not_o happen_v to_o he_o be_v not_o the_o merit_n of_o those_o suffering_n to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o constancy_n and_o cheerfulness_n with_o which_o they_o be_v undergo_v and_o since_o we_o have_v undoubted_a testimony_n of_o several_a martyr_n who_o even_o rejoice_v in_o their_o torture_n do_v not_o this_o shrink_a back_n and_o these_o earnest_n desire_v of_o escape_v they_o argue_v in_o christ_n a_o great_a irresolution_n and_o weakness_n of_o mind_n than_o even_o some_o of_o his_o servant_n discover_v in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o they_o glad_o seal_v with_o their_o blood_n he_o take_v upon_o he_o our_o flesh_n and_o in_o marvellous_a condescension_n come_v into_o the_o world_n on_o purpose_n that_o he_o may_v die_v for_o our_o benefit_n and_o in_o our_o stead_n and_o be_v his_o love_n now_o so_o abate_v and_o his_o resolution_n so_o waver_v that_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o point_n he_o shall_v decline_v death_n and_o by_o pray_v to_o be_v excuse_v from_o it_o defeat_v the_o very_a end_n of_o his_o be_v make_v mortal_a these_o be_v difficulty_n which_o with_o some_o colour_n of_o argument_n may_v be_v start_v from_o the_o behaviour_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o his_o agony_n and_o the_o request_n make_v here_o to_o his_o father_n and_o fit_v it_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v remove_v and_o this_o action_n set_v in_o its_o true_a light_n which_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o will_v effectual_o be_v do_v by_o attend_v careful_o to_o these_o follow_v particular_n 1._o first_o in_o regard_n our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n both_o unite_v in_o one_o person_n great_a caution_n must_v be_v use_v in_o observe_v his_o action_n that_o we_o do_v not_o mistake_v in_o appropriate_v any_o of_o they_o to_o that_o principle_n to_o which_o they_o do_v not_o proper_o belong_v for_o as_o those_o work_n of_o wonder_n which_o exceed_v or_o control_v all_o power_n of_o create_a nature_n must_v be_v attribute_v to_o a_o 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endure_v some_o difficulty_n and_o pain_n for_o the_o discharge_v of_o our_o duty_n and_o in_o expectation_n of_o some_o great_a good_a in_o reversion_n which_o will_v make_v we_o ample_a amends_o for_o what_o we_o now_o lose_v or_o undergo_v upon_o its_o account_n the_o former_a be_v the_o principle_n of_o animal_n the_o latter_a of_o man_n and_o christian_n under_o that_o be_v comprehend_v all_o our_o natural_a passion_n which_o be_v the_o secret_a spring_n that_o move_v we_o in_o all_o we_o do_v under_o this_o be_v understanding_n and_o judgement_n which_o direct_v and_o regulate_v and_o bind_v and_o over-rule_v those_o passion_n but_o still_o both_o these_o be_v constituent_a part_n of_o the_o humane_a soul_n and_o to_o suppose_v a_o man_n void_a of_o passion_n or_o in_o no_o degree_n influence_v by_o they_o be_v as_o absolute_a a_o chimaera_n and_o contradiction_n in_o nature_n as_o to_o suppose_v he_o without_o reason_n for_o these_o two_o principle_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o make_v one_o perfect_a soul_n as_o the_o rational_a soul_n and_o humane_a body_n be_v to_o make_v one_o perfect_a man._n from_o whence_o we_o may_v argue_v 4._o four_o that_o the_o weakness_n or_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n as_o it_o stand_v now_o deprave_v with_o sin_n and_o lust_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o be_v very_o tender_o and_o sensible_o touch_v with_o fear_n of_o present_a evil_n or_o strong_a inclination_n to_o present_v good_a but_o in_o permit_v those_o fear_n and_o desire_n to_o prevail_v and_o take_v place_n against_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o duty_n aversion_n to_o pain_n and_o death_n and_o the_o like_a be_v affection_n interweave_v with_o our_o original_a frame_n and_o constitution_n adam_n feel_v they_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n otherwise_o it_o have_v be_v vain_a to_o threaten_v his_o transgression_n with_o death_n for_o every_o threaten_v of_o punishment_n denounce_v something_a terrible_a such_o as_o the_o person_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v under_o dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o and_o will_v think_v himself_o concern_v to_o avoid_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o just_a reflection_n upon_o the_o second_o adam_n that_o he_o too_o feel_v the_o same_o aversion_n to_o die_v and_o torment_v and_o shame_n infirmity_n indeed_o these_o aversion_n may_v be_v call_v in_o comparison_n of_o those_o perfection_n which_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o unbodied_a spirit_n but_o then_o they_o be_v such_o infirmity_n as_o all_o who_o partake_v of_o body_n must_v have_v and_o if_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v perfect_o indifferent_a to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n he_o can_v not_o have_v be_v our_o saviour_n that_o be_v he_o can_v not_o have_v be_v a_o true_a man._n this_o be_v what_o i_o think_v a_o just_a and_o faithful_a account_n of_o the_o matter_n much_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o that_o resolution_n which_o some_o have_v give_v of_o it_o as_o if_o the_o vehemence_n of_o our_o saviour_n passion_n have_v make_v he_o forget_v himself_o and_o utter_a thing_n in_o the_o heat_n and_o transport_v of_o his_o mind_n which_o he_o present_o check_v and_o correct_v upon_o better_a recollection_n we_o indeed_o too_o often_o do_v so_o but_o he_o never_o cease_v to_o be_v master_n of_o himself_o and_o it_o seem_v too_o great_a a_o dishonour_n to_o represent_v he_o thus_o rash_a and_o inconsiderate_a which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n though_o he_o think_v it_o none_o to_o be_v like_o we_o in_o all_o the_o inseparable_a frailty_n of_o our_o original_a and_o real_a nature_n 5._o now_o five_o if_o christ_n as_o man_n can_v not_o be_v altogether_o indifferent_a and_o unconcerned_a at_o these_o severe_a trial_n which_o he_o already_o feel_v in_o part_n and_o see_v come_v upon_o he_o with_o great_a violence_n then_o sure_o it_o can_v not_o misbecome_v he_o to_o use_v all_o possible_a mean_n for_o decline_v they_o and_o consequent_o not_o to_o express_v
matter_n which_o it_o no_o way_n concern_v he_o to_o know_v and_o a_o intimation_n withal_o that_o the_o great_a and_o only_a thing_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v solicitous_a for_o be_v to_o prepare_v himself_o for_o the_o discharge_v of_o his_o own_o duty_n and_o as_o providence_n intend_v to_o liken_v he_o to_o his_o master_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o death_n so_o his_o thought_n shall_v be_v employ_v in_o take_v good_a heed_n to_o be_v like_o he_o in_o a_o meek_a and_o patient_a and_o constant_a suffering_n of_o the_o trial_n appoint_v for_o himself_o now_o the_o rebuke_n apply_v here_o to_o one_o particular_a instance_n i_o shall_v so_o treat_v of_o at_o this_o time_n as_o to_o render_v it_o a_o admonition_n of_o general_a use_n and_o benefit_n for_o such_o no_o doubt_n it_o may_v prove_v to_o every_o christian_a if_o we_o from_o this_o example_n take_v the_o hint_n of_o forbear_v to_o indulge_v all_o needless_a curiosity_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o bend_v our_o study_n to_o those_o object_n which_o have_v a_o direct_a tendency_n to_o practice_n and_o a_o good_a life_n lay_v aside_o such_o airy_a speculation_n as_o deserve_o fall_v under_o this_o reprehension_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o it_o be_v thus_o or_o thus_o what_o be_v that_o to_o thou_o now_o i_o will_v fain_o hope_v that_o even_o in_o this_o busy_a and_o pretend_v age_n of_o we_o man_n may_v be_v prevail_v upon_o thus_o far_o to_o consult_v their_o own_o ease_n and_o benefit_n will_v they_o but_o serious_o consider_v these_o three_o argument_n 1._o first_o that_o many_o if_o not_o most_o of_o the_o abstruse_a point_n of_o religion_n be_v beset_v with_o such_o difficulty_n as_o they_o can_v receive_v any_o positive_a and_o full_a satisfaction_n in_o 2._o second_o that_o can_v they_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o these_o difficulty_n yet_o such_o knowledge_n will_v be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o real_a use_n to_o they_o 3._o three_o that_o the_o employ_v their_o thought_n in_o such_o intricate_a question_n be_v not_o only_o fruitless_a but_o dangerous_a and_o many_o time_n of_o very_a fatal_a consequence_n to_o themselves_o to_o other_o and_o to_o religion_n in_o general_n this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v you_o be_v ordinary_o the_o case_n of_o those_o nice_a and_o curious_a person_n who_o spend_v their_o time_n and_o pain_n in_o the_o speculative_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o i_o shall_v urge_v withal_o that_o the_o study_n of_o the_o practical_a and_o necessary_a duty_n be_v the_o very_a reverse_n of_o all_o this_o that_o these_o be_v very_o possible_a to_o be_v attain_v exceed_v profitable_a when_o understand_v and_o that_o all_o the_o hour_n and_o industry_n lay_v out_o upon_o they_o turn_v to_o the_o true_a the_o best_a account_n both_o for_o ourselves_o and_o for_o the_o public_a i._o my_o first_o discouragement_n against_o curious_a speculation_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v entangle_v with_o such_o difficulty_n as_o man_n can_v receive_v any_o positive_a and_o particular_a satisfaction_n in_o and_o will_v not_o one_o choose_v of_o the_o two_o rather_o to_o sit_v still_o and_o be_v idle_a than_o to_o travel_v through_o briar_n and_o thorn_n and_o after_o infinite_a toil_n and_o trouble_v give_v out_o at_o last_o hearty_o tire_v with_o one_o journey_n but_o still_o as_o far_o from_o the_o end_n as_o when_o he_o first_o set_v out_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o those_o sublime_a notion_n and_o subtle_a distinction_n which_o have_v take_v up_o the_o thought_n and_o employ_v the_o pen_n and_o swell_v the_o volume_n of_o a_o great_a many_o learned_a man_n in_o almost_o all_o but_o especial_o in_o these_o late_a age_n of_o the_o church_n the_o mysterious_a union_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n and_o that_o of_o two_o nature_n in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n the_o secret_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o method_n of_o divine_a grace_n the_o state_n of_o soul_n depart_v and_o the_o particular_a nature_n and_o quality_n of_o those_o reward_n and_o punishment_n which_o await_v man_n in_o the_o next_o world_n these_o and_o abundance_n more_o such_o point_n there_o be_v in_o which_o the_o scripture_n have_v give_v we_o some_o general_a insight_n as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o present_a purpose_n but_o when_o man_n not_o content_a to_o be_v wise_a according_a to_o that_o which_o be_v write_v plunge_v themselves_o into_o controversy_n about_o the_o particular_a mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o they_o the_o far_o they_o wade_v the_o more_o they_o be_v carry_v out_o of_o their_o depth_n and_o how_o shall_v it_o be_v otherwise_o indeed_o for_o when_o all_o be_v say_v and_o do_v these_o be_v subject_n not_o of_o a_o size_n with_o we_o our_o own_o understanding_n be_v not_o qualify_v to_o fathom_v they_o the_o light_n from_o above_o be_v our_o only_a safe_a guide_n in_o these_o matter_n so_o far_o then_o as_o this_o lead_v we_o we_o may_v go_v on_o bold_o and_o stand_v upon_o sure_a and_o firm_a ground_n but_o where_o that_o light_n forsake_v we_o all_o the_o discovery_n pretend_v to_o beyond_o must_v needs_o be_v very_o fanciful_a and_o precarious_a and_o weak_a so_o full_a of_o delusion_n be_v those_o very_a profound_a contemplation_n which_o lose_v the_o mind_n in_o matter_n too_o high_a for_o it_o so_o liable_a to_o that_o reproach_n of_o st._n paul_n 22._o paul_n rom._n i._n 21_o 22._o though_o in_o another_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n for_o these_o man_n too_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n their_o foolish_a heart_n be_v darken_v and_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v wise_a they_o become_v fool_n but_o now_o the_o most_o important_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v of_o a_o quite_o different_a kind_n for_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o gospel_n command_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n lie_v level_a to_o every_o ordinary_a capacity_n thus_o for_o belief_n it_o ask_v no_o mighty_a depth_n for_o a_o man_n to_o convice_n himself_o that_o what_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n have_v reveal_v ought_v ready_o to_o be_v embrace_v that_o he_o who_o be_v please_v to_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n do_v certain_o do_v it_o with_o a_o design_n to_o be_v understand_v that_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v his_o word_n in_o its_o plain_a and_o natural_a sense_n except_o where_o there_o appear_v manifest_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a that_o its_o contain_v some_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v perfect_o comprehend_v especial_o when_v treat_v of_o god_n own_o nature_n and_o operation_n be_v no_o good_a argument_n of_o any_o necessity_n to_o take_v he_o otherwise_o because_o our_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n be_v infinite_a and_o yet_o it_o tell_v we_o at_o the_o same_o time_n too_o that_o infinite_a he_o can_v not_o be_v if_o a_o finite_a mind_n can_v full_o comprehend_v he_o in_o a_o word_n it_o require_v modesty_n and_o integrity_n rather_o than_o acuteness_n and_o skill_n to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a foundation_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o the_o quality_n or_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v but_o the_o authority_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o party_n reveal_v these_o be_v matter_n that_o lie_v sufficient_o fair_a and_o open_a to_o every_o considerate_a person_n and_o they_o who_o come_v to_o the_o scripture_n with_o these_o impression_n will_v find_v no_o difficulty_n in_o assent_v to_o what_o they_o meet_v with_o there_o nor_o any_o occasion_n for_o fly_v to_o wretched_a criticism_n as_o a_o expedient_a for_o bring_v down_o the_o lofty_a doctrine_n to_o their_o own_o narrow_a apprehension_n so_o again_o for_o the_o moral_a precept_n of_o piety_n and_o justice_n and_o charity_n and_o purity_n and_o meekness_n and_o patience_n and_o perseverance_n and_o the_o like_a these_o be_v so_o suit_v to_o our_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n that_o if_o a_o man_n have_v but_o once_o throw_v off_o the_o dead_a weight_n of_o his_o own_o prejudices_fw-la and_o corrupt_a inclination_n they_o can_v but_o cast_v the_o scale_n against_o the_o contrary_a vice_n nor_o must_v i_o upon_o this_o occasion_n forget_v to_o put_v put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o mighty_a help_n to_o our_o more_o complete_a knowledge_n of_o it_o it_o be_v so_o as_o it_o engage_v our_o diligent_a attention_n and_o fervent_a love_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a it_o be_v so_o as_o it_o secure_v probity_n of_o mind_n a_o teachable_a and_o impartial_a disposition_n it_o be_v so_o as_o it_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o blesling_n of_o god_n upon_o our_o study_n who_o goodness_n will_v never_o suffer_v those_o who_o serve_v and_o seek_v he_o with_o their_o whole_a heart_n to_o continue_v in_o dangerous_a and_o fatal_a mistake_v
so_o manifest_a be_v the_o advantage_n of_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o this_o part_n of_o religion_n in_o which_o a_o christian_n be_v proper_a business_n lie_v so_o possible_a so_o certain_a that_o all_o who_o do_v so_o shall_v effectual_o improve_v by_o their_o endeavour_n so_o unalterable_a that_o promise_n of_o he_o who_o come_v to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o right_a way_n to_o happiness_n that_o 17._o that_o john_n vii_o 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v not_o fail_v to_o know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n ii_o second_o my_o next_o argument_n against_o indulge_v nice_a and_o curious_a speculation_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v take_v from_o the_o vnprofitableness_n of_o they_o our_o lord_n have_v he_o so_o please_v can_v have_v inform_v st._n peter_n what_o shall_v become_v of_o this_o belove_a disciple_n but_o he_o reprove_v his_o inquire_n into_o it_o because_o no_o benefit_n be_v to_o be_v have_v by_o such_o information_n for_o so_o 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our_o sin_n pardon_v and_o satisfy_v for_o the_o reward_v propose_v to_o our_o sincere_a obedience_n the_o terrible_a punishment_n of_o obstinate_a offender_n and_o the_o little_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o flatter_v ourselves_o with_o hope_n of_o escape_v 3._o heb._n ii_o 3._o if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n now_o these_o affection_n spring_v from_o our_o consider_v the_o infinite_a kindness_n and_o condescension_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o humble_v himself_o to_o do_v so_o many_o wonderful_a and_o to_o suffer_v so_o many_o bitter_a thing_n for_o our_o sake_n but_o the_o mercy_n of_o his_o do_v and_o endure_v these_o thing_n in_o nature_n will_v not_o touch_v our_o heart_n one_o whit_n the_o more_o tender_o for_o discern_v how_o this_o nature_n of_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o his_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v the_o thing_n be_v be_v do_v and_o not_o the_o particular_a manner_n by_o which_o it_o be_v do_v that_o must_v have_v this_o effect_n upon_o we_o so_o likewise_o 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will_v not_o restrain_v we_o from_o be_v such_o ourselves_o neither_o will_v we_o be_v restrain_v though_o god_n have_v tell_v we_o whether_o that_o torment_n be_v material_a fire_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v such_o as_o for_o the_o exquisite_a and_o insupportable_a anguish_n of_o it_o be_v think_v convenient_a to_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o by_o everlasting_a burn_n if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o live_v and_o die_v unto_o the_o lord_n by_o these_o support_a reflection_n that_o 18._o rom._n viii_o 18._o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o and_o that_o it_o neither_o have_v enter_v nor_o can_v enter_v 9_o 1_o cor._n ii_o 9_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o what_o additional_a force_n can_v these_o reflection_n possible_o receive_v by_o our_o be_v acquaint_v wherein_o each_o 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of_o god_n declare_v that_o will._n and_o if_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n find_v no_o credit_n as_o to_o these_o thing_n in_o general_n there_o be_v but_o little_a appearance_n that_o it_o will_v have_v gain_v more_o credit_n have_v he_o describe_v the_o whole_a process_n and_o descend_v to_o every_o circumstance_n of_o these_o thing_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o declaration_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a motive_n of_o assent_n common_a to_o both_o these_o case_n it_o unavoidable_o follow_v that_o there_o will_v be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o withhold_v it_o in_o the_o one_o that_o there_o can_v possible_o be_v in_o the_o other_o nay_o shall_v i_o carry_v this_o point_n a_o little_a high_o i_o may_v do_v it_o and_o dare_v appeal_v to_o all_o that_o hear_v i_o whether_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o every_o considerate_a and_o unprejudiced_a christian_a it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o dignity_n and_o advantage_n of_o religion_n that_o some_o article_n of_o it_o exceed_v the_o large_a 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i_o hope_v too_o that_o what_o i_o shall_v say_v will_v be_v able_a to_o support_v the_o honest_a and_o the_o feeble-minded_n christian_n that_o though_o they_o be_v sad_o sensible_a of_o some_o remain_v of_o unbelief_n in_o their_o soul_n which_o need_v to_o be_v help_v yet_o the_o case_n be_v not_o so_o bad_a with_o they_o neither_o but_o that_o they_o may_v without_o vanity_n that_o profession_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o my_o text_n and_o say_v very_o true_o lord_n i_o believe_v this_o be_v my_o intention_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_n will_v not_o so_o well_o bear_v to_o have_v the_o argument_n branch_v out_o to_o these_o two_o different_a sort_n of_o person_n distinct_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o prove_v that_o no_o man_n arrive_v at_o a_o absolute_a perfection_n in_o faith_n do_v likewise_o prove_v that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o despair_v because_o he_o discover_v some_o imperfection_n of_o faith_n in_o himself_o since_o at_o that_o rate_n every_o one_o 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we_o these_o fleshly_a body_n again_o at_o the_o general_n resurrection_n notwithstanding_o the_o infinite_a and_o unconceivable_a change_n which_o time_n and_o corruption_n bring_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n these_o and_o some_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n be_v of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o christianity_n the_o prime_n and_o most_o necessary_a truth_n to_o be_v entertain_v and_o firm_o embrace_v but_o it_o be_v manifest_a withal_o that_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o which_o one_o can_v have_v any_o just_a and_o adequate_a notion_n because_o they_o be_v not_o commensurate_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o mortal_a man_n the_o large_a mind_n be_v too_o narrow_a to_o receive_v they_o the_o most_o penetrate_a wit_n can_v sound_v all_o their_o depth_n nor_o the_o most_o indefatigable_a study_n conquer_v all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o may_v be_v charge_v upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o since_o man_n assent_n be_v always_o govern_v by_o their_o apprehension_n the_o mind_n will_v never_o find_v the_o same_o evidence_n for_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v far_o above_o out_o of_o our_o sight_n that_o it_o do_v for_o other_o which_o we_o see_v and_o feel_v and_o daily_o converse_v with_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o same_o level_n with_o ourselves_o and_o we_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o tolerable_a good_a account_n of_o by_o our_o own_o serious_a thought_n and_o nice_a enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v by_o this_o that_o we_o have_v not_o sufficient_a motive_n for_o our_o belief_n even_o of_o those_o truth_n which_o we_o be_v least_o able_a to_o comprehend_v for_o when_o we_o be_v once_o persuade_v of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o convince_v that_o these_o be_v his_o revelation_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o equitable_a than_o to_o submit_v our_o own_o reason_v to_o his_o declaration_n this_o single_a reflection_n that_o infinite_a wisdom_n can_v be_v mistake_v that_o infinite_a goodness_n can_v lead_v other_o into_o mistake_n nor_o perfect_a truth_n lie_v be_v a_o foundation_n strong_a enough_o to_o build_v the_o firm_a faith_n upon_o but_o still_o the_o urge_n of_o this_o reflection_n upon_o ourselves_o must_v be_v the_o work_n of_o much_o application_n and_o though_o we_o be_v exceed_o to_o blame_n if_o any_o objection_n which_o the_o obscurity_n of_o those_o great_a important_a doctrine_n be_v wont_a to_o raise_v in_o we_o be_v suffer_v to_o overthrow_v our_o faith_n or_o dangerous_o to_o shake_v it_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o where_o sense_n or_o demonstration_n do_v not_o represent_v thing_n to_o we_o plain_o and_o beyond_o all_o contradiction_n there_o scruple_n and_o cavil_n will_v now_o and_o then_o arise_v and_o the_o devil_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o occasion_n and_o try_v by_o they_o to_o loosen_v and_o dissettle_v we_o from_o that_o firmness_n of_o persuasion_n which_o be_v due_a to_o such_o a_o revelation_n even_o they_o who_o struggle_n most_o successful_o against_o such_o attempt_n of_o he_o may_v yet_o sometime_o find_v a_o tendency_n to_o doubt_v or_o some_o little_a disturbance_n from_o they_o but_o those_o man_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v a_o very_a great_a deal_n who_o overlook_a the_o credibility_n of_o the_o testimony_n and_o revelation_n itself_o which_o be_v reason_n proper_a province_n in_o these_o matter_n they_o expect_v their_o satisfaction_n from_o the_o sight_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o put_v their_o enquiry_n upon_o a_o wrong_a scent_n to_o require_v a_o evidence_n of_o which_o the_o condition_n of_o this_o subject_n be_v not_o capable_a and_o to_o destroy_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o faith_n which_o in_o strict_a speak_n can_v not_o be_v faith_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n unseen_a now_o if_o such_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o faith_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o very_a first_o act_n that_o of_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o difficulty_n grow_v upon_o we_o in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o it_o when_o it_o come_v to_o influence_n our_o practice_n and_o to_o govern_v our_o affection_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v very_o evident_o if_o we_o consider_v 2._o second_o after_o what_o manner_n it_o be_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o truth_n come_v to_o gain_v a_o power_n over_o our_o will_n and_o to_o command_v our_o action_n one_o will_v think_v that_o to_o be_v once_o thorough_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o duty_n it_o enjoin_v be_v enough_o to_o fix_v a_o man_n all_o his_o life_n long_o and_o perhaps_o in_o matter_n of_o mere_a speculation_n it_o be_v so_o after_o any_o point_n have_v be_v due_o consider_v and_o all_o the_o argument_n for_o
sin_n and_o how_o hard_o a_o service_n that_o must_v needs_o be_v i_o leave_v every_o one_o to_o judge_v when_o he_o find_v it_o describe_v 13._o describe_v wisd_v v._o 7._o jerem._n ix_o 5._o habak_v ii_o 13._o by_o a_o dark_a and_o slippery_a path_n by_o man_n weary_v themselves_o to_o work_v iniquity_n walk_v through_o dangerous_a place_n and_o labour_v in_o the_o very_a fire_n if_o such_o than_o be_v the_o pain_n and_o wearisomeness_n if_o such_o the_o hazard_n and_o difficulty_n that_o attend_v the_o work_n it_o will_v become_v we_o very_o serious_o to_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v we_o lay_v ourselves_o out_o upon_o and_o whether_o the_o profit_n will_v at_o last_o answer_v the_o trouble_n and_o of_o this_o too_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o a_o true_a but_o a_o lamentable_a account_n 2_o account_n habak_v ii_o 13._o isaiah_n lv._o 2_o by_o assure_v we_o that_o such_o man_n weary_a themselves_o for_o vanity_n and_o a_o thing_n of_o nought_o that_o they_o spend_v their_o labour_n for_o that_o which_o satisfi_v not_o that_o their_o year_n be_v consume_v in_o trouble_n and_o all_o their_o work_n unfruitful_a and_o what_o a_o miserable_a thing_n be_v this_o now_o for_o a_o man_n to_o look_v back_o upon_o a_o life_n so_o ill_o so_o uneasy_o spend_v and_o find_v it_o turn_v to_o no_o advantage_n at_o all_o to_o reflect_v what_o crooked_a and_o rough_a path_n he_o have_v travel_v through_o what_o a_o deal_n of_o sweat_n and_o strength_n it_o have_v cost_v he_o to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o a_o master_n who_o will_v never_o consider_v he_o for_o his_o pain_n how_o often_o his_o mind_n have_v be_v torture_v and_o perplex_v with_o unlawful_a desire_n and_o anxious_a fear_n how_o he_o have_v be_v rack_v to_o gratify_v his_o lust_n or_o his_o pride_n his_o avarice_n or_o revenge_n how_o he_o have_v sacrifice_v all_o his_o content_n and_o calmness_n of_o mind_n all_o his_o rest_n and_o quiet_a enjoyment_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o world_n to_o these_o passion_n and_o when_o he_o come_v at_o last_o to_o sit_v down_o and_o compute_v his_o gain_n to_o find_v that_o all_o his_o hope_n have_v be_v deceitful_a and_o all_o his_o labour_n vain_a and_o instead_o of_o such_o a_o sum_n as_o may_v recompense_v his_o past_a suffering_n to_o find_v that_o sarcasm_n of_o st._n paul_n underwritten_a at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o account_n and_o his_o conscience_n after_o be_v long_o delude_v with_o the_o expectation_n of_o i_o know_v not_o what_o imaginary_a happiness_n turn_v again_o upon_o he_o with_o a_o 16._o a_o rom._n vi_o 21._o eccles_n v._o 16._o what_o fruit_n have_v you_o have_v in_o all_o these_o thing_n or_o those_o word_n of_o the_o preacher_n what_o profit_n have_v he_o that_o labour_v for_o the_o wind_n this_o render_v the_o case_n bad_a enough_o in_o reason_n and_o put_v the_o folly_n of_o such_o as_o employ_v themselves_o in_o work_n of_o darkness_n past_o all_o question_n and_o beyond_o all_o excuse_n and_o therefore_o to_o man_n who_o have_v not_o abandon_v all_o consideration_n it_o be_v discouragement_n enough_o in_o conscience_n to_o call_v they_o vnfruitful_a not_o that_o they_o be_v strict_o without_o any_o fruit_n but_o because_o what_o follow_v upon_o they_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n worse_o than_o if_o there_o be_v none_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o say_v to_o be_v none_o because_o it_o bring_v no_o advantage_n for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v foretell_v express_o elsewhere_o what_o will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o such_o labour_n 30._o labour_n habak_v ii_o 16._o prov._n fourteen_o 30._o that_o woe_n shall_v be_v to_o he_o who_o entice_v his_o neighbour_n to_o sin_n that_o envy_n be_v the_o rottenness_n of_o the_o bone_n chap._n eccles_n iv_o v._o vi_o chap._n covetousness_n and_o ambition_n a_o perpetual_a vanity_n and_o vexation_n 18._o prov._n xvi_o 18._o that_o pride_n go_v before_o destruction_n and_o in_o more_o general_a term_n still_o 8._o gal._n vi_o 8._o that_o they_o who_o sow_v to_o the_o flesh_n shall_v of_o the_o flesh_n reap_v corruption_n 27._o heb._n x._o 27._o that_o to_o wilful_a sinner_n there_o remain_v a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n 9_o rom._n vi_o 21_o 23._o rom._n ii_o 8_o 9_o that_o the_o effect_n of_o sin_n be_v shame_n and_o the_o end_n and_o wage_n of_o it_o be_v death_n that_o to_o they_o who_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o obey_v unrighteousness_n god_n shall_v render_v indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil._n 41._o matth._n xxv_o 46._o xxiv_o 51._o xxv_o 41._o that_o the_o sinner_n punishment_n shall_v be_v everlasting_a and_o his_o portion_n in_o a_o place_n of_o weep_v and_o wail_v and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n even_o in_o a_o lake_n of_o everlasting_a fire_n even_o in_o a_o fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n and_o now_o after_o this_o account_n of_o the_o sinner_n recompense_n for_o all_o his_o labour_n and_o trouble_v there_o can_v one_o will_v think_v need_v any_o long_a application_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o act_v like_o person_n sensible_a of_o what_o have_v be_v already_o deliver_v under_o the_o forego_n head_n and_o of_o our_o engagement_n with_o regard_n to_o they_o which_o be_v the_o ivth_o and_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v and_o that_o i_o shall_v dispatch_v as_o brief_o as_o may_v be_v 1._o now_o that_o which_o i_o shall_v draw_v from_o the_o first_o head_n and_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n be_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o our_o be_v extreme_o well_o satisfy_v with_o our_o duty_n and_o hearty_o thankful_a for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o more_o we_o consider_v the_o darkness_n of_o those_o age_n in_o which_o our_o forefather_n live_v the_o better_a we_o shall_v discern_v the_o happiness_n of_o our_o own_o when_o man_n advance_v so_o far_o in_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n such_o as_o socrates_n and_o cato_n and_o some_o other_o who_o antiquity_n always_o name_n with_o respect_n and_o admiration_n have_v yet_o the_o misfortune_n of_o great_a error_n both_o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n this_o be_v a_o manifest_a evidence_n how_o necessary_a some_o far_a revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n be_v to_o mankind_n how_o unable_a nature_n and_o reason_n be_v even_o when_o most_o refine_a and_o improve_v to_o discover_v all_o those_o rule_n which_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o due_a government_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o this_o contribute_v to_o the_o illustrate_v god_n mercy_n to_o christian_n so_o much_o the_o more_o when_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v then_o unsearchable_a be_v now_o so_o clear_a and_o plain_a that_o even_o babe_n may_v apprehend_v and_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v they_o all_o the_o disguise_n of_o vice_n be_v now_o pull_v off_o its_o natural_a deformity_n lay_v bare_a its_o absurdity_n and_o inconsistence_n with_o the_o christian_n principle_n demonstrate_v its_o wretched_a consequence_n plain_o forewarn_v the_o beauty_n of_o virtue_n and_o all_o its_o engage_v advantage_n be_v fair_o set_v before_o we_o and_o nothing_o now_o be_v want_v that_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v desire_v either_o to_o convince_v our_o judgement_n or_o to_o charm_v our_o affection_n all_o which_o must_v certain_o persuade_v we_o that_o the_o condemnation_n of_o those_o man_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o just_a must_v needs_o be_v very_o great_a who_o do_v not_o rejoice_v in_o this_o light_n and_o use_v it_o sincere_o who_o do_v not_o endeavour_v the_o performance_n of_o what_o be_v so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o nature_n so_o secure_a of_o lead_v they_o in_o the_o best_a way_n to_o happiness_n so_o easy_a and_o so_o delightful_a with_o a_o content_v shall_v i_o say_v no_o that_o be_v too_o little_a and_o too_o low_a a_o character_n but_o with_o a_o cheerful_a and_o a_o thankful_a mind_n 2._o from_o the_o second_o head_n which_o explain_v what_o testimony_n be_v expect_v of_o our_o have_a no_o fellowship_n with_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n i_o will_v urge_v in_o general_a a_o continual_a watch_n and_o holy_a jealousy_n over_o ourselves_o where_o every_o compliance_n with_o sin_n be_v not_o only_a disobedience_n but_o treachery_n and_o where_o the_o danger_n and_o the_o displeasure_n such_o offence_n incur_v be_v so_o dreadful_a no_o care_n can_v be_v enough_o and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o once_o be_v make_v sensible_a how_o cunning_a our_o great_a enemy_n of_o soul_n be_v to_o turn_v every_o thing_n into_o a_o occasion_n of_o sin_n we_o shall_v walk_v like_o man_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o trap_n and_o snare_n or_o upon_o rock_n and_o narrow_a precipice_n there_o be_v no_o trust_n of_o ourselves_o too_o near_o the_o cockatrice_n den_n no_o play_v upon_o the_o hole_n of_o the_o asp_n if_o we_o expect_v to_o be_v
be_v parallel_n ii_o second_o that_o admit_v we_o shall_v come_v up_o to_o his_o repentance_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v imitable_a by_o we_o yet_o none_o of_o we_o all_o can_v have_v the_o same_o assurance_n of_o be_v pardon_v and_o accept_v but_o which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o iii_o three_o that_o it_o be_v equal_o possible_a nay_o indeed_o much_o more_o probable_a that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v his_o case_n may_v not_o be_v we_o no_o not_o even_o in_o the_o very_a disposition_n to_o repent_v i._n first_o it_o deserve_v to_o be_v very_o attentive_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v some_o circumstance_n in_o the_o case_n of_o this_o penitent_a thief_n to_o which_o the_o condition_n of_o no_o other_o man_n but_o especial_o of_o no_o christian_n who_o deferr_v his_o repentance_n to_o a_o sick_a or_o die_a bed_n can_v possible_o be_v parallel_n now_o in_o examine_v any_o of_o the_o surprise_a and_o unusual_a act_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a always_o to_o bring_v this_o rule_n along_o with_o we_o that_o almighty_a god_n in_o the_o instance_n of_o his_o love_n and_o compassion_n be_v perfect_o void_a of_o all_o that_o bias_n of_o humour_n and_o passion_n and_o partial_a fondness_n which_o oftentimes_o be_v a_o blemish_n to_o the_o proceed_n of_o easy_a and_o good-natured_a man_n that_o he_o constant_o act_v with_o such_o steadiness_n as_o become_v infinite_a goodness_n regulate_v and_o due_o temper_v with_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o infinite_a justice_n and_o consequent_o that_o all_o his_o deal_n be_v strict_o agreeable_a to_o equity_n and_o reason_n even_o those_o of_o they_o which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o enter_v so_o far_o into_o the_o ground_n of_o as_o to_o account_v for_o they_o in_o every_o particular_a to_o ourselves_o or_o to_o other_o nor_o can_v it_o seem_v strange_a that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o account_v for_o many_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n when_o we_o reflect_v that_o the_o most_o equitable_a rule_n of_o proceed_v both_o with_o god_n and_o man_n be_v to_o regard_v the_o intention_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o person_n concern_v now_o these_o be_v thing_n that_o lie_v too_o deep_a for_o any_o but_o the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n to_o have_v a_o distinct_a sight_n and_o entire_a knowledge_n of_o and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v always_o to_o conclude_v that_o he_o to_o who_o view_n these_o thing_n lie_v open_a have_v sufficient_a motive_n which_o induce_v he_o to_o make_v a_o difference_n in_o favour_n of_o some_o above_o other_o and_o such_o difference_n so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v judge_v be_v make_v as_o oft_o as_o they_o who_o in_o all_o appearance_n have_v do_v less_o be_v make_v equal_a to_o those_o who_o in_o all_o appearance_n have_v do_v more_o for_o though_o god_n in_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o mercy_n may_v give_v every_o good_a man_n a_o great_a reward_n than_o be_v due_a to_o his_o work_n yet_o his_o justice_n require_v that_o each_o of_o these_o good_a man_n be_v consider_v in_o proportion_n to_o his_o work_n and_o though_o the_o best_a of_o we_o all_o can_v in_o rigour_n deserve_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o acceptance_n of_o our_o labour_n yet_o we_o may_v have_v such_o qualification_n as_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o dispose_v he_o to_o pass_v by_o our_o fault_n and_o to_o receive_v we_o gracious_o again_o the_o worth_a and_o efficacy_n of_o such_o qualification_n be_v not_o always_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o length_n of_o time_n or_o by_o the_o number_n of_o act_n produce_v by_o they_o because_o it_o may_v happen_v that_o a_o very_a few_o or_o but_o one_o single_a instance_n may_v be_v so_o circumstantiate_v as_o to_o give_v testimony_n of_o a_o man_n sincerity_n and_o zeal_n equivalent_a to_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o and_o this_o be_v what_o i_o need_v not_o labour_n either_o to_o prove_v or_o to_o apply_v in_o the_o present_a question_n for_o all_o man_n must_v allow_v that_o he_o who_o in_o consideration_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n at_o his_o last_o hour_n be_v receive_v present_o into_o paradise_n do_v like_o the_o labourer_n of_o the_o eleven_o hour_n attain_v a_o equal_a reward_n with_o they_o who_o by_o a_o long_a painful_a and_o constant_a obedience_n have_v bear_v the_o burden_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n and_o they_o who_o interpret_v that_o parable_n in_o favour_n of_o such_o a_o repentance_n allege_v that_o god_n accept_v the_o die_a penitent_n for_o his_o integrity_n and_o zeal_n that_o he_o look_v upon_o what_o the_o man_n will_v have_v do_v as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v actual_o do_v and_o judge_n he_o according_a to_o the_o desire_n and_o good_a disposition_n he_o have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o opportunity_n he_o have_v not_o from_o these_o thing_n thus_o premise_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o in_o order_n to_o a_o right_a understanding_n and_o fair_a application_n of_o the_o example_n now_o before_o we_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o inquire_v very_o diligent_o into_o those_o good_a disposition_n of_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n which_o may_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o recommend_v he_o to_o mercy_n at_o his_o death_n notwithstanding_o the_o grievous_a offence_n of_o his_o past_a wicked_a life_n and_o to_o any_o person_n who_o shall_v set_v himself_o serious_o to_o consider_v this_o matter_n this_o relation_n of_o st._n luke_n and_o the_o case_n as_o now_o state_v will_v sufficient_o intimate_v these_o two_o especial_o 1._o first_o great_a ingenuity_n of_o temper_n and_o readiness_n of_o mind_n to_o embrace_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n so_o soon_o as_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o conviction_n be_v afford_v he_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a this_o man_n have_v never_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o jesus_n before_o otherwise_o than_o by_o common_a fame_n and_o if_o st._n chrysostom_n and_o st._n jerome_n conjecture_n be_v just_a he_o be_v prepossess_v against_o he_o as_o a_o impostor_n if_o so_o the_o great_a still_o be_v his_o virtue_n to_o overcome_v those_o prejudices_fw-la so_o soon_o and_o suffer_v the_o meekness_n and_o patience_n the_o charity_n and_o piety_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v miraculous_a death_n to_o disabuse_v he_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v he_o a_o late_a penitent_n that_o it_o give_v he_o the_o glory_n of_o a_o early_a convert_n one_o who_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o the_o first_o impression_n of_o grace_n and_o want_v not_o so_o much_o the_o inclination_n as_o the_o opportunity_n of_o be_v bring_v over_o to_o the_o truth_n before_o and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o for_o his_o commendation_n 2._o second_o we_o may_v discern_v in_o he_o a_o most_o vigorous_a and_o noble_a faith_n eton._n faith_n chrysost_n tom._n 5._o orat._n 7._o pag._n 26._o edit_fw-la eton._n such_o as_o confess_v our_o lord_n in_o his_o low_a most_o afflict_a and_o most_o ignominious_a condition_n when_o his_o harden_a companion_n revile_v he_o when_o the_o enemy_n of_o jesus_n mock_v and_o insult_v over_o he_o when_o his_o own_o disciple_n have_v forsake_v and_o be_v afraid_a to_o own_v he_o such_o as_o take_v sanctuary_n in_o a_o die_a and_o universal_o despise_a man_n such_o as_o publish_v his_o innocence_n to_o the_o face_n and_o in_o despite_n of_o triumphant_a malice_n and_o through_o the_o thick_a cloud_n of_o shame_n and_o suffering_n that_o ever_o intercept_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n discover_v his_o divine_a power_n and_o place_v his_o hope_n in_o a_o spiritual_a kingdom_n which_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o humane_a reason_v can_v never_o have_v discover_v a_o kingdom_n which_o no_o eye_n but_o that_o of_o faith_n can_v have_v the_o least_o glimpse_n of_o which_o even_o they_o who_o have_v enjoy_v the_o honour_n and_o advantage_n of_o a_o three-year_n instruction_n and_o inseparable_a conversation_n never_o yet_o perfect_o understand_v and_o now_o utter_o despair_v of_o this_o be_v to_o come_v in_o no_o whit_n behind_o nay_o it_o be_v in_o some_o respect_n to_o outstrip_v the_o very_o chief_a apostle_n this_o be_v a_o confession_n so_o resolute_a so_o singular_a so_o illustrious_a that_o no_o preacher_n no_o martyr_n ever_o come_v up_o to_o all_o the_o heighten_v commendation_n of_o it_o none_o give_v so_o ample_a a_o testimony_n to_o the_o bless_a jesus_n because_o none_o have_v this_o peculiar_a excellence_n of_o give_v it_o under_o so_o many_o disadvantageous_a and_o discourage_a circumstance_n and_o now_o with_o what_o 7._o what_o chrysost_n tom._n 5._o orat._n 7._o forehead_n with_o what_o colour_n can_v any_o late_a or_o deathbed_n penitent_n pretend_v to_o draw_v this_o example_n into_o a_o precedent_n for_o his_o own_o support_n and_o advantage_n what_o affinity_n what_o shadow_n of_o resemblance_n be_v there_o between_o a_o man_n submit_v to_o the_o first_o impression_n and_o one_o who_o have_v wilful_o and_o industrious_o harden_v his_o heart_n
venture_v your_o whole_a substance_n upon_o so_o mad_a a_o hazard_n where_o there_o have_v be_v million_o of_o blank_n for_o one_o prize_n and_o that_o prize_v too_o get_v by_o such_o a_o chance_n as_o can_v never_o come_v up_o again_o why_o will_v you_o then_o with_o your_o eye_n open_a run_v such_o a_o desperate_a risque_fw-la of_o eternity_n eternity_n to_o which_o the_o long_a life_n bear_v not_o the_o proportion_n of_o a_o single_a moment_n why_o will_v you_o stake_v your_o soul_n upon_o so_o certain_a a_o loss_n your_o soul_n for_o which_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v you_o gain_v it_o be_v not_o a_o equivalent_a if_o therefore_o you_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o these_o as_o you_o will_v escape_v the_o agony_n of_o gild_n the_o horror_n of_o despair_n and_o dreadful_a look_v for_o of_o fiery_a indignation_n to_o consume_v you_o as_o you_o will_v secure_v peace_n of_o conscience_n the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o those_o comfortable_a prospect_n of_o bliss_n which_o alone_o can_v support_v your_o droop_a spirit_n when_o all_o worldly_a comfort_n forsake_v you_o if_o there_o be_v any_o charm_n in_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n here_o and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o hereafter_o let_v my_o advice_n be_v acceptable_a to_o you_o but_o why_o do_v i_o call_v it_o i_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n advice_n and_o most_o excellent_a and_o pathetical_a exhortation_n those_o be_v 1._o hebr._n iii_o 12._o 13._o iv_o 1._o to_o day_n while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n take_v heed_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 but_o let_v we_o fear_v lest_o a_o promise_n be_v make_v we_o of_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n we_o shall_v at_o last_o come_v short_a of_o it_o 2._o 2_o cor._n vi_o 2._o behold_v now_o be_v the_o accept_a time_n behold_v now_o be_v the_o day_n of_o salvation_n 12._o rom._n xiii_o 11._o 12._o and_o therefore_o know_v that_o it_o be_v now_o high_a time_n to_o awake_v out_o of_o sleep_n let_v we_o 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thrice_o and_o when_o he_o think_v thereon_o he_o weep_v among_o the_o many_o help_n and_o advantage_n to_o a_o godly_a life_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n furnuh_v we_o with_o none_o be_v more_o useful_a none_o better_o qualify_v for_o success_n than_o those_o which_o a_o prudent_a and_o considerate_a reader_n may_v draw_v from_o the_o example_n of_o eminent_a saint_n record_v there_o and_o these_o may_v be_v of_o singular_a benefit_n to_o we_o not_o only_o by_o those_o shine_a grace_n and_o virtue_n that_o exalt_a piety_n and_o unshaken_a perseverance_n which_o ought_v to_o provoke_v our_o zeal_n and_o encourage_v our_o imitation_n but_o no_o less_o by_o those_o blemish_n and_o fail_n that_o proneness_n to_o sin_n even_o in_o the_o best_a man_n and_o the_o diligence_n and_o painfulness_n of_o that_o repentance_n by_o which_o they_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v abate_v our_o vain_a confidence_n and_o awaken_v our_o care_n of_o this_o latter_a 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necessary_a to_o employ_v my_o own_o pain_n or_o your_o patience_n in_o any_o critical_a nicety_n which_o may_v tend_v to_o reconcile_v those_o seem_a difference_n between_o the_o several_a gospel_n in_o some_o circumstance_n relate_v to_o this_o affair_n which_o yet_o to_o person_n not_o very_o captious_a and_o perverse_a be_v capable_a of_o a_o fair_a and_o easy_a accommodation_n but_o there_o be_v matter_n of_o far_o great_a moment_n which_o call_v for_o our_o attention_n and_o the_o substance_n wherein_o they_o agree_v beyond_o all_o controversy_n be_v that_o both_o st._n peter_n fault_n and_o his_o repentance_n be_v very_o great_a and_o exemplary_a he_o deny_v christ_n he_o do_v it_o to_o avoid_v be_v think_v one_o of_o his_o disciple_n by_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o highpriest_n he_o persist_v in_o that_o denial_n he_o repeat_v and_o strengthen_v it_o with_o the_o solemnity_n of_o oath_n and_o curse_n but_o when_o the_o crow_v of_o the_o cock_n and_o the_o look_v of_o his_o master_n have_v call_v up_o the_o power_n of_o reason_n and_o recollection_n in_o his_o mind_n immediate_o upon_o reflect_v what_o he_o have_v do_v he_o go_v out_o and_o weep_v he_o weep_v 〈◊〉_d weep_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d abundant_o he_o weep_v bitter_o these_o be_v the_o passage_n which_o we_o be_v principal_o concern_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o my_o endeavour_n i._n first_o to_o represent_v to_o you_o st._n peter_n be_v fall_v with_o the_o most_o remarkable_a circumstance_n and_o aggravation_n attend_v it_o ii_o second_o st._n peter_n be_v repentance_n and_o the_o undoubted_a testimony_n give_v of_o the_o seriousness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o it_o and_o then_o under_o each_o of_o these_o head_n i_o shall_v draw_v such_o observation_n as_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o we_o to_o prevent_v our_o fall_n or_o else_o to_o recover_v our_o stand_n if_o we_o happen_v to_o fall_v after_o his_o example_n i._n first_o then_o let_v we_o consider_v st._n peter_n fault_n and_o those_o circumstance_n attend_v it_o which_o may_v give_v we_o a_o true_a state_n of_o his_o case_n 1._o and_o here_o first_o of_o all_o it_o be_v undoubted_o one_o great_a aggravation_n of_o this_o fault_n to_o have_v be_v commit_v by_o st._n peter_n a_o person_n who_o have_v enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o a_o long_a and_o familiar_a conversation_n with_o his_o master_n who_o have_v not_o only_o hear_v the_o many_o excellent_a instruction_n deliver_v to_o the_o multitude_n which_o upon_o all_o occasion_n flock_v together_o in_o great_a number_n to_o be_v teach_v by_o he_o but_o who_o in_o private_a conference_n have_v be_v let_v in_o to_o a_o more_o full_a and_o distinct_a understanding_n of_o those_o mystery_n which_o for_o wise_a reason_n have_v be_v express_v to_o the_o promiscuous_a crowd_n of_o hearer_n in_o term_n sometime_o ambiguous_a and_o dark_a a_o person_n who_o beside_o the_o infinite_a miracle_n wrought_v public_o in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n have_v be_v admit_v to_o be_v a_o eye-witness_n of_o such_o as_o more_o clear_o and_o immediate_o give_v testimony_n to_o his_o lord_n be_v divine_a nature_n and_o authority_n such_o in_o particular_a as_o the_o appearance_n of_o moses_n xvii_o moses_n matth._n xvii_o and_o elias_n at_o our_o lord_n transfiguration_n that_o honour_n 18._o honour_n 2_o pet._n i._o 17_o 18._o and_o glory_n which_o jesus_n receive_v from_o god_n the_o father_n when_o there_o come_v such_o a_o voice_n to_o he_o from_o the_o excellent_a glory_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v which_o voice_n from_o heaven_n himself_o declare_v he_o hear_v when_o he_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o holy_a mount_n a_o person_n who_o out_o lord_n have_v choose_v the_o companion_n 33._o companion_n verse_n 33._o of_o his_o
conspicuous_a never_o triumph_v so_o glorious_o over_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n as_o when_o it_o revive_v wretched_a offender_n from_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n unto_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n and_o the_o grievous_a miscarriage_n of_o good_a man_n be_v often_o so_o order_v as_o to_o turn_v to_o their_o mighty_a advantage_n for_o these_o have_v a_o natural_a tendency_n to_o awaken_v their_o care_n they_o make_v they_o more_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o weakness_n and_o danger_n and_o more_o vigilant_a to_o prevent_v it_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v than_o otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v be_v if_o their_o own_o experience_n have_v not_o teach_v they_o upon_o what_o slippery_a ground_n they_o stand_v they_o dispose_v they_o to_o be_v more_o tender_a and_o compassionate_a to_o their_o brethren_n more_o gentle_a and_o spare_v in_o their_o censure_n more_o ready_a to_o forgive_v what_o be_v do_v amiss_o more_o diligent_a to_o contribute_v their_o endeavour_n for_o the_o rescue_v and_o restore_v such_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n when_o they_o reflect_v how_o easy_a it_o be_v to_o be_v overtake_v and_o how_o prone_a all_o even_o the_o best_a man_n be_v to_o offend_v and_o they_o kindle_v in_o such_o penitent_n a_o vigorous_a and_o active_a zeal_n to_o make_v amends_o for_o the_o scandal_n of_o a_o bad_a example_n by_o a_o strict_a holiness_n and_o bright_a virtue_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v so_o little_a reason_n be_v there_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v deliver_v from_o all_o temptation_n or_o be_v secure_v from_o sin_v when_o we_o be_v tempt_v when_o the_o consequence_n both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o may_v be_v and_o often_o be_v so_o manage_v by_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o providence_n as_o not_o only_o not_o to_o destroy_v or_o impair_v the_o piety_n of_o private_a man_n but_z with_o the_o increase_n of_o that_o to_o become_v instrument_n of_o great_a good_a more_o effectual_a to_o our_o own_o salvation_n more_o serviceable_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o his_o grace_n and_o more_o beneficial_a to_o religion_n in_o general_n than_o if_o good_a man_n have_v never_o be_v tempt_v or_o never_o fall_v at_o all_o 2._o second_o as_o st._n peter_n fall_n confute_v the_o error_n of_o those_o who_o hold_v that_o man_n who_o once_o have_v true_a grace_n can_v lose_v it_o so_o st._n peter_n rise_n again_o prove_v that_o such_o as_o have_v have_v the_o unhappiness_n to_o lose_v grace_n may_v be_v restore_v and_o recover_v it_o again_o and_o this_o overthrow_v the_o novatian_a heresy_n which_o consist_v in_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o remission_n to_o be_v have_v for_o sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n and_o against_o which_o the_o sixteenth_o article_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v direct_o level_v a_o error_n in_o all_o appearance_n chief_o owe_v to_o the_o mistake_a interpretation_n of_o two_o text_n to_o the_o hebrew_n which_o have_v create_v great_a perplexity_n to_o ignorant_a and_o unwary_a soul_n the_o first_o be_v that_o in_o heb._n vi._n 4_o 5_o 6._o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o they_o shall_v fall_v away_o to_o renew_v they_o again_o unto_o repentance_n the_o other_o heb._n x._o 26_o 27._o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o that_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 now_o for_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o these_o passage_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o first_o that_o the_o scripture_n often_o express_v that_o by_o impossible_a which_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a or_o which_o be_v impossible_a for_o humane_a strength_n only_o but_o not_o so_o to_o nature_n assist_v by_o divine_a grace_n and_o thus_o our_o bless_a saviour_n explain_v himself_o concern_v rich_a 26._o rich_a matth._n xix_o 26._o man_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n by_o say_v that_o though_o this_o be_v impossible_a with_o regard_n to_o the_o corruption_n and_o temptation_n of_o such_o person_n and_o any_o power_n of_o their_o own_o to_o resist_v and_o vanquish_v they_o yet_o 27._o yet_o luke_n xviii_o 27._o the_o thing_n that_o be_v impossible_a with_o man_n be_v possible_a with_o god_n he_o may_v by_o the_o prevail_a influencce_n of_o his_o grace_n wean_v their_o heart_n from_o the_o world_n and_o effectual_o dispose_v they_o to_o accept_v such_o term_n of_o salvation_n as_o of_o themselves_o they_o will_v never_o incline_v or_o submit_v to_o and_o thus_o though_o man_n who_o reject_v and_o quench_v the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o wilful_a sin_n can_v renew_v themselves_o yet_o god_n can_v give_v they_o the_o heart_n and_o power_n of_o repentance_n and_o renovation_n 2._o second_o the_o apostle_n address_v himself_o to_o jew_n speak_v with_o allusion_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o though_o it_o allow_v of_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o expiation_n of_o involuntary_a sin_n such_o as_o proceed_v from_o ignorance_n or_o infirmity_n yet_o do_v not_o make_v the_o like_a provision_n for_o wilful_a and_o deliberate_a and_o presumptuous_a offence_n but_o that_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v so_o strict_o take_v as_o if_o the_o christian_a dispensation_n have_v make_v no_o provision_n for_o even_o such_o neither_o be_v evident_a from_o that_o argument_n 39_o argument_n act._n xiii_o 38_o 39_o whereby_o the_o same_o apostle_n prove_v the_o excellence_n of_o we_o above_o the_o levitical_a institution_n be_v it_o know_v unto_o you_o that_o through_o this_o man_n jesus_n christ_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o by_o he_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v justify_v from_o all_o thing_n from_o which_o you_o can_v not_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n if_o therefore_o man_n may_v even_o by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v justify_v from_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o wilful_a and_o if_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n man_n may_v be_v justify_v from_o all_o thing_n which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n they_o can_v not_o be_v justify_v from_o it_o follow_v that_o by_o the_o evangelical_n covenant_n even_o wilful_a sin_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o pardon_n in_o they_o that_o believe_v i_o say_v in_o they_o that_o believe_v for_o to_o remove_v this_o difficulty_n effectual_o we_o must_v observe_v 3._o three_o that_o those_o text_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v mean_v not_o of_o every_o sort_n of_o wilful_a offender_n but_o of_o such_o as_o revolt_v and_o fly_v off_o entire_o from_o the_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o which_o reason_n they_o be_v brand_v with_o the_o title_n 29._o title_n heb._n x._o 27_o 29._o of_o adversary_n and_o such_o as_o crucify_v the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o trample_v he_o under_o foot_n count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o unholy_a thing_n and_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o these_o man_n to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v impossible_a to_o renew_v while_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o apostasy_n because_o they_o have_v cast_v off_o their_o only_a remedy_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o pardon_n all_o that_o believe_v be_v justify_v say_v st._n paul_n but_o this_o faith_n they_o have_v renounce_v and_o disclaim_v and_o consequent_o be_v not_o within_o the_o covenant_n nor_o under_o the_o influence_n of_o grace_n or_o the_o possibility_n of_o benefit_n from_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o that_o blood_n which_o they_o esteem_v common_a and_o no_o sacrifice_n at_o all_o but_o the_o case_n be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o they_o who_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o sinful_a course_n and_o yet_o have_v not_o throw_v off_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n they_o may_v see_v their_o folly_n and_o acknowledge_v the_o merit_n of_o their_o saviour_n atonement_n they_o may_v comply_v with_o the_o good_a motion_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o they_o too_o long_o have_v quench_v and_o resist_v though_o they_o have_v not_o formal_o disavow_v and_o do_v public_a despite_n to_o he_o there_o be_v a_o mighty_a difference_n between_o walk_v unworthy_a of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o be_v formal_a and_o open_a adversary_n to_o it_o between_o a_o conversation_n unbecoming_a the_o gospel_n and_o principle_n that_o profess_o overthrow_v the_o gospel_n and_o consequent_o those_o passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o strike_v at_o the_o one_o of_o these_o and_o declare_v it_o incapable_a of_o forgiveness_n need_v not_o must_v not_o be_v so_o apply_v to_o the_o other_o as_o to_o exclude_v from_o all_o hope_n and_o comfort_n a_o case_n so_o very_o distant_a from_o the_o former_a thus_o much_o however_o must_v be_v
with_o regard_n to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o expiation_n he_o tell_v the_o hebrew_n 9_o hebrew_n heb._n ii_o 9_o that_o jesus_n be_v make_v a_o little_a low_o than_o the_o angel_n that_o he_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n shall_v taste_v death_n for_o every_o man_n the_o design_n be_v not_o less_o universal_a because_o the_o effect_n be_v not_o so_o for_o st._n peter_n 1._o peter_n 2_o pet._n two_o 1._o upbraid_v the_o man_n who_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n with_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o and_o so_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o destruction_n and_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o roman_n enlarge_n most_o admirable_o to_o show_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o providence_n in_o convert_v the_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o a_o occasion_n of_o bring_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n that_o so_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n may_v be_v also_o a_o occasion_n of_o soften_a the_o jew_n by_o work_v they_o up_o to_o a_o holy_a emulation_n of_o that_o happiness_n and_o obedience_n which_o those_o despise_a nation_n have_v so_o surprise_o outstrip_v they_o in_o some_o person_n indeed_o there_o be_v who_o deny_v the_o force_n of_o this_o reason_n and_o pretend_v that_o god_n never_o intend_v that_o those_o who_o stand_v out_o shall_v ever_o have_v come_v in_o that_o he_o harden_v their_o heart_n and_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o hearken_v to_o or_o comply_v with_o his_o call_n but_o i_o add_v notwithstanding_o four_o that_o god_n be_v very_o serious_a in_o these_o invitation_n and_o that_o the_o parable_n give_v we_o ground_n sufficient_a to_o believe_v so_o it_o be_v true_a among_o man_n many_o thing_n be_v do_v mere_o out_o of_o ceremony_n and_o form_n many_o proffer_v make_v in_o hope_n of_o be_v refuse_v many_o civility_n show_v where_o nothing_o less_o be_v intend_v and_o what_o the_o world_n call_v complaisance_n and_o good_a breed_n be_v frequent_o not_o so_o much_o the_o language_n as_o the_o disguise_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o know_v whether_o it_o proceed_v from_o real_a friendship_n or_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o formality_n or_o flattery_n or_o dissimulation_n or_o fear_v but_o this_o can_v possible_o be_v the_o case_n here_o for_o to_o suppose_v almighty_a god_n guilty_a of_o such_o mean_a art_n be_v to_o think_v most_o unworthy_o and_o most_o inconsistent_o of_o he_o with_o he_o be_v no_o deceivableness_n no_o deceit_n a_o thing_n so_o vile_a and_o confess_o base_a that_o they_o who_o practice_n it_o most_o be_v always_o ashamed_a to_o own_v it_o and_o therefore_o use_v their_o utmost_a industry_n to_o mask_v it_o well_o though_o few_o in_o comparison_n be_v sincere_a yet_o every_o man_n be_v ambitious_a and_o labour_n to_o be_v think_v sincere_a and_o what_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o sinful_a mortal_n detest_v be_v sure_a a_o character_n not_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o best_a and_o holy_a be_v again_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o indirect_a or_o double_a deal_v or_o false_a and_o flatter_a pretence_n so_o be_v there_o no_o imaginable_a reason_n from_o without_o that_o shall_v incline_v he_o to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o he_o can_v contract_v a_o obligation_n from_o his_o own_o creature_n nor_o can_v he_o stand_v in_o awe_n of_o their_o displeasure_n what_o then_o shall_v move_v he_o to_o profess_v kindness_n where_o none_o be_v due_a what_o where_o he_o can_v suffer_v by_o withhold_a it_o what_o indeed_o but_o his_o own_o infinite_a and_o essential_a goodness_n can_v the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n gain_v any_o advantage_n by_o insinuate_v himself_o into_o the_o affection_n and_o court_v the_o good_a opinion_n of_o poor_a worm_n who_o can_v never_o profit_v he_o by_o the_o best_a of_o their_o pollute_a and_o imperfect_a service_n he_o stand_v not_o in_o need_n of_o any_o return_v our_o gratitude_n can_v make_v nor_o be_v his_o happiness_n defective_a without_o they_o and_o common_a sense_n tell_v we_o that_o be_v our_o state_n independent_a upon_o the_o favour_n or_o friendship_n of_o one_o another_o there_o will_v not_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o flatterer_n or_o dissembler_n in_o the_o world_n if_o then_o this_o king_n in_o the_o parable_n do_v not_o design_n his_o invitation_n shall_v be_v accept_v why_o do_v he_o ever_o make_v they_o at_o all_o but_o at_o least_o when_o man_n refuse_v they_o why_o do_v he_o not_o take_v they_o at_o their_o word_n a_o compliment_n that_o be_v mere_o such_o be_v easy_o drop_v and_o when_o man_n be_v well_o enough_o please_v to_o be_v deny_v they_o be_v usual_o content_a to_o spare_v the_o trouble_n of_o press_v but_o be_v this_o at_o all_o agreeable_a to_o the_o method_n use_v here_o for_o bring_v in_o guest_n to_o the_o marriage_n if_o the_o first_o bid_v will_v bear_v so_o vile_a a_o interpretation_n yet_o sure_a the_o importunity_n of_o a_o second_o and_o three_o call_v will_n by_o no_o mean_n endure_v it_o and_o yet_o lest_o of_o all_o will_v that_o indignation_n for_o be_v so_o unworthy_o reject_v the_o new_a commission_n issue_v out_o to_o his_o servant_n the_o mighty_a care_n of_o pick_v up_o other_o guest_n and_o the_o severe_a revenge_n upon_o those_o who_o receive_v his_o gracious_a offer_n with_o disdain_n in_o all_o appearance_n the_o do_v what_o god_n all_o along_o intend_a man_n shall_v do_v nay_o what_o he_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o they_o to_o do_v ought_v not_o to_o have_v breed_v so_o irreconcilable_a a_o quarrel_n we_o acknowledge_v indeed_o that_o the_o counsel_n of_o almighty_a god_n be_v a_o vast_a and_o dark_a depth_n and_o think_v it_o very_o unbecoming_a poor_a feeble_a mortal_n too_o busy_o to_o intrude_v into_o or_o peremptory_o to_o pronounce_v concern_v they_o but_o there_o be_v some_o plain_a principle_n so_o obvious_a that_o all_o contend_a party_n can_v but_o agree_v in_o they_o that_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n can_v but_o do_v right_a be_v a_o truth_n universal_o confess_v and_o though_o justice_n in_o god_n may_v proceed_v upon_o measure_n not_o understand_v by_o we_o and_o be_v perfect_a above_o what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v yet_o since_o just_a and_o unjust_a good_a and_o evil_a be_v not_o arbitrary_a and_o unalterable_a thing_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o suppose_v that_o justice_n and_o goodness_n in_o god_n be_v contrary_a to_o what_o we_o esteem_v just_a and_o good_a among_o men._n and_o therefore_o man_n may_v be_v excuse_v if_o they_o think_v that_o all_o the_o caution_n and_o jealousy_n due_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o goodness_n have_v not_o be_v observe_v by_o some_o who_o out_o of_o honest_a zeal_n perhaps_o have_v set_v up_o a_o secret_a will_n in_o the_o divine_a decree_n which_o seem_v plain_o repugnant_a to_o the_o know_a will_n of_o his_o precept_n and_o revelation_n for_o if_o god_n will_v that_o any_o shall_v hear_v and_o receive_v and_o obey_v his_o gospel_n and_o enjoin_v this_o upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n and_o have_v in_o most_o solemn_a manner_n declare_v this_o to_o be_v his_o will_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n have_v another_o will_n to_o we_o unknown_a which_o control_v and_o overrule_v all_o this_o and_o will_v not_o suffer_v such_o to_o receive_v and_o obey_v his_o word_n though_o they_o will_v never_o so_o fain_o and_o then_o punish_v and_o damn_v they_o eternal_o for_o not_o do_v so_o let_v they_o who_o maintain_v this_o doctrine_n tell_v we_o how_o we_o shall_v deliver_v it_o from_o such_o reflection_n upon_o the_o honour_n the_o justice_n the_o goodness_n the_o truth_n and_o if_o i_o may_v be_v allow_v so_o to_o speak_v the_o sincerity_n and_o common_a honesty_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o reverence_n to_o so_o great_a a_o majesty_n will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o name_n in_o matter_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n great_a allowance_n may_v be_v make_v for_o unaffected_a mistake_v and_o difference_n in_o opinion_n but_o it_o can_v be_v no_o just_a matter_n of_o blame_n to_o dissent_v from_o those_o doctrine_n the_o consequence_n of_o which_o even_o they_o that_o advance_v they_o profess_v to_o abhor_v and_o yet_o have_v not_o show_v we_o how_o they_o can_v be_v avoid_v for_o so_o far_o as_o yet_o appear_v if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n our_o preach_a be_v vain_a and_o your_o faith_n be_v also_o vain_a and_o therefore_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o god_n do_v not_o obstruct_v man_n honest_a endeavour_n in_o the_o use_n of_o outward_a mean_n but_o leave_v they_o in_o their_o full_a power_n and_o that_o his_o decree_n be_v such_o as_o consist_v very_o well_o with_o the_o temper_n of_o his_o covenant_n his_o exhortation_n his_o promise_n his_o threaten_n his_o vehement_a and_o affectionate_a expostulation_n his_o lay_v
the_o tempter_n who_o manage_n such_o mistake_v to_o his_o own_o wicked_a purpose_n and_o know_v that_o delay_n be_v the_o broad_a way_n to_o destruction_n god_n have_v indeed_o provide_v a_o inward_a call_n to_o second_v and_o set_v home_o the_o outward_a upon_o our_o conscience_n but_o he_o have_v not_o any_o where_n that_o i_o know_v of_o in_o the_o ordinary_a dispensation_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o providence_n promise_v any_o inward_a call_v apart_o from_o the_o outward_a where_o this_o may_v be_v have_v he_o bless_v i_o mean_v the_o administration_n of_o his_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o have_v fit_v these_o as_o proper_a instrument_n for_o bring_v we_o to_o himself_o but_o he_o expect_v we_o shall_v use_v these_o that_o by_o they_o we_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o he_o so_o that_o as_o i_o have_v occasion_n to_o observe_v former_o viâ—_n serm._n viâ—_n every_o public_a sermon_n every_o psalm_n and_o lesson_n in_o the_o service_n every_o bid_v of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n every_o pious_a exhortation_n admonition_n reproof_n be_v god_n call_n and_o god_n message_n convey_v down_o to_o we_o by_o his_o minister_n and_o such_o as_o we_o must_v expect_v one_o day_n to_o account_v for_o the_o king_n in_o this_o parable_n interpret_v the_o refusal_n and_o the_o ill_a treatment_n of_o his_o servant_n as_o so_o many_o indignity_n do_v to_o himself_o and_o revenge_v they_o with_o a_o severity_n proportionable_a to_o a_o insolence_n so_o resent_v and_o the_o jew_n who_o those_o ungrateful_a wretch_n represent_v be_v utter_o destroy_v for_o not_o harken_v to_o such_o call_v as_o these_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n constant_o lay_v to_o their_o charge_n that_o god_n send_v his_o prophet_n and_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v and_o that_o which_o be_v their_o ruin_n will_v certain_o prove_v we_o in_o the_o end_n if_o we_o by_o wicked_a delay_n and_o stand_v out_o against_o the_o like_a mean_n follow_v the_o example_n of_o their_o obstinacy_n and_o contemptuous_a behaviour_n 6._o six_o from_o hence_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o ordinary_a and_o outward_a ministration_n mention_v in_o my_o last_o particular_a be_v capable_a of_o become_v a_o sufficient_a call_n to_o as_o many_o as_o be_v right_o dispose_v and_o willing_a to_o make_v a_o due_a improvement_n of_o it_o be_v not_o the_o matter_n thus_o how_o can_v we_o account_v for_o the_o jew_n be_v so_o dreadful_o punish_v upon_o deny_v their_o assent_n and_o obedience_n how_o for_o the_o gentle_n succeed_v so_o well_o and_o receive_v such_o commendation_n upon_o a_o ready_a compliance_n with_o such_o call_v since_o neither_o be_v it_o any_o just_a provocation_n to_o withhold_v our_o obedience_n from_o nor_o any_o virtue_n or_o real_a matter_n of_o praise_n to_o give_v in_o rash_o to_o motive_n and_o mean_n which_o be_v insufficient_a it_o be_v true_a indeed_o and_o most_o ready_o confess_v that_o all_o the_o success_n of_o outward_a mean_n upon_o we_o be_v entire_o owe_v to_o the_o blessing_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n incline_v our_o will_n to_o accept_v and_o submit_v to_o they_o but_o the_o thing_n i_o aim_v at_o in_o this_o particular_a be_v to_o urge_v that_o when_o in_o such_o representation_n as_o this_o before_o we_o and_o other-like_a place_n of_o scripture_n the_o outward_a mean_n alone_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o no_o mention_n make_v of_o the_o inward_a assistance_n necessary_a to_o render_v they_o effectual_a this_o be_v a_o fair_a intimation_n nay_o i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v a_o undeniable_a argument_n that_o god_n inward_a call_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o second_v the_o outward_a where_o man_n be_v sincere_a and_o faithful_a desirous_a and_o diligent_a to_o examine_v and_o consider_v to_o hearken_v to_o reason_n all_o passion_n and_o prejudice_n and_o interest_n apart_o and_o resolute_o set_v to_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n 29._o conscience_n matth._n xxv_o 29._o to_o he_o that_o have_v say_v our_o lord_n that_o do_v his_o part_n and_o make_v the_o best_a of_o that_o he_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v abundance_n and_o again_o 37._o again_o john_n vi_o 37._o he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o i_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o nor_o will_v i_o here_o again_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o i_o suppose_v that_o even_o those_o action_n or_o good_a disposition_n to_o which_o the_o increase_n of_o grace_n be_v promise_v be_v thing_n mere_o in_o our_o own_o power_n no_o such_o matter_n our_o very_a have_v our_o very_a come_v be_v of_o god_n his_o be_v the_o talent_n and_o his_o the_o ability_n of_o use_v they_o faithful_o 44._o john_n xv._o 5._o v._o 44._o without_o he_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o and_o no_o man_n come_v to_o christ_n except_o the_o father_n draw_v he_o but_o still_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o man_n being_n not_o draw_v be_v not_o chargeable_a upon_o some_o fault_n of_o their_o own_o and_o if_o they_o who_o be_v not_o draw_v do_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n contribute_v to_o that_o unhappiness_n and_o obstruct_v the_o kindness_n which_o god_n be_v otherwise_o ready_a to_o extend_v to_o they_o now_o thus_o much_o seem_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o many_o severe_a reproof_n and_o upbraid_n in_o the_o many_o passionate_a and_o tender_a complaint_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o upon_o these_o occasion_n 40._o john_n v._n 40._o you_o will_v not_o come_v to_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n say_v our_o bless_a master_n 38._o matth._n xxiii_o 38._o and_o o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n how_o oft_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thy_o child_n even_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n and_o you_o will_v not_o and_o though_o our_o utmost_a effort_n be_v of_o no_o significance_n without_o the_o divine_a assistance_n yet_o that_o this_o assistance_n be_v not_o of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o to_o supersede_n our_o own_o endeavour_n but_o that_o both_o these_o must_v go_v hand_n in_o 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notice_n of_o a_o 2._o a_o 1_o cor._n viii_o 2._o knowledge_n which_o puff_v up_o and_o set_v this_o in_o opposition_n to_o charity_n which_o edifi_v and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o describe_v the_o consequence_n of_o not_o be_v content_a to_o rest_v in_o the_o plain_a wholesome_a word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o say_v 45._o say_v 1_o tim._n vi_o 45._o that_o such_o person_n be_v proud_a know_v nothing_o but_o dote_v about_o question_n and_o strife_n of_o word_n whereof_o come_v envy_n strife_n rail_n evil_a surmising_n perverse_a dispute_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o this_o be_v likewise_o but_o too_o visible_a that_o such_o man_n grow_v immoderate_o fond_a of_o some_o peculiar_a notion_n by_o which_o they_o affect_v to_o distinguish_v themselves_o this_o engage_v they_o in_o controversy_n which_o sour_v their_o temper_n and_o sharpen_v their_o pen_n and_o make_v the_o contention_n as_o hot_a and_o fierce_a as_o if_o in_o these_o quarrel_n too_o that_o 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and_o be_v displease_v to_o see_v such_o intemperate_a admirer_n of_o singularity_n and_o distinction_n lose_v charity_n and_o moderation_n the_o very_a life_n and_o substance_n of_o religion_n while_o they_o be_v contend_v for_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o school_n which_o be_v in_o comparison_n but_o as_o thin_a air_n and_o empty_a shadow_n and_o it_o will_v real_o move_v once_o indignation_n that_o man_n shall_v have_v the_o vanity_n to_o imagine_v they_o do_v any_o true_a service_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n by_o a_o ungoverned_a fervour_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v little_a or_o not_o at_o all_o concern_v what_o become_v of_o humanity_n and_o justice_n good_a nature_n or_o good_a manner_n provide_v the_o writer_n can_v but_o acquire_v to_o himself_o the_o reputation_n of_o smartness_n and_o subtlety_n and_o skill_n and_o can_v there_o happen_v a_o great_a calamity_n not_o only_o to_o
the_o person_n thus_o corrupt_v and_o seduce_v but_o which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o 3._o three_o to_o the_o christian_a institution_n in_o general_n than_o to_o be_v thus_o unfair_o deal_v by_o to_o have_v the_o excellence_n of_o the_o gospel_n false_o place_v in_o matter_n wherein_o the_o power_n and_o essence_n of_o godliness_n do_v not_o at_o all_o consist_v can_v there_o be_v any_o course_n more_o destructive_a to_o sound_v religion_n than_o to_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o mere_a science_n as_o if_o man_n be_v better_a or_o worse_o in_o proportion_n to_o what_o they_o know_v and_o not_o in_o proportion_n to_o what_o they_o do_v and_o do_v not_o our_o eye_n plain_o see_v the_o ill_a effect_n of_o pretend_v to_o these_o lofty_a speculation_n be_v not_o man_n a_o thousand_o time_n more_o intent_n upon_o the_o dispute_n between_o contend_a party_n than_o they_o be_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o which_o all_o party_n agree_v to_o be_v necessary_a do_v not_o even_o the_o vulgar_a 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divinity_n not_o happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n but_o 17._o but_o joh_n xiii_o 17._o if_o we_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o i_o be_o sensible_a much_o more_o may_v have_v be_v say_v to_o this_o purpose_n but_o at_o present_a i_o only_o beg_v leave_v to_o draw_v two_o or_o three_o inference_n from_o this_o discourse_n and_o so_o conclude_v 1._o and_o first_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n from_o hence_o to_o discover_v upon_o what_o occasion_n the_o study_n of_o sublime_a and_o controvert_v point_n in_o religion_n be_v useful_a and_o adviseable_a it_o be_v not_o to_o repose_v our_o confidence_n in_o as_o the_o gnostic_n of_o old_a do_v who_o make_v great_a account_n of_o their_o boast_a illumination_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o allow_v themselves_o in_o the_o most_o beastly_a impurity_n it_o be_v not_o to_o expose_v or_o overthrow_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o foment_n difference_n and_o blow_v the_o coal_n of_o contention_n by_o form_v party_n and_o faction_n as_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n do_v it_o be_v not_o to_o feed_v our_o vanity_n and_o ostentation_n to_o play_v prize_n in_o divinity_n and_o make_v wanton_a flourish_v of_o subtlety_n and_o wit_n as_o the_o schoolman_n too_o often_o seem_v to_o have_v do_v it_o be_v not_o to_o disparage_v plain_a practical_a knowledge_n as_o if_o man_n be_v wise_a when_o they_o choose_v to_o show_v their_o dexterity_n by_o tread_v out_o new_a path_n than_o when_o they_o travel_v in_o the_o beat_a road_n to_o heaven_n it_o be_v not_o in_o a_o word_n from_o choice_n but_o from_o necessity_n that_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v labour_v in_o and_o this_o be_v a_o necessity_n which_o conceit_a smatterer_n or_o crafty_a enemy_n of_o religion_n lay_v upon_o some_o to_o qualify_v themselves_o for_o countermine_v they_o for_o god_n forbid_v that_o the_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n shall_v stand_v by_o tame_o and_o look_v on_o in_o silence_n while_o they_o that_o hate_v the_o truth_n be_v at_o work_n to_o take_v away_o the_o ground_n from_o under_o they_o upon_o which_o their_o faith_n and_o hope_n be_v build_v these_o man_n must_v consider_v the_o charge_n commit_v to_o their_o trust_n and_o be_v prepare_v not_o only_o with_o integrity_n and_o zeal_n but_o with_o penetration_n and_o skill_n for_o the_o best_a cause_n will_v suffer_v if_o they_o who_o undertake_v it_o be_v not_o provide_v with_o a_o just_a defence_n and_o this_o defence_n can_v be_v make_v without_o be_v master_n of_o the_o same_o with_o their_o adversary_n that_o so_o they_o may_v detect_v their_o false_a reason_n put_v they_o out_o of_o their_o play_n and_o foil_v they_o at_o their_o own_o weapon_n it_o be_v no_o doubt_n much_o happy_a for_o you_o and_o we_o and_o all_o the_o world_n that_o we_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o attend_v to_o but_o only_o to_o persuade_v our_o people_n to_o their_o respective_a duty_n and_o explain_v to_o they_o the_o method_n how_o they_o may_v best_o adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o god_n and_o saviour_n in_o all_o thing_n great_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o the_o differ_a interest_n and_o opinion_n of_o christian_n be_v so_o compose_v as_o to_o leave_v no_o occasion_n or_o if_o that_o can_v be_v yet_o that_o petulant_a and_o licentious_a tongue_n and_o pen_n be_v so_o effectual_o restrain_v as_o never_o to_o give_v any_o just_a provocation_n for_o such_o dispute_n for_o the_o less_o of_o these_o there_o be_v the_o better_a to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v not_o only_o for_o the_o church_n peace_n but_o for_o the_o quiet_a and_o good_a government_n of_o the_o state_n too_o we_o must_v be_v provide_v with_o arm_n because_o we_o be_v list_v in_o the_o public_a service_n but_o we_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o remember_v by_o who_o commission_n we_o act_n and_o never_o use_v those_o arm_n but_o when_o our_o master_n honour_n and_o religion_n be_v in_o danger_n 2._o second_o let_v i_o prevail_v on_o you_o for_o this_o most_o reasonable_a request_n that_o from_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o some_o abstruse_a point_n in_o religion_n you_o will_v not_o make_v any_o conclusion_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n though_o inexplicable_a difficulty_n may_v lie_v on_o both_o side_n of_o some_o question_n this_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o authority_n of_o easy_a and_o contestable_a truth_n and_o though_o some_o that_o enter_v the_o list_n upon_o these_o occasion_n may_v lay_v about_o they_o mad_o like_o fencer_n in_o the_o dark_a and_o cut_v and_o gash_n one_o another_o without_o mercy_n yet_o be_v assure_v there_o be_v such_o virtue_n as_o meekness_n and_o christian_a charity_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o general_a rule_n in_o all_o art_n and_o science_n to_o make_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v plain_a a_o foundation_n and_o introduction_n to_o those_o that_o be_v obscure_a but_o no_o where_o i_o think_v except_o in_o religion_n have_v man_n ever_o be_v so_o fantastical_a and_o absurd_a as_o to_o deny_v and_o cast_v off_o all_o regard_n to_o thing_n that_o be_v plain_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o that_o be_v obscure_a this_o be_v just_a as_o if_o a_o undisciplined_a reader_n shall_v reject_v all_o euclid_n axiom_n because_o he_o find_v himself_o unable_a to_o demonstrate_v every_o proposition_n in_o his_o book_n there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o of_o our_o pert_a disputer_n against_o jesus_n and_o divine_a revelation_n but_o will_v think_v it_o a_o reproach_n upon_o his_o understanding_n to_o treat_v any_o other_o author_n at_o the_o rate_n he_o do_v the_o inspire_a writer_n of_o holy_a scripture_n when_o therefore_o man_n be_v loosen_v in_o their_o principle_n of_o religion_n upon_o such_o poor_a and_o frivolous_a account_n as_o will_v not_o be_v allow_v sufficient_a to_o shake_v the_o principle_n of_o