in_o the_o more_o notorious_o he_o contradict_v his_o profession_n and_o fall_v off_o from_o christianity_n and_o the_o near_o he_o approach_v to_o the_o sin_n in_o the_o text_n and_o the_o danger_n there_o threaten_v but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o this_o be_v not_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o 4_o thly_a but_o it_o be_v a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n more_o especial_o to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n the_o renounce_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o and_o this_o will_v be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o occasion_n and_o main_a scope_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o that_o be_v to_o confirm_v the_o jew_n who_o have_v new_o embrace_v christianity_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o religion_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o apostatise_v from_o it_o because_o of_o the_o persecution_n and_o suffering_n which_o attend_v that_o profession_n it_o please_v god_n when_o christianity_n first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n to_o permit_v the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o raise_v a_o vehement_a persecution_n against_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o by_o reason_n whereof_o many_o out_o of_o base_a fear_n do_v apostatise_v from_o it_o and_o in_o testimony_n of_o their_o renounce_n it_o be_v force_v to_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o heathen_a idol_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n endeavour_v to_o caution_n and_o arm_n man_n against_o throughout_o this_o epistle_n ch._n 2.1_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n we_o shall_v fall_v away_o and_o chap._n 3.12_o it_o be_v call_v a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n to_o apostatise_v from_o the_o live_a god_n take_v heed_n brethren_n lest_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o you_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n to_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n that_o be_v to_o fall_v from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n to_o idolatry_n and_o chap._n 10.23_o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o that_o be_v not_o decline_v the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n for_o fear_n of_o persecution_n and_o v._o 26._o it_o be_v call_v a_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o v._o 39_o a_o draw_v back_o to_o perdition_n and_o ch._n 12._o it_o be_v call_v by_o way_n of_o eminency_n the_o sin_n which_o so_o easy_o beset_v the_o sin_n which_o in_o those_o time_n of_o persecution_n they_o be_v so_o liable_a to_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n which_o st._n john_n speak_v of_o and_o call_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n and_o do_v not_o require_v christian_n to_o pray_v for_o those_o who_o fall_v into_o it_o with_o any_o assurance_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v forgive_v 1_o john_n 5.16_o there_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v pray_v for_o it_o all_o vnrighteousness_n be_v sin_n and_o there_o be_v a_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n we_o know_v that_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o that_o be_v do_v not_o fall_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n to_o that_o of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n but_o he_o that_o be_v beget_v of_o god_n keep_v himself_o and_o that_o wicked_a one_o touch_v he_o not_o and_o then_o v._o 21._o he_o add_v this_o caution_n little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n which_o sufficient_o show_v what_o that_o sin_n be_v which_o he_o be_v speak_v of_o before_o so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n which_o the_o apostle_n design_v to_o caution_n man_n against_o throughout_o this_o epistle_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a what_o fall_v away_o it_o be_v he_o here_o speak_v of_o namely_o a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n and_o more_o especial_o to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n 5_o thly_a we_o will_v consider_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o recover_v such_o person_n by_o repentance_n if_o they_o fall_v away_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n and_o that_o for_o these_o three_o reason_n 1._o because_o of_o the_o greatness_n and_o heinousness_n of_o the_o sin_n 2._o because_o it_o renounce_v and_o cast_v off_o the_o mean_n of_o recovery_n 3._o because_o it_o be_v so_o high_a a_o provocation_n of_o god_n to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o such_o person_n 1._o because_o of_o the_o greatness_n and_o heinousness_n of_o the_o sin_n both_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o downright_a apostasy_n from_o god_n a_o direct_a renounce_n of_o he_o and_o reject_v of_o his_o truth_n after_o man_n have_v own_v it_o and_o be_v inward_o persuade_v and_o convince_v of_o it_o and_o so_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o in_o this_o epistle_n call_v it_o a_o apostasy_n from_o the_o live_a god_n a_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o have_v all_o the_o aggravation_n that_o a_o crime_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v against_o the_o clear_a light_n and_o knowledge_n and_o the_o full_a conviction_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n concern_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o he_o renounce_v against_o the_o great_a obligation_n lay_v upon_o he_o by_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n after_o the_o free_a pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n receive_v and_o a_o miraculous_a power_n confer_v for_o a_o witness_n and_o testimony_n to_o themselves_o of_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v it_o be_v the_o high_a affront_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o reveal_v this_o religion_n to_o the_o world_n and_o seal_v it_o with_o his_o blood_n and_o in_o effect_n a_o expression_n of_o as_o high_a malice_n to_o the_o author_n of_o this_o religion_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v guilty_a of_o when_o they_o put_v he_o to_o so_o cruel_a and_o shameful_a a_o death_n now_o a_o sin_n of_o this_o heinous_a nature_n be_v apt_a natural_o either_o to_o plunge_v man_n into_o hardness_n and_o impenitency_n or_o to_o drive_v they_o to_o despair_v and_o either_o of_o these_o condition_n be_v effectual_a barrs_n to_o their_o recovery_n and_o both_o these_o danger_n the_o apostle_n warn_v man_n of_o in_o this_o epistle_n ch._n 3.12_o 13._o take_v heed_n brethren_n lest_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o you_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n to_o apostatise_v from_o the_o live_a god_n but_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a whilst_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n lest_o any_o of_o you_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n or_o else_o the_o reflection_n upon_o so_o horrid_a a_o crime_n be_v apt_a to_o drive_v a_o man_n to_o despair_n as_o it_o do_v judas_n who_o after_o he_o have_v betray_v the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v find_v no_o ease_n but_o by_o make_v away_o himself_o the_o guilt_n of_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n fill_v he_o with_o such_o terror_n that_o he_o be_v glad_a to_o fly_v to_o death_n for_o refuge_n and_o to_o lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o himself_o and_o this_o likewise_o be_v the_o case_n of_o spira_n who_o apostasy_n though_o it_o be_v not_o total_a from_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o only_o from_o the_o purity_n and_o reformation_n of_o it_o bring_v he_o to_o that_o desperation_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o hell_n upon_o earth_n and_o of_o this_o danger_n likewise_o the_o apostle_n admonish_v ch._n 12.15_o look_v diligent_o lest_o any_o man_n fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n lest_o any_o man_n fall_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n lest_o any_o root_n of_o bitterness_n spring_v up_o trouble_v you_o and_o then_o he_o compare_v the_o case_n of_o such_o person_n to_o esau_n who_o when_o he_o have_v renounce_v his_o birthright_n to_o which_o the_o blessing_n be_v annex_v be_v afterward_o when_o he_o will_v have_v inherit_v the_o blessing_n reject_v and_o find_v no_o place_n of_o repentance_n though_o he_o seek_v it_o careful_o with_o tear_n 2_o dly_z those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n do_v renounce_v and_o cast_v off_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o recovery_n and_o therefore_o it_o become_v extreme_o difficult_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n they_o reject_v the_o gospel_n which_o afford_v the_o best_a argument_n and_o mean_n to_o repentance_n and_o renounce_v the_o only_a way_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o certain_o that_o man_n be_v in_o a_o very_a sad_a and_o desperate_a condition_n the_o very_a nature_n of_o who_o disease_n be_v to_o reject_v the_o remedy_n that_o shall_v cure_v he_o and_o
angel_n tell_v the_o virgin_n mary_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v come_v upon_o she_o and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o high_a shall_v overshadow_v she_o and_o therefore_o that_o holy_a thing_n which_o shall_v be_v bear_v of_o she_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n mean_v by_o the_o father_n sanctify_a he_o and_o send_v he_o into_o the_o world_n for_o which_o reason_n he_o say_v he_o may_v just_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n john_n 10.35_o 36._o if_o he_o call_v they_o god_n unto_o who_o the_o word_n of_o god_n come_v and_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v break_v say_v you_o of_o he_o who_o the_o father_n have_v sanctify_v and_o send_v into_o the_o world_n thou_o blaspheme_v because_o i_o say_v i_o be_o the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o reason_n this_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v give_v he_o the_o title_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o sanctification_n or_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2._o christ_n be_v also_o say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v so_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v here_o in_o the_o text_n ascribe_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o so_o in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n rom._n 8.11_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a dwell_v in_o you_o and_o 1_o pet._n 3.18_o be_v put_v to_o death_n in_o the_o flesh_n but_o quicken_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v he_o suffer_v in_o that_o frail_a mortal_a nature_n which_o he_o assume_v but_o be_v raise_v again_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o reside_v in_o he_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n he_o be_v express_o say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n psal_n 2.7_o i_o will_v declare_v the_o decree_n the_o lord_n have_v say_v unto_o i_o thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o to_o which_o perhaps_o the_o apostle_n allude_v here_o in_o the_o text_n when_o he_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v decree_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a to_o be_v sure_a these_o word_n this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o st._n paul_n express_o tell_v we_o be_v accomplish_v in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n as_o if_o god_n by_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a have_v beget_v he_o and_o decree_v he_o to_o be_v his_o son_n act_n 13.32_o 33._o and_o we_o declare_v unto_o you_o glad_a tiding_n how_o that_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v unto_o the_o father_n god_n have_v fulfil_v the_o same_o unto_o their_o child_n in_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v up_o jesus_n again_o as_o it_o be_v also_o write_v in_o the_o second_o psalm_n thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n before_o as_o he_o be_v conceive_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o this_o be_v secret_a and_o invisible_a and_o know_v only_o to_o the_o mother_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o therefore_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o give_v a_o public_a and_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o it_o so_o as_o to_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o question_n he_o declare_v he_o in_o a_o powerful_a manner_n to_o be_v his_o son_n by_o give_v he_o a_o new_a life_n after_o death_n by_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o by_o this_o new_a and_o eminent_a testimony_n give_v to_o he_o declare_v he_o again_o to_o be_v his_o son_n and_o confirm_v the_o title_n which_o be_v give_v he_o before_o upon_o a_o true_a but_o more_o secret_a account_n of_o his_o be_v conceive_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o as_o our_o saviour_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o twofold_a account_n of_o his_o conception_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o his_o resurrection_n to_o life_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o the_o scripture_n which_o do_v solicitous_o pursue_v a_o resemblance_n and_o conformity_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n do_v likewise_o upon_o a_o twofold_a account_n answerable_a to_o our_o saviour_n birth_n and_o resurrection_n call_v true_a believer_n and_o christian_n the_o child_n of_o god_n viz._n upon_o account_n of_o their_o regeneration_n or_o new_a birth_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o upon_o account_n of_o their_o resurrection_n to_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n upon_o account_n of_o our_o regeneration_n and_o become_a christian_n by_o the_o power_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o our_o mind_n we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n as_o be_v regenerate_v and_o bear_v again_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v our_o first_o adoption_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n confer_v upon_o christian_n at_o their_o baptism_n and_o dwell_v and_o reside_v in_o they_o afterward_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n rom._n 8.15_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o you_o cry_v abba_n father_n and_o gal._n 4.5_o 6._o believer_n be_v say_v to_o receive_v the_o adoption_n of_o son_n god_n have_v send_v forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o their_o heart_n cry_v abba_n father_n that_o be_v all_o christian_n for_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v regenerate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o they_o may_v with_o confidence_n call_v god_n father_n and_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o his_o child_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 8.14_o that_o as_o many_o as_o be_v lead_v or_o act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o though_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v child_n of_o god_n upon_o account_n of_o our_o regeneration_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v and_o reside_v in_o christian_n yet_o we_o be_v eminent_o so_o upon_o account_n of_o our_o resurrection_n to_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n spirit_n this_o be_v our_o final_a adoption_n and_o the_o consummation_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o rom._n 8.21_o this_o be_v call_v the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o by_o this_o we_o be_v for_o ever_o deliver_v from_o the_o bondage_n of_o corruption_n and_o by_o way_n of_o eminency_n the_o adoption_n viz._n the_o redemption_n of_o our_o body_n we_o be_v indeed_o the_o son_n of_o god_n before_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o regenerate_a and_o sanctify_a virtue_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o final_o and_o chief_o upon_o account_n of_o our_o resurrection_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n so_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o that_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n after_o another_o manner_n than_o we_o be_v now_o 1_o jo._n 3.1_o behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o be_v our_o adoption_n be_v begin_v in_o our_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n but_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v we_o shall_v be_v much_o more_o eminent_o so_o at_o the_o resurrection_n we_o know_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o but_o the_o most_o express_a and_o remarkable_a text_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v luke_n 20.36_o where_o good_a man_n after_o the_o resurrection_n be_v for_o this_o reason_n say_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o resurrection_n but_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v account_v worthy_a to_o obtain_v that_o world_n and_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a neither_o marry_o nor_o be_v give_v in_o marriage_n neither_o can_v they_o die_v any_o more_o for_o they_o be_v equal_a to_o the_o angel_n and_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o resurrection_n for_o this_o reason_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v raise_v by_o he_o to_o a_o new_a life_n and_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o that_o which_o be_v promise_v to_o they_o and_o reserve_v for_o they_o for_o all_o that_o be_v raise_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n out_o of_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v not_o therefore_o the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o only_o they_o that_o have_v part_n in_o the_o bless_a resurrection_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o do_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o
by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o a_o natural_a but_o a_o moral_a impossibility_n that_o which_o can_v be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o church_n do_v refuse_v to_o admit_v apostate_n and_o some_o other_o great_a offender_n as_o murderer_n and_o adulterer_n to_o a_o course_n of_o penance_n in_o order_n to_o their_o reconciliation_n with_o the_o church_n this_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o strictness_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o time_n neque_fw-la idololatriae_fw-la neque_fw-la sanguini_fw-la pax_fw-la ab_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la redditur_fw-la they_o admit_v neither_o idolater_n nor_o murderer_n to_o the_o reconciliation_n of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o penitent_a and_o shed_v never_o so_o many_o tear_n yet_o he_o say_v they_o be_v jejunae_fw-la pacis_fw-la lacrimae_fw-la their_o tear_n be_v in_o vain_a to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n he_o say_v indeed_o they_o do_v not_o absolute_o pronounce_v their_o case_n desperate_a in_o respect_n of_o god_n pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n sed_fw-la de_fw-la veniâ_fw-la deo_fw-la reservamus_fw-la for_o that_o they_o refer_v they_o to_o god_n but_o they_o be_v never_o to_o be_v admit_v again_o into_o the_o church_n so_o strict_a be_v many_o church_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o text_n though_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v more_o moderate_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n call_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n into_o question_n but_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o these_o word_n shall_v primary_o be_v understand_v of_o restore_a man_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n by_o penance_n but_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v mean_v of_o restore_a man_n to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n by_o repentance_n of_o which_o indeed_o their_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o good_a sign_n this_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v very_o difficult_a for_o those_o who_o after_o baptism_n and_o the_o several_a benefit_n of_o it_o do_v apostatise_v from_o christianity_n to_o be_v recover_v again_o to_o repentance_n see_v they_o crucify_v to_o themselves_o the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n this_o be_v speak_v by_o way_n of_o aggravation_n of_o the_o crime_n of_o apostasy_n that_o they_o who_o fall_v off_o from_o christianity_n in_o effect_n and_o by_o interpretation_n do_v crucify_v the_o son_n of_o god_n over_o again_o and_o expose_v he_o to_o shame_n and_o reproach_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v for_o by_o deny_v and_o renounce_v of_o he_o they_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v a_o impostor_n and_o consequent_o worthy_a of_o that_o death_n which_o he_o suffer_v and_o that_o ignominy_n which_o he_o be_v expose_v to_o and_o therefore_o in_o account_n of_o god_n they_o be_v say_v to_o do_v that_o which_o by_o their_o action_n they_o do_v approve_v so_o that_o it_o be_v make_v a_o crime_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n as_o if_o they_o shall_v crucify_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o use_v he_o in_o the_o most_o ignominious_a manner_n even_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o the_o expression_n be_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n ch._n 10.29_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v as_o brief_o and_o clear_o as_o i_o can_v to_o explain_v to_o you_o the_o true_a meaning_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o several_a phrase_n and_o expression_n in_o the_o text_n the_o sense_n whereof_o amount_n to_o this_o that_o if_o those_o who_o be_v baptize_v and_o by_o baptism_n have_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o do_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o and_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o such_o person_n as_o these_o shall_v after_o all_o this_o apostatise_v from_o christianity_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a and_o next_o to_o a_o impossibility_n to_o imagine_v how_o such_o person_n shall_v recover_v again_o by_o repentance_n see_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o as_o great_a a_o crime_n as_o if_o in_o their_o own_o person_n they_o have_v put_v to_o death_n and_o ignominous_o use_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o by_o reject_v of_o he_o they_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o suffer_v deserve_o have_v thus_o explain_v the_o word_n in_o order_n to_o the_o further_a vindication_n of_o they_o from_o the_o mistake_v and_o misapprehension_n which_o have_v be_v about_o they_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o these_o five_o thing_n 1_o st_o that_o the_o sin_n here_o mention_v be_v not_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2_o dly_z that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a but_o only_o that_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o be_v recover_v to_o repentance_n with_o great_a difficulty_n 3_o dly_z that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o partial_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o any_o particular_a vicious_a practice_n 4_o thly_a that_o it_o be_v a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o more_o especial_o to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o 5_o thly_a the_o reason_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o recovery_n of_o those_o who_o fall_v into_o this_o sin_n 1_o st_o that_o the_o sin_n here_o mention_v be_v not_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o i_o have_v heretofore_o discourse_v of_o and_o show_v wherein_o the_o particular_a nature_n of_o it_o do_v consist_v there_o be_v three_o thing_n which_o do_v remarkable_o distinguish_v the_o sin_n here_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n from_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n describe_v by_o our_o saviour_n 1_o st_o the_o person_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n here_o in_o the_o text_n be_v evident_o such_o as_o have_v embrace_v christianity_n and_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o whereas_o those_o who_o our_o saviour_n charge_v with_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v such_o as_o constant_o oppose_v his_o doctrine_n and_o resist_v the_o evidence_n he_o offer_v for_o it_o 2_o dly_z the_o particular_a nature_n of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n consist_v in_o blaspheme_v the_o spirit_n whereby_o our_o saviour_n wrought_v his_o miracle_n and_o say_v he_o do_v not_o do_v those_o thing_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o that_o malicious_a and_o unreasonable_a impute_v of_o the_o plain_a effect_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o consequent_o in_o a_o obstinate_a refusal_n to_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o miracle_n that_o he_o wrought_v but_o here_o be_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o so_o much_o as_o intimate_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n 3_o dly_z the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v but_o this_o be_v not_o declare_v to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o 2_o do_v thing_n namely_o that_o this_o sin_n here_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o say_v to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a it_o be_v not_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o whatever_o else_o it_o be_v it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o the_o compass_n of_o god_n pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n so_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n whatsoever_o that_o man_n have_v commit_v be_v capable_a of_o pardon_n except_v only_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o though_o the_o apostle_n here_o use_v a_o very_a severe_a expression_n that_o if_o such_o person_n fall_v away_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n yet_o i_o have_v show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o understand_v this_o phrase_n in_o the_o strict_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n impossible_a but_o as_o it_o be_v elsewhere_o use_v for_o that_o which_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a nor_o indeed_o will_v our_o saviour_n dclaration_n which_o i_o mention_v before_o that_o all_o sin_n whatsoever_o be_v pardonable_a except_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n suffer_v we_o to_o understand_v these_o word_n in_o the_o most_o rigorous_a sense_n 3_o dly_z the_o sin_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o a_o partial_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o any_o particular_a vicious_a practice_n whosoever_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o any_o sin_n plain_o forbid_v by_o the_o christian_a law_n may_v be_v say_v so_o far_o to_o have_v apostatise_v from_o christianity_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o fall_v away_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o this_o may_v be_v bad_a enough_o and_o the_o great_a sin_n any_o man_n who_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_a life_n
of_o temptation_n if_o we_o be_v not_o continual_o vigilant_a and_o upon_o our_o guard_n not_o confident_a in_o ourselves_o because_o we_o stand_v by_o faith_n and_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n infer_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v high-minded_a but_o fear_v man_n may_v have_v go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o christianity_n and_o have_v be_v sincere_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o afterward_o may_v apostatise_v in_o the_o foul_a manner_n not_o only_o fall_v off_o to_o a_o vicious_a life_n but_o even_o desert_a the_o profession_n of_o their_o religion_n i_o will_v to_o god_n the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o give_v we_o too_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o possibility_n of_o this_o when_o we_o see_v so_o many_o revolt_n from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n to_o the_o corruption_n and_o superstition_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o from_o a_o religious_a and_o sober_a life_n to_o plunge_v themselves_o into_o all_o kind_n of_o lewdness_n and_o debauchery_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v into_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n can_v we_o doubt_v any_o long_a whether_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o christian_n to_o fall_v away_o i_o wish_v we_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o the_o possibility_n of_o their_o recovery_n as_o we_o be_v of_o their_o fall_v and_o that_o we_o have_v as_o many_o example_n of_o the_o one_o as_o of_o the_o other_o let_v we_o then_o be_v very_o vigilant_a over_o ourselves_o and_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n 2_o pet._n 3.17_o see_v we_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v lest_o we_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o our_o own_o steadfastness_n 2_o dly_z this_o show_v we_o how_o great_a a_o aggravation_n it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o sin_n against_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n which_o the_o gospel_n afford_v and_o the_o mercy_n which_o it_o offer_v unto_o they_o that_o which_o aggravate_v the_o sin_n of_o these_o person_n be_v that_o after_o they_o be_v once_o enlighten_v that_o be_v at_o their_o baptism_n be_v instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n the_o clear_a and_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v of_o god_n will_n to_o mankind_n that_o after_o they_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o god_n grace_n and_o have_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o have_v many_o other_o benefit_n confer_v upon_o they_o that_o after_o all_o this_o they_o shall_v fall_v off_o from_o this_o holy_a religion_n this_o be_v that_o which_o do_v so_o heighten_v and_o inflame_v their_o gild_n and_o make_v their_o case_n so_o near_o desperate_a the_o two_o great_a aggravation_n of_o crime_n be_v wilfulness_n and_o ingratitude_n if_o a_o crime_n be_v wilful_o commit_v and_o commit_v against_o one_o that_o have_v oblige_v we_o by_o the_o great_a favour_n and_o benefit_n now_o he_o commit_v a_o fault_n wilful_o who_o do_v it_o against_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o his_o duty_n ignorance_n excuse_v for_o so_o far_o as_o a_o man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o evil_n he_o do_v so_o far_o the_o action_n be_v involuntary_a but_o knowledge_n make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o wilful_a fault_n and_o this_o be_v a_o more_o peculiar_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o christian_n because_o god_n have_v afford_v they_o the_o great_a mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n that_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v the_o clear_a light_n that_o ever_o mankind_n have_v and_o the_o mercy_n which_o the_o gospel_n bring_v be_v the_o great_a that_o ever_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o free_a pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o help_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v what_o god_n require_v of_o we_o so_o that_o we_o who_o sin_n after_o baptism_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christianity_n and_o those_o great_a blessing_n which_o the_o gospel_n bestow_v on_o mankind_n be_v of_o all_o person_n in_o the_o world_n the_o most_o inexcusable_a the_o sin_n of_o heathen_n bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o we_o because_o they_o never_o enjoy_v those_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n never_o have_v those_o blessing_n confer_v upon_o they_o which_o christian_n be_v partaker_n of_o so_o that_o we_o may_v apply_v to_o ourselves_o those_o severe_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o epistle_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n hear_v how_o our_o saviour_n aggravate_v the_o fault_n of_o man_n upon_o this_o account_n of_o the_o wilfulness_n of_o they_o and_o their_o be_v commit_v against_o the_o express_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n luke_o 12.47_o 48._o the_o servant_n which_o know_v his_o lord_n will_n and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neither_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n for_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v much_o be_v require_v and_o to_o who_o man_n have_v commit_v much_o of_o he_o they_o will_v ask_v the_o more_o the_o mean_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o many_o talent_n commit_v to_o our_o trust_n of_o the_o neglect_n whereof_o a_o severe_a account_n will_v be_v take_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n if_o we_o be_v wilful_a offender_n there_o be_v no_o excuse_n for_o we_o and_o little_a hope_n of_o pardon_n if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n say_v the_o apostle_n in_o this_o epistle_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n i_o know_v the_o apostle_n speak_v this_o particular_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n but_o it_o be_v in_o proportion_n true_a of_o all_o other_o sin_n which_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v guilty_a of_o they_o who_o after_o they_o have_v entertain_v christianity_n and_o make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o and_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n reform_v by_o it_o do_v again_o relapse_n into_o any_o vicious_a course_n do_v thereby_o render_v their_o condition_n very_o dangerous_a so_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 2_o pet._n 2.20_o 21._o if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v again_o entangle_v therein_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n for_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o therefore_o we_o may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v serious_o what_o we_o do_v when_o under_o the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n which_o the_o gospel_n afford_v we_o and_o the_o inestimable_a blessing_n and_o favour_n which_o it_o confer_v upon_o we_o we_o live_v in_o any_o wicked_a and_o vicious_a course_n our_o sin_n be_v not_o of_o a_o common_a rate_n when_o they_o have_v so_o much_o of_o wilfulness_n and_o unworthiness_n in_o they_o if_o man_n shall_v be_v severe_o punish_v for_o live_v against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n what_o vengeance_n shall_v be_v pour_v on_o those_o who_o offend_v against_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v etc._n etc._n 3_o dly_z the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o those_o who_o upon_o every_o failing_n and_o infirmity_n be_v afraid_a they_o have_v commit_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v restore_v by_o repentance_n there_o be_v many_o who_o be_v of_o a_o dark_a and_o melancholy_a temper_n be_v apt_a to_o represent_v thing_n worse_o to_o themselves_o than_o there_o be_v reason_n for_o and_o do_v many_o time_n fancy_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o great_a crime_n in_o the_o do_n or_o neglect_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o in_o their_o nature_n be_v indifferent_a and_o be_v apt_a to_o aggravate_v and_o blow_v up_o every_o little_a infirmity_n into_o a_o unpardonable_a sin_n most_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o extenuate_v their_o sin_n and_o not_o to_o be_v sensible_a enough_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o heinousness_n of_o they_o but_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a infelicity_n of_o melancholy_a person_n to_o look_v upon_o their_o fault_n as_o black_a and_o great_a than_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v and_o whatsoever_o they_o hear_v and_o read_v in_o scripture_n that_o be_v speak_v against_o the_o gross_a and_o most_o enormous_a offender_n they_o apply_v to_o themselves_o and_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n
or_o read_v this_o text_n which_o i_o be_o now_o treat_v of_o they_o present_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o these_o sin_n and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o description_n of_o their_o case_n whereas_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o probable_o none_o but_o those_o that_o see_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n be_v capable_a of_o commit_v it_o and_o except_v that_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n whatsoever_o that_o be_v unpardonable_a as_o for_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n and_o that_o here_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n i_o have_v show_v that_o they_o be_v a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n more_o especial_o to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n which_o these_o person_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o imagine_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o and_o though_o great_a and_o notorious_a crime_n commit_v by_o christian_n may_v come_v near_o to_o this_o and_o it_o may_v be_v very_o hard_a for_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o to_o recover_v themselves_o again_o to_o repentance_n yet_o to_o be_v sure_a for_o the_o common_a frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o human_a nature_n there_o be_v a_o open_a way_n of_o pardon_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o they_o be_v many_o time_n forgive_v to_o we_o upon_o a_o general_n repentance_n so_o that_o upon_o account_n of_o these_o which_o be_v common_o the_o case_n of_o the_o person_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n of_o despair_n and_o though_o it_o be_v hard_o many_o time_n for_o such_o person_n to_o receive_v comfort_n yet_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o give_v it_o and_o that_o upon_o sure_a ground_n and_o as_o clear_a evidence_n of_o scripture_n as_o there_o be_v for_o any_o thing_n so_o that_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o such_o person_n who_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o judge_v thus_o hardly_o of_o themselves_o be_v to_o be_v convince_v of_o if_o possible_a be_v this_o that_o they_o ought_v rather_o to_o trust_v the_o judgement_n of_o other_o concern_v themselves_o than_o their_o own_o imagination_n which_o be_v so_o distemper_a that_o it_o can_v make_v a_o true_a representation_n of_o thing_n i_o know_v that_o where_o melancholy_a do_v mighty_o prevail_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o persuade_v people_n of_o this_o but_o till_o they_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o i_o be_o sure_a all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o they_o 4_o thly_a this_o shall_v make_v man_n afraid_a of_o great_a and_o presumptuous_a sin_n which_o come_v near_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n such_o as_o deliberate_v murder_n adultery_n gross_a fraud_n and_o oppression_n or_o notorious_a and_o habitual_a intemperance_n for_o what_o great_a difference_n be_v there_o whether_o man_n renounce_v christianity_n or_o profess_v to_o believe_v it_o do_v in_o their_o work_n deny_v it_o some_o of_o these_o sin_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v particular_o murder_n and_o adultery_n be_v rank_v in_o the_o same_o degree_n with_o apostasy_n by_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o so_o severe_a be_v the_o discipline_n of_o many_o church_n that_o person_n guilty_a of_o these_o crime_n be_v never_o admit_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n again_o whatever_o testimony_n they_o give_v of_o their_o repentance_n i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o this_o be_v too_o rigorous_a but_o this_o show_v how_o inconsistent_a with_o christianity_n these_o crime_n and_o other_o of_o the_o like_a degree_n of_o heinousness_n be_v in_o those_o day_n think_v to_o be_v they_o do_v not_o indeed_o as_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o think_v such_o person_n absolute_o incapable_a of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n but_o after_o such_o a_o fall_n so_o notorious_a a_o contradiction_n to_o their_o christian_a profession_n they_o think_v it_o unfit_a afterward_o that_o they_o shall_v ever_o be_v reckon_v in_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n 5_o thly_a it_o may_v be_v useful_a for_o we_o upon_o this_o occasion_n to_o reflect_v a_o liltle_a upon_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n which_o in_o some_o place_n as_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o be_v so_o severe_a as_o in_o case_n of_o some_o great_a crime_n after_o baptism_n as_o apostasy_n to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n murder_n and_o adultery_n never_o to_o admit_v those_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o in_o all_o church_n be_v so_o strict_a as_o not_o to_o admit_v those_o who_o fall_v after_o baptism_n into_o great_a and_o notorious_a crime_n to_o reconciliation_n with_o the_o church_n but_o after_o a_o long_a and_o tedious_a course_n of_o penance_n after_o the_o great_a and_o most_o public_a testimony_n of_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n after_o long_o fast_v and_o tear_n and_o the_o great_a sign_n of_o humiliation_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v in_o case_n of_o the_o great_a offence_n they_o be_v seldom_o reconcile_v till_o they_o come_v to_o lie_v upon_o their_o deathbed_n and_o in_o case_n of_o other_o scandalous_a sin_n not_o till_o after_o the_o humiliation_n of_o many_o year_n this_o perhaps_o may_v be_v think_v too_o great_a severity_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o be_v as_o much_o too_o remiss_a now_o as_o they_o be_v over_o rigorous_a then_o but_o be_v the_o ancient_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o any_o degree_n put_v in_o practice_n now_o what_o case_n will_v the_o generality_n of_o christian_n be_v in_o in_o what_o herd_n and_o shoal_n will_v man_n be_v drive_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v true_a the_o prodigious_a degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n of_o christian_n have_v long_o since_o break_v these_o bound_n and_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a to_o revive_v the_o strictness_n of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n in_o any_o measure_n till_o the_o world_n grow_v better_o but_o yet_o we_o ought_v to_o reflect_v with_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n upon_o the_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o sad_o to_o consider_v how_o few_o among_o we_o will_v in_o those_o day_n have_v be_v account_v christian_n and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n to_o be_v provoke_v to_o a_o emulation_n of_o those_o better_a time_n and_o to_o a_o reformation_n of_o those_o fault_n and_o miscarriage_n which_o in_o the_o best_a day_n of_o christianity_n be_v reckon_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o christian_a profession_n and_o to_o remember_v that_o though_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o now_o the_o same_o it_o be_v then_o yet_o the_o judgement_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n be_v and_o that_o those_o who_o live_v in_o any_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n though_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o shall_v be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n we_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n will_v be_v according_a to_o truth_n against_o they_o which_o commit_v such_o thing_n 6_o thly_a and_o last_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v shall_v confirm_v and_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n it_o be_v true_a we_o be_v not_o now_o in_o danger_n of_o apostatise_v from_o christianity_n to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n but_o we_o have_v too_o many_o sad_a example_n of_o those_o who_o apostatise_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o in_o baptism_n to_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o impiety_n and_o lewdness_n there_o be_v many_o who_o daily_o fall_v off_o from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n to_o the_o gross_a error_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o in_o many_o thing_n do_v too_o near_o resemble_v the_o old_a pagan_a idolatry_n and_o what_o the_o apostle_n here_o say_v of_o the_o apostate_n of_o his_o time_n be_v proportionable_o true_a of_o those_o of_o our_o day_n that_o they_o who_o thus_o fall_v away_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n and_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o the_o guilt_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o apostasy_n have_v drive_v some_o to_o despair_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o spira_n who_o for_o resist_v the_o light_n and_o conviction_n of_o his_o mind_n be_v cast_v into_o those_o agony_n and_o fill_v with_o such_o terror_n as_o if_o the_o very_a pain_n of_o hell_n have_v take_v hold_n on_o he_o and_o in_o that_o fearful_a despair_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o those_o horror_n he_o breathe_v out_o his_o soul_n let_v we_o then_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o contradict_v the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o any_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n in_o our_o life_n remember_v that_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_n god_n i_o will_v conclude_v with_o the_o word_n
this_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o apostatise_v from_o the_o gospel_n chap._n 10.26_o 27._o for_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n the_o great_a sacrifice_n and_o propitiation_n for_o sin_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o who_o renounce_v he_o what_o way_n of_o expiation_n can_v they_o hope_v for_o afterward_o what_o can_v they_o expect_v but_o to_o fall_v into_o his_o hand_n as_o a_o judge_n who_o they_o have_v reject_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o a_o saviour_n and_o then_o 3_o dly_z those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n provoke_v god_n in_o the_o high_a manner_n to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n from_o they_o by_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n whereof_o they_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n so_o that_o it_o can_v hardly_o otherwise_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o god_n shall_v leave_v those_o to_o themselves_o who_o have_v so_o unworthy_o forsake_v he_o and_o whole_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n from_o such_o person_n as_o have_v so_o notorious_o offer_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o god_n always_o do_v this_o he_o be_v sometime_o better_a to_o such_o person_n than_o they_o have_v deserve_v from_o he_o and_o save_v those_o who_o have_v do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o undo_v themselves_o and_o merciful_o put_v forth_o his_o hand_n to_o recover_v they_o who_o be_v draw_v back_o to_o perdition_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v sudden_o surprise_v by_o the_o violence_n of_o temptation_n and_o yield_v to_o it_o not_o deliberate_o and_o out_o of_o choice_n but_o mere_o through_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n and_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o reflect_v upon_o themselves_o do_v return_v and_o repent_v this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o st._n peter_n who_o be_v surprise_v with_o a_o sudden_a fear_n deny_v christ_n but_o be_v admonish_v of_o his_o sin_n by_o the_o signal_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v he_o he_o be_v recover_v by_o a_o speedy_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n and_o so_o likewise_o several_a of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v at_o first_o overcome_v by_o fear_n to_o renounce_v their_o religion_n do_v afterward_o recover_v themselves_o and_o die_v resolute_a martyr_n but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a state_n out_o of_o which_o but_o few_o recover_v and_o with_o great_a difficulty_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o five_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o make_v out_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o text_n from_o the_o mistake_v and_o misapprehension_n which_o have_v be_v about_o it_o i_o shall_v now_o draw_v some_o useful_a inference_n from_o hence_o by_o way_n of_o application_n that_o we_o may_v see_v how_o far_o this_o do_v concern_v ourselves_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v these_o 1_o st_o from_o the_o supposition_n here_o in_o the_o text_n that_o such_o person_n as_o be_v there_o describe_v namely_o those_o who_o have_v be_v baptize_v and_o by_o baptism_n have_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o do_v firm_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o and_o be_v endow_v with_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o these_o may_v fall_v away_o this_o shall_v caution_n we_o all_o against_o confidence_n and_o security_n when_o those_o that_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o may_v fall_v let_v he_o that_o stand_v take_v heed_n some_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o those_o who_o the_o apostle_n here_o describe_v be_v true_a and_o sincere_a christian_n and_o that_o when_o he_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a if_o they_o fall_v away_o to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n he_o mean_v that_o they_o can_v fall_v away_o total_o so_o as_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o be_v renew_v again_o to_o repentance_n but_o this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n design_n which_o be_v to_o caution_n christian_n against_o apostasy_n because_o if_o they_o do_v fall_v away_o their_o recovery_n will_v be_v so_o exceed_v difficult_a which_o argument_n do_v plain_o suppose_v that_o they_o may_v fall_v away_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o be_v other_o who_o think_v the_o person_n here_o describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v hypocritical_a christian_n who_o for_o some_o base_a end_n have_v entertain_v christianity_n and_o put_v on_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o but_o not_o be_v sincere_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n will_v forsake_v it_o when_o persecution_n come_v but_o beside_o that_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o description_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v of_o these_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o to_o have_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o which_o if_o we_o understand_v justification_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o sanctify_a virtue_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o phrase_n these_o be_v blessing_n which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o hypocrite_n and_o which_o god_n do_v not_o bestow_v upon_o they_o i_o say_v beside_o this_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n intend_v such_o person_n when_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o hypocrite_n in_o those_o time_n of_o persecution_n for_o what_o shall_v tempt_v man_n to_o dissemble_v christianity_n when_o it_o be_v so_o dangerous_a a_o profession_n or_o what_o worldly_a end_n can_v man_n have_v in_o take_v that_o profession_n upon_o they_o which_o be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o worldly_a interest_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v those_o who_o be_v real_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o such_o may_v fall_v away_o for_o we_o may_v easy_o imagine_v that_o man_n may_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o in_o good_a earnest_n embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o not_o be_v so_o perfect_o wean_v from_o the_o world_n and_o so_o firm_o root_v and_o establish_v in_o that_o persuasion_n as_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n to_o be_v able_a to_o quit_v all_o for_o it_o and_o to_o bear_v up_o against_o all_o the_o terror_n and_o assault_n of_o persecution_n so_o that_o they_o may_v be_v real_a christian_n and_o no_o hypocrite_n though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o perfect_o establish_v and_o confirm_v and_o so_o sincere_o resolve_v as_o many_o other_o they_o be_v not_o like_o st._n paul_n and_o those_o try_a person_n who_o he_o speak_v of_o rom._n 8.35_o 37._o who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n nay_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n they_o have_v be_v try_v by_o all_o these_o and_o yet_o have_v hold_v out_o upon_o which_o he_o break_v out_o into_o those_o triumphant_a expression_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n they_o may_v not_o i_o say_v be_v like_o those_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o be_v real_a in_o their_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o no_o hypocrite_n in_o short_a i_o take_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o our_o saviour_n describe_v he_o to_o be_v who_o receive_v the_o seed_n into_o stony_a place_n namely_o he_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o anon_o with_o joy_n receive_v it_o yet_o have_v he_o not_o root_v in_o himself_o but_o dure_v for_o a_o while_n for_o when_o tribulation_n or_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n by_o and_o by_o he_o be_v offend_v this_o be_v no_o description_n of_o a_o hypocrite_n but_o of_o one_o that_o be_v real_a as_o far_o as_o he_o go_v for_o he_o be_v say_v to_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n but_o be_v not_o well_o root_v and_o come_v to_o such_o a_o confirm_a state_n as_o resolute_o to_o withstand_v the_o assault_n of_o persecution_n so_o that_o though_o we_o have_v true_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o be_v in_o a_o good_a degree_n sincere_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o yet_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v neither_o be_v secure_a nor_o confident_a in_o ourselves_o not_o secure_a because_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n that_o our_o resolution_n may_v be_v bear_v down_o one_o time_n or_o other_o by_o the_o assault_v