_n remove_v from_o all_o matter_n out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o bodily_a contagion_n or_o infirmity_n a_o pure_a bright_a shine_a intellect_n or_o if_o it_o have_v be_v man_n that_o have_v never_o fall_v from_o paradise_n that_o have_v contract_v no_o sickliness_n and_o infirmity_n no_o disorder_n of_o passion_n nor_o violence_n of_o humour_n nor_o other_o presage_n of_o mortality_n or_o especial_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o man_n that_o never_o have_v voluntary_o sin_v against_o his_o maker_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o by_o prudent_a management_n and_o subjugation_n of_o his_o body_n under_o all_o the_o difficulty_n he_o be_v thereby_o expose_v to_o have_v merit_v some_o extraordinary_a favour_n at_o god_n hand_n if_o i_o say_v any_o of_o these_o have_v be_v the_o case_n eternal_a life_n have_v be_v less_o admirable_a but_o that_o man_n clothe_v with_o a_o body_n clog_v with_o flesh_n that_o fall_v and_o degenerate_a man_n nay_o sickly_a infirm_a man_n a_o mere_a bundle_n of_o a_o thousand_o disease_n the_o triumph_n of_o death_n and_o the_o prisoner_n of_o the_o grave_n that_o he_o shall_v become_v the_o subject_n of_o eternity_n and_o be_v place_v in_o a_o condition_n out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o fate_n beyond_o the_o sphere_n of_o chance_n and_o contingency_n above_o mortality_n where_o no_o time_n shall_v wear_v he_o away_o no_o violence_n shall_v touch_v he_o no_o strife_n of_o principle_n shall_v gradual_o work_v his_o destruction_n when_o the_o everlasting_a spring_n be_v dry_v up_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v life_n in_o himself_o when_o the_o mountain_n shall_v be_v remove_v the_o earth_n abolish_v and_o the_o heaven_n pass_v away_o as_o a_o smoke_n that_o he_o shall_v survive_v all_o this_o and_o be_v fresh_a and_o vigorous_a to_o a_o thousand_o age_n and_o feel_v a_o perpetual_a motion_n a_o constant_a circulation_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o life_n and_o joy_n in_o himself_o this_o be_v the_o wonder_n of_o all_o wonder_n and_o here_o we_o may_v cry_v out_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d o_o the_o height_n and_o depth_n and_o breadth_n of_o the_o power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o multitude_n of_o wonder_n this_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o beside_o that_o the_o divine_a majesty_n make_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o immortal_a nature_n from_o the_o beginning_n that_o it_o can_v perish_v but_o by_o a_o act_n of_o his_o omnipotency_n he_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o destroy_v it_o violent_o that_o he_o will_v everlasting_o irradiate_a it_o by_o his_o own_o vital_a spirit_n and_o thereby_o perpetual_o improve_v that_o energy_n he_o first_o give_v it_o and_o then_o for_o the_o body_n that_o shall_v be_v sublime_v to_o such_o a_o purity_n and_o perfection_n that_o it_o shall_v admit_v of_o no_o corruptive_a fermentation_n nothing_o shall_v weaken_v weary_a or_o disorder_v it_o but_o it_o shall_v be_v plain_o indissoluble_a as_o the_o soul_n itself_o this_o be_v the_o three_o step_n of_o heaven_n glory_n but_o there_o be_v a_o four_o yet_o behind_o which_o must_v not_o be_v forget_v and_o that_o be_v 4._o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o incomparable_o sweet_a and_o bless_a society_n there_o to_o be_v enjoy_v when_o god_n have_v first_o make_v man_n and_o place_v he_o in_o the_o terrestrial_a paradise_n where_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n he_o have_v furnish_v he_o also_o with_o all_o thing_n of_o necessary_a use_n or_o delightful_a entertainment_n he_o consider_v yet_o that_o it_o be_v not_o good_a for_o man_n to_o be_v alone_o and_o therefore_o provide_v a_o companion_n for_o he_o for_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o affluence_n of_o other_o thing_n solitude_n be_v most_o uncomfortable_a to_o humane_a nature_n insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o any_o man_n in_o his_o right_a wit_n will_v rather_o choose_v very_o mean_a and_o hard_a circumstance_n in_o society_n than_o the_o most_o plentiful_a and_o commodious_a with_o seclusion_n from_o the_o conversation_n of_o man_n like_o himself_o for_o society_n not_o only_o relieve_v man_n impotency_n and_o secure_v they_o against_o danger_n but_o fortify_v the_o spirit_n and_o raise_v the_o part_n of_o man_n as_o we_o see_v by_o daily_a experience_n and_o above_o all_o it_o ease_v the_o burden_n and_o multiply_v the_o joy_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o touch_v this_o last_o as_o the_o earth_n be_v not_o so_o much_o warm_v and_o enrich_v by_o the_o direct_a as_o by_o the_o reflect_a beam_n of_o the_o sun_n so_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o there_o be_v no_o happy_a accident_n or_o success_n equal_o refresh_v we_o in_o its_o direct_a contingency_n as_o when_o we_o perceive_v it_o in_o the_o rebound_n or_o sally_n and_o find_v other_o man_n especial_o our_o friend_n take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o reflect_v it_o upon_o we_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o though_o the_o world_n be_v full_a enough_o of_o man_n yet_o man_n not_o content_a with_o that_o common_a alliance_n enter_v beside_o into_o more_o strict_a confederation_n which_o we_o call_v friendship_n which_o be_v therefore_o not_o unfit_o call_v by_o some_o body_n shall_fw-mi societatis_fw-la infirmitatis_fw-la praesidium_fw-la &_o aquavitae_fw-la humanae_fw-la portus_fw-la as_o if_o life_n be_v not_o only_o a_o unsafe_a but_o a_o insipid_a and_o flat_a thing_n without_o friendship_n and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o so_o among_o man_n but_o something_o of_o it_o be_v discoverable_a even_o among_o those_o high_a and_o more_o noble_a being_n the_o angel_n themselves_o touch_v who_o though_o some_o have_v be_v too_o fantastical_a and_o bold_o intrude_v into_o thing_n they_o understand_v not_o peremptory_o define_v their_o distinct_a order_n and_o college_n yet_o it_o be_v plain_a enough_o that_o god_n place_v not_o they_o in_o solitude_n but_o make_v several_a order_n and_o society_n of_o they_o and_o according_o they_o find_v delight_n in_o one_o another_o not_o only_o in_o the_o mutual_a assistance_n they_o give_v each_o other_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o ministery_n here_o below_o but_o in_o join_v together_o in_o bless_a quire_n above_o to_o admire_v and_o praise_v their_o ever_o glorious_a creator_n and_o perhaps_o it_o be_v not_o impertinent_a to_o add_v this_o also_o that_o even_o the_o divine_a majesty_n itself_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n be_v seipso_fw-la contentus_fw-la and_o can_v have_v no_o need_n of_o any_o thing_n without_o or_o beside_o himself_o