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 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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
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 principle_n omnipotent_a and_o divine_a so_o in_o those_o other_o which_o relate_v to_o subjection_n and_o suffer_v he_o must_v be_v understand_v to_o proceed_v upon_o a_o principle_n pure_o humane_a now_o pray_v to_o a_o superior_a be_v be_v a_o mark_n of_o dependence_n and_o subjection_n and_o undergo_a pain_n and_o death_n imply_v suffer_v neither_o of_o which_o god_n as_o such_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o person_n who_o be_v god_n and_o man_n both_o do_v either_o of_o these_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o can_v do_v they_o but_o in_o one_o of_o those_o capacity_n the_o faculty_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v total_o suspend_v upon_o such_o occasion_n and_o he_o proceed_v in_o they_o not_o in_o any_o degree_n as_o god_n but_o entire_o as_o a_o mere_a and_o real_a man._n 2._o second_o the_o efficacy_n and_o mystery_n of_o man_n redemption_n consist_v in_o this_o union_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v clear_a and_o undoubted_a demonstration_n give_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o both_o these_o nature_n in_o christ_n and_o this_o have_v not_o be_v do_v unless_o as_o our_o lord_n miracle_n evidence_v he_o to_o be_v very_o god_n so_o all_o the_o essential_a and_o inseparable_a property_n and_o affection_n of_o our_o nature_n have_v so_o manifest_o appear_v in_o he_o as_o to_o leave_v no_o just_a suspicion_n behind_o whether_o he_o be_v very_o man._n and_o since_o the_o distinguish_a mark_n of_o this_o nature_n lie_v principal_o in_o the_o soul_n it_o follow_v from_o thence_o that_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o our_o saviour_n perfect_a humanity_n can_v not_o be_v give_v either_o by_o his_o death_n or_o by_o any_o bodily_a suffering_n except_o his_o mind_n be_v beside_o so_o affect_v with_o these_o as_o may_v convince_v the_o world_n that_o he_o bear_v a_o exact_a resemblance_n to_o we_o in_o all_o the_o natural_a passion_n and_o inclination_n of_o our_o soul_n 3._o now_o three_o in_o this_o soul_n of_o we_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v a_o twofold_n principle_n which_o we_o call_v reason_n and_o sense_n and_o without_o entangle_v ourselves_o in_o the_o subtlety_n of_o philosopher_n or_o schoolman_n about_o this_o matter_n experience_n which_o be_v of_o more_o weight_n than_o ten_o thousand_o nice_a distinction_n and_o a_o little_a serious_a reflection_n upon_o ourselves_o will_v plain_o convince_v we_o that_o we_o entertain_v different_a sort_n of_o notion_n take_v different_a measure_n and_o aim_v at_o different_a end_n as_o we_o be_v move_v by_o the_o one_o or_o other_o of_o these_o principle_n that_o which_o we_o call_v sense_n catch_v greedy_o at_o the_o present_a pursue_v ease_n and_o pleasure_n and_o safety_n and_o consult_v the_o preservation_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o body_n the_o other_o which_o we_o call_v reason_n enlarge_v our_o prospect_n take_v into_o consideration_n distant_a and_o future_a object_n and_o persuade_v the_o forego_n some_o present_a satisfaction_n run_v some_o hazard_n 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
that_o they_o who_o know_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o how_o worthy_a of_o death_n the_o committer_n of_o such_o thing_n be_v not_o only_o do_v the_o same_o but_o consent_v with_o or_o take_v pleasure_n in_o those_o that_o do_v they_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o when_o such_o man_n sin_v it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o through_o the_o strength_n of_o passion_n and_o the_o violence_n of_o a_o over-bearing_a temptation_n as_o out_o of_o a_o settle_a and_o fix_a judgement_n that_o have_v debauch_v their_o understanding_n and_o reconcile_v they_o to_o the_o black_a and_o most_o unnatural_a offence_n and_o however_o we_o may_v for_o some_o secret_a reason_n endeavour_v to_o avoid_v the_o commission_n and_o habit_n of_o vice_n in_o our_o own_o person_n yet_o if_o we_o can_v with_o delight_n and_o complacency_n behold_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o another_o there_o can_v be_v a_o shrewd_a sign_n that_o our_o aversion_n to_o sin_n be_v not_o so_o strong_a nor_o ground_v upon_o so_o true_a and_o sound_a principle_n as_o they_o shall_v be_v for_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o christianity_n will_v beget_v in_o we_o a_o perfect_a antipathy_n to_o sin_n wherever_o we_o find_v it_o and_o to_o profess_v a_o hatred_n of_o it_o in_o our_o own_o case_n and_o yet_o be_v very_o well_o reconcile_v to_o it_o in_o another_o man_n to_o see_v it_o act_v with_o satisfaction_n or_o hear_v it_o relate_v with_o relish_n and_o delight_n do_v certain_o betray_v a_o hide_a reserve_v of_o kindness_n in_o its_o favour_n and_o that_o our_o understanding_n be_v either_o but_o ill_n convince_v or_o else_o we_o pervert_v and_o bias_v in_o our_o affection_n concern_v it_o this_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o goodness_n and_o indignation_n against_o evil_n and_o ungodly_a practice_n be_v so_o considerable_a a_o ingredient_n in_o a_o holy_a man_n character_n that_o st._n peter_n have_v leave_v it_o upon_o record_n as_o a_o eminent_a commendation_n of_o just_a lot_n righteousness_n that_o he_o be_v afflict_v continual_o with_o the_o filthy_a conversation_n of_o the_o wicked_a for_o say_v he_o 8._o he_o 2_o epist_n 3._o c._n v._o 7_o 8._o that_o righteous_a man_n dwell_v among_o they_o in_o see_v and_o hear_v vex_v his_o righteous_a soul_n from_o day_n to_o day_n with_o their_o unlawful_a deed_n thus_o david_n profess_v of_o himself_o 119._o himself_o psal_n 119._o it_o grieve_v i_o when_o i_o see_v the_o transgressor_n and_o again_o my_o eye_n gush_v out_o with_o water_n because_o man_n keep_v not_o thy_o law_n and_o indeed_o if_o the_o common_a rule_n of_o honour_n require_v the_o vindicate_a of_o a_o friend_n reputation_n the_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o govern_v themselves_o by_o those_o rule_n will_v do_v well_o to_o remember_v how_o unbecoming_a it_o be_v patient_o to_o see_v god_n and_o religion_n the_o best_a friend_n and_o the_o best_a thing_n abuse_v and_o traduce_v how_o tame_a and_o cold_a this_o argue_v all_o that_o profess_v love_n or_o value_v for_o either_o now_o the_o open_a and_o shameless_a wickedness_n of_o man_n life_n be_v the_o great_a disgrace_n to_o both_o he_o that_o keep_v himself_o from_o this_o may_v be_v allow_v prudent_a and_o tender_a of_o his_o own_o reputation_n but_o if_o he_o give_v it_o any_o countenance_n in_o another_o he_o must_v not_o be_v esteem_v true_o religious_a for_o a_o zealous_a and_o good_a conscience_n can_v never_o be_v friend_n with_o wickedness_n nor_o please_v with_o it_o at_o any_o rate_n nor_o endure_v it_o with_o ease_n on_o any_o account_n or_o in_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o 3._o three_o as_o a_o manifest_a proof_n that_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n have_v no_o countenance_n from_o we_o i_o think_v it_o another_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o rebuke_v they_o when_o that_o can_v be_v proper_o do_v i_o add_v this_o necessary_a limitation_n when_o that_o can_v be_v proper_o do_v because_o there_o be_v no_o one_o good_a office_n either_o of_o a_o friend_n or_o a_o christian_a that_o require_v more_o cautious_a and_o deliberate_a proceed_n than_o this_o of_o admonition_n and_o reproof_n it_o be_v not_o the_o business_n of_o every_o man_n nor_o of_o every_o time_n but_o require_v fit_a person_n and_o favourable_a season_n and_o be_v attend_v with_o a_o thousand_o nicety_n which_o if_o not_o punctual_o observe_v may_v defeat_v the_o best_a intention_n and_o render_v the_o kind_a advice_n not_o only_o ineffectual_a but_o offensive_a too_o for_o though_o christianity_n require_v this_o necessary_a check_n upon_o vice_n yet_o it_o no_o where_o oblige_v any_o body_n to_o break_v through_o the_o rule_n of_o civility_n and_o prudence_n it_o preserve_v all_o those_o respect_n entire_a which_o must_v needs_o follow_v upon_o the_o different_a order_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n it_o give_v no_o licence_n to_o sauciness_n and_o ill_a manner_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o holy_a indignation_n and_o zeal_n and_o therefore_o when_o i_o urge_v the_o rebuke_v these_o work_n of_o darkness_n as_o a_o testimony_n of_o our_o have_a no_o fellowship_n with_o they_o all_z those_o qualification_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v which_o may_v make_v such_o rebuke_n both_o become_a and_o successful_a and_o though_o we_o be_v dispense_v with_o for_o give_v that_o which_o be_v holy_a to_o the_o dog_n that_o be_v our_o good_a advice_n to_o such_o as_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o believe_v will_v trample_v it_o under_o foot_n and_o turn_v again_o and_o rend_v we_o yet_o where_o authority_n and_o opportunity_n call_v upon_o we_o where_o any_o hope_n of_o prevail_v to_o a_o better_a reformation_n show_v itself_o there_o we_o must_v not_o think_v ourselves_o at_o liberty_n so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v silent_a not_o to_o dislike_v be_v then_o to_o consent_n and_o approve_v and_o god_n and_o truth_n and_o virtue_n have_v all_o a_o right_a to_o our_o vindication_n of_o they_o and_o sure_o the_o least_o we_o can_v possible_o do_v be_v not_o to_o contribute_v to_o the_o disgrace_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v and_o to_o every_o good_a man_n be_v beyond_o comparison_n the_o dear_a of_o any_o in_o the_o world_n 4._o four_o to_o disclaim_v fellowship_n with_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n effectual_o we_o must_v avoid_v all_o occasion_n of_o and_o tendency_n towards_o they_o there_o be_v infinite_a accident_n in_o a_o man_n life_n in_o which_o many_o thing_n may_v offer_v themselves_o though_o not_o strict_o unlawful_a yet_o exceed_v dangerous_a to_o be_v comply_v with_o such_o be_v a_o number_n of_o those_o that_o natural_o occur_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o temperance_n and_o chastity_n and_o in_o all_o other_o case_n where_o the_o question_n concern_v the_o indulge_v such_o passion_n and_o desire_n and_o pleasure_n as_o be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n sinful_a but_o only_o offend_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n or_o some_o other_o circumstance_n that_o attend_v the_o gratify_n of_o they_o now_o the_o generality_n of_o people_n on_o these_o occasion_n be_v willing_a to_o give_v themselves_o all_o the_o liberty_n that_o possible_o they_o can_v and_o rather_o choose_v to_o hazard_v the_o fall_n into_o something_o that_o shall_v not_o be_v do_v than_o to_o abridge_v themselves_o of_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v do_v but_o this_o be_v perhaps_o one_o of_o the_o most_o destructive_a course_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o more_o so_o because_n it_o impose_v '_o upon_o many_o seem_o good_a person_n in_o their_o judgement_n of_o themselves_o and_o be_v apt_a to_o persuade_v they_o all_o must_v needs_o be_v well_o so_o long_o as_o they_o can_v take_v sanctuary_n in_o this_o testimony_n of_o their_o conscience_n that_o they_o do_v not_o allow_v themselves_o in_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v positive_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n sinful_a but_o alas_o they_o who_o consider_v the_o constitution_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o subtle_a method_n of_o our_o tempt_v adversary_n by_o what_o a_o easy_a descent_n we_o be_v carry_v down_o to_o hell_n how_o gentle_a and_o insivate_a the_o allurement_n and_o step_n to_o wickedness_n be_v and_o how_o insensible_o the_o fort_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v betray_v when_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n have_v lay_v reason_n to_o sleep_v when_o the_o spirit_n flow_v gayly_a and_o the_o guard_n of_o severe_a thought_n and_o strict_a religion_n be_v overpower_v by_o they_o all_o which_o happen_v even_o in_o the_o most_o lawful_a enjoyment_n sometime_o they_o who_o observe_v these_o thing_n i_o say_v these_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n will_v soon_o discern_v the_o necessity_n of_o self-denial_n how_o convenient_a it_o be_v to_o exercise_v that_o virtue_n betimes_o and_o not_o to_o give_v ourselves_o the_o utmost_a stretch_v we_o may_v for_o certain_o it_o become_v every_o man_n that_o be_v serious_a in_o the_o business_n of_o salvation_n to_o be_v as_o safe_a as_o possible_o he_o can_v not_o
once_o make_v sufficient_a tender_n of_o salvation_n and_o we_o have_v neglect_v they_o if_o we_o perish_v the_o fault_n be_v our_o own_o but_o if_o notwithstanding_o our_o backwardness_n and_o unprepared_a heart_n those_o offer_n be_v repeat_v to_o we_o again_o and_o again_o this_o be_v not_o debt_n but_o favour_n not_o a_o act_n of_o justice_n but_o the_o free_a effect_n of_o his_o unspeakable_a and_o exuberant_a goodness_n thus_o much_o however_o must_v in_o reason_n be_v allow_v that_o the_o more_o opportunity_n of_o this_o kind_n have_v be_v former_o let_v go_v and_o the_o more_o voluntary_a those_o neglect_v have_v be_v the_o great_a must_v the_o condemnation_n of_o those_o man_n needs_o be_v who_o have_v stand_v out_o against_o they_o or_o not_o put_v themselves_o in_o the_o way_n of_o they_o before_o and_o the_o great_a be_v the_o mercy_n which_o admit_v such_o into_o grace_n at_o the_o last_o call_v and_o pass_v by_o all_o their_o former_a contempt_n and_o yet_o this_o will_n most_o assure_o be_v do_v upon_o their_o compliance_n even_o then_o for_o god_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n intend_v to_o mock_v man_n by_o any_o of_o his_o invitation_n he_o make_v they_o with_o a_o kind_a intent_n he_o consider_v more_o exact_o than_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o do_v what_o advantage_n each_o person_n have_v have_v and_o what_o he_o have_v want_v what_o hindrance_n have_v keep_v he_o off_o so_o long_o and_o why_o one_o call_v be_v more_o successful_a than_o another_o we_o may_v say_v then_o with_o great_a truth_n concern_v these_o spiritual_a dispensation_n what_o david_n do_v of_o god_n providence_n in_o our_o temporal_a affair_n that_o 6._o psal_n xxxvi_o 6._o his_o goodness_n stand_v like_o the_o strong_a mountain_n this_o be_v high_o exalt_v and_o eminent_o visible_a to_o all_o the_o world_n but_o his_o judgement_n be_v like_o the_o great_a deep_a vast_a and_o dark_a and_o such_o as_o mortal_a eye_n can_v see_v through_o yet_o be_v not_o this_o depth_n so_o absolute_o impenetrable_a neither_o but_o that_o we_o may_v enter_v so_o far_o into_o it_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o present_a purpose_n we_o may_v know_v enough_o to_o justify_v god_n in_o his_o deal_n though_o we_o can_v go_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o infinite_o wise_a and_o mysterious_a counsel_n and_o therefore_o have_v show_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n receive_v any_o manner_n of_o man_n into_o his_o vineyard_n and_o pay_n ii_o i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o justice_n of_o his_o make_v they_o equal_a in_o the_o wage_n who_o be_v thus_o unequal_o receive_v into_o the_o work_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o only_a difficulty_n in_o the_o case_n for_o we_o do_v not_o find_v the_o goodness_n of_o this_o housholder_n ever_o bring_v in_o question_n so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o the_o excess_n of_o it_o be_v reckon_v injurious_a and_o the_o first_o labourer_n think_v their_o master_n evil_a and_o hard_o upon_o they_o because_o he_o be_v so_o bountiful_a so_o seem_o overgood_a to_o those_o who_o come_v into_o the_o vineyard_n last_o now_o in_o order_n to_o our_o better_a discern_v this_o matter_n we_o will_v brief_o state_n the_o difference_n between_o these_o sort_n of_o labourer_n in_o the_o parable_n according_a to_o the_o application_n usual_o make_v of_o it_o and_o then_o examine_v what_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o this_o surprise_a distribution_n of_o reward_n in_o their_o several_a case_n the_o jew_n bear_v proportion_n to_o labourer_n hire_v early_o for_o they_o have_v long_o submit_v to_o a_o religion_n institute_v by_o god_n a_o law_n clog_v with_o rigorous_a ordinance_n and_o very_o troublesome_a observation_n in_o this_o respect_n they_o may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o 12._o verse_n 12._o have_v bear_v the_o burden_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n but_o the_o gentile_n have_v wrought_v their_o own_o will_n live_v all_o along_o in_o ignorance_n and_o idolatry_n luxury_n and_o lasciviousness_n and_o yet_o these_o too_o have_v the_o tender_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o eternal_a life_n make_v to_o they_o and_o as_o many_o as_o embrace_v those_o offer_n be_v vest_v in_o a_o title_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n a_o title_n equal_a with_o those_o jew_n who_o have_v live_v under_o a_o severe_a confinement_n and_o bear_v the_o heavy_a yoke_n of_o the_o mosaic_a institution_n so_o again_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n come_v in_o to_o the_o gospel_n at_o their_o utmost_a peril_n and_o expense_n their_o fortune_n their_o fame_n their_o liberty_n their_o life_n be_v the_o purchase_n pay_v for_o their_o faith_n and_o yet_o the_o same_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v open_v for_o sincere_a believer_n of_o all_o after-age_n though_o the_o time_n they_o live_v in_o be_v peaceable_a the_o encouragement_n to_o christianity_n secular_a and_o all_o the_o heat_n of_o public_a persecution_n extinct_a and_o over_o thus_o as_o to_o particular_a person_n some_o be_v train_v up_o from_o child_n 6._o prov._n xxii_o 6._o in_o the_o way_n they_o shall_v go_v and_o when_o they_o be_v old_a they_o do_v not_o depart_v from_o it_o they_o conquer_v and_o quench_v the_o irregular_a heat_n of_o youth_n and_o passion_n betimes_o and_o as_o much_o as_o the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n will_v allow_v 27._o jam._n i._n 27._o do_v keep_v themselves_o unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n 1._o eccles_n xi_o 9_o xii_o 1._o other_o rejoice_v and_o let_v their_o heart_n cheer_v they_o in_o their_o youth_n they_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o own_o eye_n till_o the_o evil_a day_n come_v and_o the_o year_n in_o which_o they_o can_v no_o long_o have_v pleasure_n and_o yet_o if_o even_o then_o they_o remember_v their_o creator_n he_o show_v himself_o 12._o joel_n ii_o 12._o merciful_a and_o gracious_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a goodness_n and_o though_o it_o be_v late_a yet_o if_o it_o be_v sincere_o and_o effectual_o that_o they_o come_v back_o to_o their_o duty_n he_o open_v his_o arm_n wide_a to_o embrace_v the_o return_v prodigal_n pardon_v their_o long_a disobedience_n save_v their_o soul_n and_o bestow_v upon_o they_o a_o glorious_a and_o eternal_a recompense_n and_o last_o which_o proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o measure_n they_o who_o have_v their_o day_n shorten_v and_o be_v cut_v off_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o age_n if_o they_o die_v in_o innocence_n or_o in_o early_a and_o promife_v virtue_n be_v entitle_v to_o happiness_n in_o common_a with_o other_o who_o live_v long_o and_o glorify_v god_n by_o much_o labour_n and_o suffer_v and_o through_o severe_a trial_n and_o great_a hardship_n enter_v at_o last_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n these_o several_a case_n the_o importance_n of_o the_o parable_n may_v very_o reasonable_o be_v extend_v to_o and_o i_o must_v try_v now_o to_o reconcile_v those_o doubt_n which_o so_o great_a a_o disproportion_n of_o person_n and_o circumstance_n may_v be_v apt_a to_o suggest_v to_o we_o and_o 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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 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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
of_o it_o imperceptible_a then_o every_o admonition_n from_o the_o pulpit_n every_o wholesome_a law_n every_o advice_n from_o a_o friend_n or_o a_o parent_n every_o good_a book_n every_o pious_a example_n every_o motion_n and_o intention_n to_o do_v well_o every_o conviction_n or_o check_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n be_v a_o blow_v of_o this_o wind_n a_o call_v or_o impulse_n from_o above_o and_o as_o often_o as_o any_o man_n refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o these_o thing_n so_o often_o he_o resist_v god_n and_o quench_v his_o spirit_n within_o himself_o three_o this_o show_v we_o what_o course_n man_n shall_v take_v in_o order_n to_o get_v or_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n for_o since_o god_n work_v by_o and_o with_o his_o ordinance_n our_o business_n must_v be_v to_o use_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o other_o mean_n of_o grace_n diligent_o to_o seek_v he_o there_o to_o put_v to_o the_o shoulder_n and_o do_v our_o part_n resolute_o and_o manful_o and_o then_o not_o doubt_v his_o assistance_n for_o upon_o these_o term_n we_o may_v depend_v upon_o it_o that_o he_o will_v forward_o and_o strengthen_v our_o good_a intention_n and_o since_o he_o create_v all_o our_o work_n in_o we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o finish_v what_o he_o himself_o have_v begin_v but_o will_v perform_v and_o continue_v it_o until_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o in_o that_o day_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o merit_n will_v most_o assure_o crown_v we_o and_o our_o labour_n with_o everlasting_a glory_n now_o to_o god_n the_o father_n etc._n etc._n sermon_n viii_o the_o condition_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o second_o birth_n st._n john_n i._n 12_o 13._o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o give_v he_o power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n which_o be_v bear_v not_o of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n the_o evangelist_n after_o have_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o chapter_n with_o great_a exactness_n declare_v the_o eternal_a divinity_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o very_a person_n testify_v of_o by_o the_o baptist_n by_o which_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o this_o word_n be_v no_o other_o than_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n incarnate_a and_o have_v likewise_o speak_v of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n he_o mention_n here_o with_o what_o different_a success_n he_o do_v it_o some_o that_o be_v more_o peculiar_o oblige_v and_o most_o near_o relate_v to_o he_o from_o who_o a_o honourable_a reception_n may_v most_o reasonable_o be_v expect_v give_v he_o no_o respect_n no_o entertainment_n at_o all_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o perverse_a jew_n who_o god_n have_v lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o and_o single_v out_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n for_o which_o reason_n they_o be_v call_v in_o the_o 11_o verse_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d his_o proper_a possession_n christ_n be_v refuse_v there_o be_v a_o indignity_n like_o that_o of_o a_o man_n be_v drive_v or_o shut_v out_o of_o his_o demesne_n or_o dwellinghouse_n he_o come_v to_o his_o own_o and_o his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o the_o loss_n however_o be_v not_o he_o but_o they_o in_o deny_v he_o they_o deny_v their_o own_o happiness_n which_o be_v so_o great_a so_o evident_a that_o st._n john_n think_v no_o other_o expression_n of_o their_o misery_n and_o punishment_n be_v needful_a than_o only_o to_o describe_v the_o privilege_n of_o those_o who_o behave_v themselves_o more_o kind_o and_o dutiful_o to_o he_o and_o this_o be_v do_v in_o the_o text_n itself_o but_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o give_v he_o power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n which_o be_v bear_v not_o of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n and_o due_a improvement_n whereof_o it_o will_v be_v expedient_a to_o consider_v the_o follow_a particular_n first_o the_o person_n who_o alone_o be_v capable_a of_o benefit_n by_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n they_o who_o receive_v he_o and_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n second_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o benefit_n which_o they_o obtain_v by_o so_o do_v to_o they_o he_o give_v power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n three_o the_o manner_n how_o this_o sonship_n be_v confer_v they_o be_v bear_v not_o of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n four_o the_o extent_n of_o this_o privilege_n he_o give_v it_o to_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v and_o believe_v on_o he_o i._o the_o first_o thing_n we_o be_v concern_v to_o know_v upon_o this_o occasion_n be_v who_o those_o person_n be_v to_o who_o the_o advantage_n of_o christianity_n belong_v or_o what_o that_o condition_n be_v which_o must_v qualify_v man_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n this_o the_o text_n have_v express_v in_o those_o word_n who_o receive_v he_o and_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n now_o these_o be_v term_n explanatory_a of_o one_o another_o and_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v therefore_o say_v not_o to_o have_v receive_v he_o because_o they_o believe_v he_o not_o but_o reject_v his_o authority_n and_o doctrine_n so_o faith_n in_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v and_o obedience_n to_o what_o he_o have_v command_v be_v the_o mark_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o receive_v he_o and_o these_o consist_v not_o in_o a_o mere_a give_v he_o the_o hear_n and_o forbear_v all_o public_a and_o malicious_a opposition_n to_o his_o word_n but_o in_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o it_o depend_v upon_o his_o promise_n expect_v salvation_n from_o that_o name_n and_o no_o other_o and_o diligent_o endeavour_v to_o perform_v all_o that_o be_v require_v on_o our_o part_n all_z that_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v any_o way_n contribute_v to_o the_o render_v what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v effectual_a in_o our_o own_o particular_a case_n that_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o phrase_n be_v manifest_a to_o any_o man_n who_o will_v consider_v it_o close_o for_o to_o receive_v christ_n be_v to_o receive_v he_o as_o he_o be_v to_o submit_v to_o he_o in_o all_o those_o capacity_n which_o god_n have_v place_v he_o over_o we_o in_o to_o receive_v he_o as_o our_o prophet_n imply_v a_o firm_a adherence_n to_o the_o whole_a of_o that_o message_n which_o he_o have_v bring_v we_o from_o heaven_n to_o own_o his_o divine_a commission_n and_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o to_o receive_v he_o as_o our_o priest_n be_v to_o rely_v upon_o his_o most_o meritorious_a sacrifice_n to_o confess_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o his_o atonement_n and_o to_o detest_v and_o forsake_v those_o sin_n for_o which_o he_o have_v make_v so_o perfect_a but_o withal_o so_o severe_a and_o painful_a a_o expiation_n to_o receive_v he_o as_o our_o king_n be_v to_o own_o his_o legislative_a power_n to_o pay_v he_o strict_a fidelity_n and_o allegiance_n to_o bring_v all_o our_o passion_n and_o interest_n under_o subjection_n to_o his_o will_n and_o suffer_v no_o rebellious_a appetite_n to_o raise_v wicked_a sedition_n or_o tempt_v we_o to_o unfaithfulness_n and_o disloyalty_n against_o he_o the_o same_o be_v likewise_o necessary_o consequent_a upon_o believe_v for_o since_o the_o object_n of_o all_o faith_n be_v credible_a testimony_n and_o that_o of_o religious_a faith_n be_v divine_a revelation_n he_o who_o act_n or_o entertain_v persuasion_n contrary_a to_o or_o derogate_a from_o what_o god_n have_v declare_v in_o christ_n can_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o believer_n on_o his_o name_n if_o therefore_o god_n have_v make_v something_o else_o necessary_a beside_o a_o bare_a assent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n all_o that_o must_v needs_o come_v within_o the_o compass_n and_o be_v include_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n if_o the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o in_o one_o place_n as_o he_o do_v here_o particular_o that_o by_o believe_a man_n acquire_v the_o privilege_n of_o become_a son_n of_o god_n and_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n say_v positive_o in_o another_o as_o in_o the_o three_o of_o this_o gospel_n at_o the_o five_o verse_n we_o find_v he_o do_v that_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o this_o belief_n must_v be_v such_o as_o be_v accompany_v with_o and_o evidence_v by_o a_o solemn_a enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o baptism_n
word_n direct_v to_o 13._o to_o 2_o pet._n iii_o 18._o ephes_n iv_o 13._o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o increase_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n jesus_n a_o man_n may_v languish_v under_o long_a indisposition_n and_o be_v take_v with_o very_o violent_a and_o acute_a disease_n and_o yet_o recover_v again_o and_o so_o he_o may_v commit_v some_o very_a foul_a and_o grievous_a sin_n or_o accustom_v himself_o to_o the_o habit_n of_o other_o that_o be_v less_o without_o cease_v to_o live_v spiritual_o these_o indeed_o dim_a the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o eclipse_v the_o brightness_n of_o its_o shine_n but_o they_o do_v not_o put_v it_o absolute_o out_o and_o therefore_o god_n who_o know_v our_o wasting_n and_o our_o fail_n have_v promise_v his_o grace_n to_o we_o upon_o the_o use_n of_o proper_a mean_n such_o as_o repentance_n and_o consideration_n the_o hear_v his_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o his_o death_n these_o be_v spiritual_a food_n and_o sustenance_n these_o be_v our_o remedy_n and_o restorative_n ordain_v to_o make_v those_o that_o be_v sick_a well_o and_o those_o that_o be_v well_o better_a and_o strong_a still_o so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o mighty_a difference_n between_o regeneration_n and_o renovation_n we_o can_v be_v bear_v but_o once_o because_o we_o can_v live_v but_o once_o and_o therefore_o baptism_n which_o give_v life_n can_v be_v repeateâ—_n but_o we_o can_v recover_v often_o and_o grow_v and_o be_v nourish_v often_o because_o we_o may_v sink_v and_o droop_v often_o and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o other_o holy_a ordinance_n shall_v be_v frequent_v often_o because_o they_o be_v our_o medicine_n and_o our_o meat_n and_o our_o refreshment_n and_o according_o you_o see_v one_o of_o our_o collect_v day_n collect_v collect_v for_o christmas_n day_n beg_v of_o god_n that_o we_o be_v regenerate_v and_o make_v his_o child_n by_o adoption_n and_o grace_n may_v daily_o be_v renew_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n so_o mighty_a a_o affinity_n be_v there_o between_o our_o natural_a and_o spiritual_a condition_n so_o true_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n not_o only_o from_o the_o new_a production_n and_o new_a principle_n and_o new_a relation_n that_o attend_v this_o life_n but_o also_o from_o the_o manner_n of_o give_v it_o and_o of_o sustain_v it_o after_o it_o be_v once_o give_v i_o have_v only_a time_n for_o one_o word_n upon_o my_o four_o and_o last_o head_n the_o extent_n of_o this_o benefit_n in_o those_o word_n as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o give_v he_o power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o what_o a_o comfortable_a reflection_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o distinction_n of_o birth_n or_o quality_n of_o sex_n age_n or_o circumstance_n in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o who_o can_v get_v admittance_n so_o much_o as_o into_o the_o presence_n or_o palace_n of_o earthly_a prince_n shall_v be_v capable_a of_o throne_n and_o crown_n with_o the_o great_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n that_o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n here_o nothing_o but_o faith_n and_o virtue_n make_v the_o difference_n the_o privilege_n be_v suspend_v upon_o term_n put_v into_o our_o own_o power_n and_o never_o deny_v never_o take_v away_o except_o upon_o some_o personal_a and_o voluntary_a default_n but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v at_o large_a in_o my_o next_o discourse_n sermon_n ix_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_n call_v and_o election_n state_v from_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o marriage_n feast_n st._n matth._n xxii_o 14._o for_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v these_o word_n be_v the_o moral_a as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o fable_n the_o application_n of_o that_o similitude_n which_o go_v before_o for_o our_o saviour_n who_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o a_o most_o perverse_a generation_n of_o man_n find_v great_a occasion_n to_o exercise_v his_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o choose_v not_o only_o the_o most_o instructive_a but_o the_o soft_a and_o most_o inoffensive_a method_n of_o discourse_n upon_o these_o as_o well_o as_o some_o other_o account_n he_o be_v very_o reasonable_o presume_v to_o have_v deliver_v himself_o so_o often_o in_o parable_n but_o because_o they_o be_v figurative_a and_o somewhat_o dark_a therefore_o he_o frequent_o close_v they_o with_o some_o very_a significant_a sentence_n which_o do_v not_o only_o result_v from_o but_o help_v to_o explain_v the_o comparison_n and_o be_v at_o once_o the_o consequence_n and_o the_o key_n of_o what_o have_v go_v before_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v my_o text_n and_o what_o relation_n it_o bear_v to_o the_o parable_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o chapter_n to_o this_o verse_n i_o shall_v show_v you_o as_o plain_o and_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n here_o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n be_v mean_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o call_v because_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o both_o descend_v from_o thence_o to_o we_o and_o be_v design_v to_o bring_v we_o thither_o as_o also_o because_o this_o be_v that_o peculiar_a province_n which_o god_n have_v choose_v to_o exert_v his_o glorious_a attribute_n in_o his_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o power_n and_o truth_n all_o which_o be_v most_o illustrious_o see_v in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o affair_n which_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n here_o and_o shall_v be_v manifest_v to_o all_o the_o world_n in_o their_o utmost_a perfection_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n hereafter_o now_o of_o the_o several_a step_v take_v to_o bring_v man_n into_o this_o kingdom_n not_o any_o one_o seem_v more_o astonish_a and_o unaccountable_a to_o the_o world_n than_o that_o by_o which_o the_o jew_n god_n ancient_a and_o peculiar_a people_n be_v reject_v and_o postpone_v and_o preference_n give_v to_o the_o idolatrous_a gentile_n who_o know_v not_o the_o true_a god_n nor_o have_v hitherto_o be_v acknowledge_v of_o he_o and_o therefore_o this_o surprise_a difficulty_n be_v what_o our_o saviour_n by_o many_o of_o his_o action_n and_o miracle_n hint_n will_v be_v do_v and_o by_o most_o of_o his_o parable_n do_v not_o only_o foretell_v but_o declare_v how_o and_o why_o it_o be_v do_v of_o those_o declaration_n there_o be_v not_o any_o more_o full_a and_o clear_a than_o this_o conclude_v by_o my_o text._n which_o present_v we_o with_o the_o whole_a process_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o little_a and_o from_o its_o first_o be_v plant_v among_o man_n carry_v our_o eye_n to_o a_o vast_a and_o distant_a prospect_n even_o the_o final_a judgement_n and_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o in_o that_o general_a design_n of_o the_o passage_n all_o i_o think_v be_v agree_v however_o they_o dissent_v from_o each_o other_o as_o to_o particular_a and_o less_o material_a circumstance_n in_o which_o difference_n i_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v myself_o at_o present_a but_o give_v you_o a_o short_a draught_n of_o the_o whole_a according_a to_o what_o i_o apprehend_v to_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a and_o reasonable_a explanation_n of_o it_o by_o the_o king_n 1._o king_n verse_n 1._o here_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v god_n the_o father_n and_o the_o marriage_n he_o make_v for_o his_o son_n be_v the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n this_o be_v begin_v when_o he_o first_o take_v upon_o he_o humane_a nature_n and_o join_v his_o divinity_n to_o our_o flesh_n and_o continue_v since_o in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o love_n and_o condescension_n and_o kind_a approach_n to_o his_o spouse_n the_o church_n till_o that_o joyful_a supper_n of_o the_o lamb_n when_o she_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o fullness_n of_o her_o lord_n joy_n and_o all_o her_o true_a member_n who_o be_v now_o in_o the_o quality_n of_o guest_n 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down_o from_o the_o second_o to_o the_o eight_o verse_n and_o to_o learn_v thence_o if_o we_o can_v why_o those_o who_o be_v call_v do_v not_o come_v or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o other_o word_n wherefore_o some_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v do_v not_o accept_v and_o believe_v it_o and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o resolve_v this_o question_n we_o will_v look_v into_o the_o behaviour_n of_o each_o party_n of_o the_o king_n first_o that_o make_v and_o then_o of_o the_o subject_n that_o refuse_v the_o invitation_n on_o the_o king_n part_n two_o thing_n be_v considerable_a the_o preparation_n he_o make_v and_o the_o desire_n he_o express_v that_o man_n shall_v partake_v of_o they_o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o parable_n by_o make_v a_o marriage_n for_o his_o son_n kill_v his_o ox_n and_o fatling_n and_o take_v care_n that_o his_o dinner_n and_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v ready_a for_o these_o be_v proper_o the_o prepare_v part_n there_o and_o they_o seem_v to_o answer_v in_o the_o application_n to_o god_n send_v his_o son_n in_o our_o flesh_n the_o design_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o mystery_n in_o suffer_v he_o to_o be_v bear_v and_o to_o die_v for_o we_o and_o all_o the_o necessary_a provision_n make_v for_o present_a conversion_n and_o future_a happiness_n his_o desire_n that_o man_n shall_v partake_v of_o these_o benefit_n manifest_v itself_o in_o bid_v they_o to_o the_o wedding_n that_o be_v in_o all_o sort_n of_o warning_n and_o instruction_n give_v man_n beforehand_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n by_o particular_a revelation_n afford_v to_o the_o forefather_n of_o these_o jew_n by_o the_o precept_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o law_n by_o the_o clear_a prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n by_o the_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o levitical_a dispensation_n and_o by_o all_o the_o method_n take_v to_o instruct_v and_o prepare_v the_o world_n at_o a_o distance_n for_o reap_v the_o advantage_n of_o this_o redemption_n and_o again_o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v come_v by_o send_v forth_o his_o servant_n upon_o a_o second_o message_n to_o repeat_v this_o call_n at_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o flesh_n and_o far_a yet_o when_o the_o espousal_n be_v now_o complete_v when_o the_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a feast_n be_v set_v out_o and_o the_o table_n spread_v by_o slay_v that_o lamb_n which_o be_v the_o food_n of_o soul_n dispatch_v his_o messenger_n yet_o again_o and_o again_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n afresh_o press_v importune_v conjure_v they_o to_o accept_v of_o his_o bounty_n and_o at_o length_n resent_v their_o unworthy_a and_o unkind_a refusal_n so_o heinous_o and_o inflict_v so_o severe_a a_o punishment_n upon_o their_o obstinacy_n and_o ingratitude_n and_o last_o of_o all_o when_o these_o jew_n have_v show_v themselves_o proof_n against_o so_o many_o gracious_a mean_n use_v to_o reduce_v they_o by_o grant_v a_o fresh_a commission_n for_o make_v the_o same_o offer_v to_o the_o gentile_a world_n that_o so_o his_o design_n of_o kindness_n may_v not_o be_v utter_o defeat_v but_o these_o by_o their_o compliance_n may_v gain_v a_o equal_a title_n to_o the_o blessing_n which_o the_o former_a have_v forfeit_v and_o just_o lose_v through_o their_o inflexible_a stubbornness_n and_o contempt_n from_o all_o these_o circumstance_n fair_o put_v together_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o we_o can_v with_o any_o good_a reason_n avoid_v the_o submit_v our_o assent_n to_o these_o follow_a conclusion_n first_o that_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o incarnation_n and_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o act_n of_o god_n free_a mercy_n and_o marvellous_a grace_n this_o king_n do_v not_o marry_v his_o son_n with_o a_o design_n to_o add_v to_o his_o happiness_n or_o his_o honour_n those_o be_v perfect_a before_o but_o mere_o to_o exalt_v and_o ennoble_v the_o spouse_n he_o take_v nor_o have_v she_o any_o charm_n to_o attract_v his_o love_n any_o beauty_n or_o comeliness_n to_o feast_v his_o sight_n but_o be_v in_o herself_o deform_v and_o scandalous_a and_o poor_a for_o it_o be_v wretched_a humane_a nature_n that_o he_o marry_v himself_o to_o he_o lay_v aside_o for_o a_o while_o the_o ray_n of_o his_o glory_n to_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o rag_n of_o flesh_n and_o a_o church_n 7._o church_n ephes_n v._o 27._o reu._n i._n 7._o which_o though_o now_o indeed_o without_o spot_n or_o wrinkle_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n yet_o be_v when_o he_o first_o vouchsafe_v to_o pity_v and_o to_o love_v she_o of_o a_o quite_o different_a form_n and_o hue._n for_o all_o her_o present_a purity_n and_o loveliness_n be_v owe_v to_o her_o be_v cleanse_v and_o wash_v from_o her_o sin_n in_o her_o lord_n blood_n no_o interest_n no_o honour_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v from_o a_o match_n so_o mean_a so_o much_o below_o this_o prince_n no_o end_n to_o be_v serve_v by_o it_o no_o argument_n to_o move_v it_o but_o infinite_a kindness_n and_o compassion_n that_o see_v the_o misery_n of_o wretched_a humanity_n and_o tender_o yearn_v over_o they_o and_o when_o no_o other_o relief_n can_v be_v have_v condescend_v to_o take_v our_o misery_n and_o make_v they_o his_o own_o that_o so_o his_o glory_n and_o happiness_n may_v become_v we_o second_o it_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o mercy_n figure_v here_o by_o this_o marriage_n be_v intend_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n and_o this_o deserve_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o because_o it_o differ_v herein_o from_o all_o other_o such_o solemnity_n as_o the_o parable_n shadow_n it_o to_o we_o under_o for_o whereas_o person_n of_o the_o first_o quality_n and_o great_a worth_n be_v usual_o the_o only_a one_o that_o prince_n admit_v to_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o their_o rejoice_n and_o entertainment_n here_o the_o mean_a and_o more_o unworthy_a sort_n have_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o day_n the_o angel_n be_v vast_o superior_a to_o we_o in_o the_o dignity_n and_o excellence_n of_o their_o nature_n yet_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n observe_v take_v 16._o take_v heb._n ii_o 16._o not_o on_o he_o the_o nature_n of_o angel_n but_o he_o take_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n many_o of_o they_o too_o be_v fall_v as_o deep_a as_o we_o yet_o to_o we_o he_o extend_a compassion_n and_o to_o they_o he_o do_v not_o and_o therefore_o of_o many_o consideration_n that_o recommend_v this_o call_n to_o grace_n and_o salvation_n this_o condescension_n be_v not_o the_o least_o that_o when_o both_o be_v miserable_a and_o both_o undeserving_a those_o of_o a_o high_a rank_n be_v pass_v by_o and_o leave_v out_o and_o they_o of_o a_o inferior_a condition_n be_v pity_v and_o exalt_v think_v fit_a to_o have_v the_o son_n of_o god_n join_v to_o their_o substance_n admit_v to_o sit_v with_o he_o at_o his_o table_n in_o his_o kingdom_n nay_o to_o be_v the_o very_a bride_n and_o beloved_n of_o the_o lamb_n himself_o three_o we_o may_v likewise_o gather_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o design_n of_o this_o benefit_n be_v universal_a for_o the_o parable_n plain_o describe_v a_o invitation_n send_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o people_n not_o to_o all_o at_o once_o it_o be_v true_a but_o first_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o afterward_o upon_o their_o refusal_n to_o the_o gentile_n so_o that_o although_o some_o be_v prefer_v in_o point_n of_o time_n and_o order_n yet_o both_o sort_n have_v their_o turn_n and_o none_o be_v utter_o exclude_v the_o people_n and_o city_n of_o god_n have_v reason_n to_o expect_v the_o first_o proffer_v but_o the_o servant_n that_o be_v send_v out_o and_o begin_v with_o these_o do_v not_o stop_v there_o for_o the_o nine_o verse_n command_v they_o out_o again_o to_o the_o highway_n and_o hedge_n and_o to_o bid_v to_o the_o marriage_n all_o as_o many_o as_o ever_o they_o shall_v find_v this_o agree_v exact_o with_o those_o large_a and_o comprehensive_a term_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n commission_n run_v when_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n charge_v they_o 16._o they_o matth._n xxviii_o 19_o mark_v xvi_o 16._o to_o disciple_v and_o baptize_v all_o nation_n to_o go_v out_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o other_o demonstration_n we_o will_v have_v of_o god_n design_v that_o all_o shall_v partake_v of_o this_o spiritual_a feast_n than_o his_o take_v such_o care_n that_o all_o shall_v have_v due_a notice_n of_o it_o and_o press_v they_o over_o and_o over_o with_o repeat_v message_n to_o that_o purpose_n st._n paul_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n seem_v to_o argue_v that_o 4._o that_o tim._n ii_o 4._o god_n will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v from_o his_o use_v mean_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o
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 circumstance_n will_v be_v desperate_a and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o worthy_a and_o true_a believer_n in_o the_o world_n i_o must_v therefore_o content_v myself_o with_o handle_v this_o matter_n in_o the_o general_n and_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o i_o at_o present_a the_o best_a method_n for_o do_v it_o effectual_o be_v to_o insist_v on_o these_o three_o head_n i._n first_o to_o assign_v some_o reason_n for_o the_o weakness_n of_o man_n faith_n and_o these_o shall_v be_v such_o as_o every_o one_o of_o we_o will_v find_v himself_o more_o or_o less_o concern_v in_o ii_o second_o to_o show_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o many_o people_n be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v as_o sign_n of_o unbelief_n or_o that_o they_o have_v not_o true_a faith_n be_v not_o in_o reality_n any_o such_o sign_n and_o iii_o three_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o rule_n whereby_o the_o weakness_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o want_n of_o it_o and_o here_o i_o will_v show_v how_o any_o man_n by_o examine_v his_o own_o conscience_n careful_o may_v discern_v whether_o his_o belief_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n or_o not_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o one_a and_o here_o by_o faith_n i_o understand_v not_o only_o 1_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o those_o truth_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v in_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o dependence_n on_o his_o truth_n and_o goodness_n nor_o bare_o 2._o a_o outward_a and_o express_a profession_n of_o all_o such_o article_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o order_n to_o make_v we_o christian_n but_o also_o 3_o such_o a_o vigorous_a and_o lively_a assent_n as_o may_v prevail_v upon_o man_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o may_v influence_n their_o heart_n and_o practice_n powerful_o such_o as_o may_v put_v we_o upon_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o make_v good_a those_o engagement_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n which_o we_o bring_v upon_o ourselves_o when_o we_o thus_o enter_v covenant_n with_o god_n for_o all_o this_o be_v comprehend_v under_o believe_v and_o several_a account_n may_v be_v give_v of_o our_o fail_v in_o sundry_a instance_n of_o this_o faith_n particular_o these_o that_o follow_v 1._o as_o first_o one_o reason_n of_o this_o may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v command_v to_o believe_v for_o some_o of_o these_o be_v very_o dark_a and_o mysterious_a truth_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o our_o mind_n shall_v adhere_v to_o they_o with_o the_o same_o sort_n of_o assurance_n that_o they_o be_v use_v to_o do_v in_o such_o other_o matter_n as_o fall_v within_o our_o comprehension_n and_o of_o which_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o more_o distinct_a knowledge_n the_o attribute_n and_o excellency_n of_o god_n the_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n a_o eternal_a state_n of_o bliss_n or_o woe_n hereafter_o and_o the_o restore_a to_o 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
oblige_v to_o and_o may_v arrive_v at_o a_o competent_a degree_n of_o yet_o all_o will_v not_o find_v it_o equal_o easy_a to_o practise_v they_o but_o those_o person_n will_v attain_v to_o the_o high_a perfection_n in_o these_o virtue_n and_o exercise_v they_o with_o less_o difficulty_n and_o a_o more_o sensible_a delight_n who_o their_o own_o natural_a complexion_n have_v most_o dispose_v towards_o each_o of_o they_o for_o every_o one_o have_v not_o the_o same_o proneness_n in_o himself_o to_o fear_v or_o to_o love_n to_o trust_v or_o to_o despond_v to_o be_v good-natured_a or_o to_o be_v sordid_a and_o therefore_o as_o the_o work_n must_v needs_o be_v double_a where_o nature_n must_v be_v oppose_v and_o overrule_v so_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v half_o do_v to_o our_o hand_n where_o we_o be_v already_o possess_v with_o these_o happy_a tendency_n when_o inclination_n go_v before_o and_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o way_n to_o duty_n now_o what_o nature_n do_v once_o for_o all_o in_o form_v our_o constitution_n at_o first_o the_o accident_n of_o this_o life_n the_o distemper_n of_o our_o body_n and_o a_o thousand_o other_o occasional_a thing_n do_v for_o a_o time_n with_o we_o that_o be_v they_o give_v a_o present_a turn_n to_o our_o mind_n and_o while_o these_o impression_n last_o upon_o we_o inspire_v our_o soul_n with_o strong_a inclination_n and_o aversion_n than_o usual_a and_o dispose_v or_o indispose_v we_o more_o than_o in_o ourselves_o and_o according_a to_o our_o general_a temper_n we_o be_v wont_v to_o be_v towards_o they_o the_o sober_a and_o most_o considerate_a person_n can_v always_o preserve_v such_o a_o evenness_n of_o spirit_n that_o no_o provocation_n no_o sudden_a gust_n of_o anger_n or_o grief_n or_o some_o other_o passion_n shall_v not_o sometime_o render_v his_o thought_n tumultuous_a and_o disorderly_a those_o that_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n first_o yet_o must_v allow_v some_o part_n of_o their_o time_n and_o pain_n in_o a_o honest_a search_n of_o the_o less_o important_a conveniency_n of_o this_o life_n and_o business_n and_o care_n though_o they_o be_v so_o well_o guard_v as_o not_o to_o dissettle_v yet_o they_o will_v in_o some_o measure_n divert_v the_o mind_n from_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a a_o man_n thus_o encumber_v can_v return_v from_o the_o world_n to_o god_n all_o on_o the_o sudden_a with_o the_o same_o fix_a and_o sedate_v composure_n of_o mind_n as_o if_o no_o other_o thought_n have_v mingle_v themselves_o with_o his_o religious_a one_o but_o especial_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v link_v together_o in_o so_o close_a a_o band_n their_o operation_n upon_o one_o another_o reciprocal_o be_v so_o very_o quick_a and_o powerful_a that_o it_o be_v scarce_o to_o be_v conceive_v how_o strange_o they_o labour_v under_o one_o another_o infirmity_n and_o how_o great_a and_o speedy_a a_o change_n the_o soul_n and_o all_o its_o affection_n feel_v by_o every_o little_a alteration_n that_o happen_v to_o the_o body_n how_o the_o mind_n exult_n and_o enlarge_v itself_o when_o this_o be_v in_o good_a health_n and_o temper_n and_o again_o how_o it_o languish_v and_o be_v cramp_v up_o under_o every_o indisposition_n every_o accidental_a disturbance_n that_o shake_v the_o fleshly_a tabernacle_n in_o which_o it_o dwell_v how_o age_n and_o sickness_n do_v not_o only_o waste_v our_o strength_n and_o wither_v our_o limb_n but_o enervate_a our_o mind_n too_o enfeeble_v all_o their_o operation_n and_o as_o it_o be_v disjoint_v all_o their_o power_n how_o mighty_a a_o stroke_n all_o these_o thing_n carry_v and_o what_o change_v they_o make_v in_o we_o every_o one_o who_o do_v at_o all_o consider_v and_o look_v into_o himself_o will_v quick_o find_v none_o of_o we_o be_v able_a at_o all_o time_n alike_o to_o maintain_v the_o same_o easiness_n of_o humour_n and_o freedom_n in_o common_a conversation_n none_o be_v always_o equal_o qualify_v to_o think_v or_o bend_v his_o mind_n to_o business_n but_o even_o our_o understanding_n have_v their_o lucid_n and_o their_o cloud_a interval_n and_o if_o that_o part_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o have_v least_o of_o all_o to_o do_v with_o the_o body_n be_v yet_o affect_v with_o the_o several_a habit_n of_o it_o how_o much_o more_o must_v those_o other_o the_o will_n and_o the_o desire_n be_v subject_a to_o they_o who_o business_n lie_v chief_o with_o those_o appetite_n and_o inclination_n which_o flesh_n and_o sense_n converse_v with_o and_o be_v move_v by_o how_o strong_o must_v these_o determine_v we_o in_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n particular_o and_o inspire_v warmth_n or_o chill_v we_o with_o cold_a when_o those_o affection_n be_v the_o very_a part_n chief_o employ_v all_o which_o be_v the_o more_o necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v that_o man_n may_v be_v set_v right_o in_o their_o judgement_n of_o themselves_o and_o not_o rash_o pronounce_v as_o they_o frequent_o do_v concern_v the_o state_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n from_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o of_o a_o spiritual_a relation_n but_o proceed_v mere_o from_o natural_a and_o necessary_a cause_n for_o thus_o in_o effect_n it_o be_v that_o the_o income_n and_o desertion_n which_o some_o people_n affect_v to_o talk_v of_o so_o much_o and_o lay_v such_o mighty_a stress_n upon_o be_v neither_o the_o grace_n nor_o the_o defect_n of_o their_o mind_n so_o much_o as_o the_o present_a habit_n of_o the_o blood_n and_o spirit_n and_o the_o particular_a temper_n and_o constitution_n of_o their_o body_n iii_o the_o next_o objection_n seem_v to_o carry_v much_o more_o reason_n of_o dissatisfaction_n which_o be_v when_o man_n apprehend_v that_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_o sorry_a for_o their_o past_a sin_n for_o this_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a duty_n and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o sorrow_n enough_o do_v it_o to_o very_o little_a purpose_n but_o here_o again_o the_o whole_a difficulty_n lie_v in_o determine_v what_o be_v enough_o the_o misfortune_n of_o person_n in_o their_o doubt_n concern_v remorse_n for_o sin_n be_v that_o they_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o sorrow_n upon_o these_o occasion_n it_o be_v suppose_v by_o many_o that_o this_o sorrow_n do_v of_o itself_o recommend_v we_o to_o god_n and_o be_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n exceed_v acceptable_a to_o he_o that_o herein_o chief_o consist_v the_o repentance_n of_o a_o sinner_n as_o appear_v they_o tell_v you_o from_o the_o mournful_a complaint_n of_o david_n the_o bitter_a weep_v of_o st._n peter_n and_o other_o instance_n of_o holy_a penitent_n in_o scripture_n all_o which_o be_v our_o pattern_n and_o when_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o their_o anguish_n and_o grief_n of_o heart_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o we_o want_v their_o faith_n and_o their_o sincerity_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o no_o man_n soul_n ought_v to_o speak_v comfort_n to_o he_o without_o the_o like_a humiliation_n the_o like_a inward_a perplexity_n and_o groan_n of_o spirit_n the_o like_o water_v our_o couch_n with_o tear_n and_o make_v our_o bed_n to_o swim_v in_o the_o night-season_n now_o all_o this_o be_v owe_v as_o i_o say_v to_o a_o wrong_a apprehension_n of_o this_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o not_o distinguish_v between_o the_o end_v it_o be_v to_o promote_v and_o the_o sorrow_n itself_o which_o be_v but_o as_o the_o mean_a and_o way_n to_o that_o end_n st._n paul_n have_v teach_v we_o 10._o we_o 2_o cor._n vii_o 10._o that_o this_o work_v repentance_n not_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o but_o that_o which_o work_v repentance_n be_v plain_o a_o part_n or_o a_o instrument_n or_o a_o cause_n of_o it_o only_o but_o can_v be_v the_o whole_a nor_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o work_v repentance_n be_v the_o change_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n the_o come_n to_o a_o better_a sense_n and_o act_v more_o wise_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v where_o this_o be_v do_v effectual_o god_n accept_v the_o person_n let_v the_o degree_n of_o sorrow_n that_o bring_v he_o to_o it_o have_v be_v what_o it_o will_n and_o where_o this_o be_v not_o do_v no_o proportion_n of_o sorrow_n be_v please_v in_o his_o sight_n our_o good_a be_v the_o thing_n he_o desire_v he_o delight_v in_o the_o change_n of_o our_o manner_n and_o the_o correct_v of_o our_o will_n and_o no_o affliction_n or_o sadness_n of_o heart_n can_v give_v pleasure_n to_o a_o be_v so_o infinite_o kind_a as_o god_n who_o be_v love_n and_o goodness_n in_o its_o utmost_a perfection_n any_o far_a than_o those_o dejection_n of_o mind_n contribute_v to_o our_o substantial_a holiness_n and_o through_o reformation_n it_o be_v high_o expedient_a indeed_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v most_o hearty_o concern_v for_o have_v do_v amiss_o because_o what_o we_o be_v true_o sorry_a for_o we_o shall_v not_o easy_o be_v induce_v to_o