be_v say_v to_o have_v dye_v in_o faith_n be_v persuade_v of_o the_o promise_n and_o have_v embrace_v they_o many_o age_n before_o the_o time_n be_v come_v for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o then_o for_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o this_o grace_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o what_o transcendent_a thing_n it_o have_v do_v in_o ancient_a time_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o it_o the_o elder_n obtain_v a_o good_a report_n 2._o ver_fw-la 2._o by_o which_o he_o mean_v that_o the_o great_a and_o famous_a action_n record_v of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o other_o worthy_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v all_o owe_v to_o their_o faith_n by_o faith_n they_o please_v god_n bear_v up_o against_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o world_n subdue_v kingdom_n and_o wrought_v righteousness_n in_o despite_n of_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o the_o high_a discouragement_n many_o instance_n he_o give_v we_o of_o these_o noble_a flight_n of_o faith_n among_o which_o there_o be_v none_o in_o all_o respect_n more_o remarkable_a than_o the_o example_n in_o the_o text_n by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n and_o he_o that_o receive_v the_o promise_v offer_v up_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v two_o thing_n be_v observable_a in_o these_o word_n 1._o the_o hardness_n of_o the_o trial_n which_o god_n make_v of_o abraham_n when_o he_o command_v he_o to_o offer_v up_o isaac_n to_o he_o 2._o the_o issue_n of_o this_o trial_n or_o the_o victory_n of_o abraham_n faith_n over_o all_o the_o hardship_n and_o discouragement_n which_o he_o meet_v with_o in_o it_o both_o these_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n will_v sure_o afford_v we_o very_o useful_a reflection_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o faith_n and_o practice_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o viz._n 1._o the_o hardness_n of_o the_o trial_n which_o god_n put_v abraham_n upon_o for_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o affiance_n in_o he_o the_o text_n call_v it_o a_o trial_n which_o imply_v that_o god_n command_v abraham_n to_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n for_o have_v it_o be_v a_o freewill_n offer_n without_o any_o order_n or_o direction_n from_o god_n such_o as_o the_o heathen_a oblation_n be_v when_o they_o sacrifice_v their_o child_n to_o their_o idol_n it_o have_v be_v a_o plain_a and_o horrid_a act_n of_o murder_n nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a as_o some_o have_v fancy_v to_o clear_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o abraham_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o god_n shall_v dispense_v with_o the_o six_o commandment_n when_o he_o oblige_v the_o patriarch_n to_o kill_v his_o son_n because_o it_o have_v be_v murder_n to_o kill_v he_o without_o his_o command_n for_o that_o commandment_n as_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o case_n before_o we_o forbid_v only_o to_o kill_v without_o god_n authority_n which_o abraham_n never_o go_v about_o to_o do_v and_o therefore_o need_v no_o dispensation_n for_o it_o he_o have_v a_o express_a commission_n from_o god_n who_o be_v absolute_a lord_n of_o life_n and_o death_n and_o never_o bar_n his_o prerogative_n by_o his_o law_n and_o may_v therefore_o use_v his_o power_n as_o he_o please_v and_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o the_o most_o innocent_a person_n as_o well_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o father_n and_o the_o fire_n upon_o the_o altar_n as_o by_o a_o infection_n in_o the_o air_n by_o lightning_n or_o tempest_n or_o any_o other_o messenger_n of_o death_n and_o thus_o moses_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n tempt_v abraham_n and_o bid_v he_o go_v and_o offer_v his_o son_n upon_o a_o certain_a mountain_n in_o moriah_n for_o a_o burn_a offer_v gen._n 22.1_o 2._o and_o herein_o lie_v the_o sharpness_n of_o abraham_n trial_n that_o either_o he_o must_v contend_v with_o god_n and_o dispute_v his_o authority_n or_o do_v the_o strange_a thing_n that_o ever_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n to_o please_v he_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o case_n let_v we_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o god_n demand_v of_o abraham_n as_o a_o test_n of_o his_o sincerity_n towards_o he_o and_o what_o plausible_a argument_n a_o person_n in_o his_o circumstance_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o frame_v against_o it_o 1._o first_o then_o god_n command_v he_o to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o surprise_v or_o unwelcome_a to_o he_o who_o ever_o hear_v of_o such_o a_o act_n of_o piety_n before_o of_o so_o hard_a a_o precept_n or_o so_o unlikely_a a_o way_n of_o please_a god_n as_o this_o what_o will_v a_o ordinary_a faith_n have_v do_v how_o will_v natural_a reason_n have_v plead_v in_o this_o case_n may_v not_o abraham_n himself_o be_v suppose_v to_o reason_n thus_o must_v i_o then_o lie_v aside_o all_o humanity_n and_o imbrue_v my_o hand_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o my_o own_o son_n must_v i_o forget_v that_o i_o be_o a_o father_n and_o destroy_v the_o life_n which_o i_o give_v do_v not_o nature_n teach_v we_o to_o be_v kind_a and_o dutiful_a towards_o the_o offspring_n of_o our_o own_o bowel_n and_o be_v not_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n engrave_v upon_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o the_o reason_n which_o god_n have_v give_v i_o hither_o to_o condemn_v the_o action_n which_o he_o now_o command_v and_o though_o i_o know_v he_o be_v always_o just_a and_o good_a and_o will_v do_v always_o that_o which_o i_o know_v will_v please_v he_o yet_o how_o can_v i_o hope_v to_o please_v he_o by_o destroy_v his_o image_n in_o my_o own_o child_n what_o will_v the_o world_n say_v of_o i_o who_o profess_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o pure_a manner_n shall_v i_o pollute_v his_o altar_n with_o my_o son_n blood_n and_o do_v that_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a thing_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o his_o holy_a religion_n so_o harsh_a a_o command_n as_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o put_v not_o nature_n only_o but_o faith_n itself_o upon_o the_o stretch_n and_o be_v perfect_o new_a and_o arbitrary_a to_o fright_v man_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o this_o holy_a man_n have_v be_v the_o best_a example_n and_o the_o great_a promoter_n of_o 2._o but_o then_o god_n do_v not_o only_o command_v abraham_n to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n but_o his_o belove_a and_o only_a son_n isaac_n i._n e._n his_o only_a son_n by_o sarah_n the_o freewoman_n and_o true_a mother_n of_o the_o family_n which_o be_v to_o convey_v a_o universal_a blessing_n to_o mankind_n take_v now_o thy_o son_n say_v god_n thy_o only_a son_n isaac_n 22.2_o gen._n 22.2_o who_o thou_o love_v and_o get_v thou_o into_o the_o land_n of_o moriah_n and_o offer_v he_o there_o for_o a_o burn_a offer_v and_o this_o great_o increase_v the_o difficulty_n of_o abraham_n obedience_n that_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o demand_v not_o one_o out_o of_o many_o but_o his_o only_a son_n his_o isaac_n who_o he_o entire_o love_v the_o only_a joy_n of_o his_o mother_n and_o the_o only_a hope_n of_o the_o family_n which_o be_v to_o make_v the_o best_a figure_n of_o any_o other_o in_o the_o world_n and_o now_o may_v not_o abraham_n have_v say_v lord_n must_v i_o bereave_v myself_o of_o the_o child_n which_o nothing_o but_o a_o miracle_n of_o thou_o can_v raise_v out_o of_o my_o age_a loin_n must_v i_o take_v away_o a_o life_n for_o which_o i_o will_v glad_o exchange_v my_o own_o will_v not_o all_o my_o flock_n and_o herd_n afford_v a_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o thou_o all_o these_o i_o will_v free_o offer_v instead_o of_o that_o innocent_a lamb_n in_o which_o all_o my_o earthly_a treasure_n and_o comfort_n lie_v let_v not_o the_o lord_n be_v angry_a and_o i_o will_v speak_v this_o once_o be_v not_o the_o life_n of_o sarah_n bind_v up_o in_o the_o life_n of_o the_o child_n how_o shall_v i_o answer_v the_o death_n of_o isaac_n to_o she_o or_o must_v i_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o two_o such_o death_n at_o once_o and_o when_o i_o have_v slay_v the_o son_n carry_v the_o kill_v tiding_n to_o the_o unhappy_a mother_n oh_o how_o great_a a_o straight_o be_v this_o good_a man_n drive_v into_o when_o he_o must_v either_o have_v forfeit_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n or_o bereave_v himself_o of_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o he_o in_o this_o world_n by_o the_o strange_a act_n of_o obedience_n that_o be_v ever_o hear_v of_o in_o it_o 3._o another_o grand_a discouragement_n to_o abraham_n obedience_n be_v that_o his_o belove_a isaac_n be_v a_o son_n of_o very_o great_a and_o glorious_a promise_n which_o his_o untimely_a death_n must_v without_o a_o miracle_n frustrate_v the_o completion_n of_o for_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o make_v he_o the_o father_n
eight_o sermon_n preach_v on_o several_a occasion_n by_o nathanael_n whaley_n rector_n of_o broughton_n in_o northamptonshire_n london_n print_v for_o john_n everingham_n at_o the_o star_n in_o ludgate-street_n near_o the_o west_n end_v of_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1695._o imprimatur_fw-la carolus_n alstton_n r._n p._n d._n hen._n episc_n lond._n a_o sacris_fw-la april_n 30_o 1695._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n the_o true_a end_n of_o print_v sermon_n be_v to_o promote_v the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n which_o must_v be_v at_o a_o low_a ebb_n while_o the_o witty_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v float_v in_o scepticism_n and_o the_o heavy_a sink_v into_o downright_a atheism_n and_o sensuality_n and_o this_o i_o think_v be_v so_o good_a a_o end_n in_o itself_o that_o it_o certain_o need_v no_o excuse_n for_o i_o know_v not_o why_o any_o man_n may_v not_o venture_v upon_o do_v good_a without_o ask_v leave_n of_o the_o world_n or_o plead_v the_o importunity_n of_o friend_n or_o crave_v a_o protection_n for_o it_o all_o the_o discouragement_n lie_v in_o the_o difficulty_n there_o be_v in_o reach_v this_o excellent_a end_n especial_o in_o this_o singular_a and_o confident_a age_n in_o which_o he_o be_v no_o body_n almost_o that_o have_v not_o a_o opinion_n by_o himself_o and_o he_o be_v count_v a_o very_a easy_a man_n that_o will_v resign_v it_o to_o a_o strong_a judgement_n for_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o contradiction_n or_o two_o or_o convince_v of_o a_o few_o untoward_a consequence_n of_o it_o but_o however_o this_o be_v i_o think_v it_o become_v the_o minister_n of_o religion_n to_o persuade_v man_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v wise_a and_o happy_a and_o while_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o authority_n with_o they_o to_o admonish_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n which_o belong_v to_o their_o eternal_a peace_n and_o this_o i_o can_v true_o say_v be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o follow_a sermon_n the_o two_o first_o of_o which_o be_v frame_v to_o show_v the_o great_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o a_o stable_n and_o wellgrounded_n faith_n and_o mere_a confidence_n and_o opinion_n or_o between_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n which_o carry_v he_o through_o the_o great_a trial_n and_o difficulty_n and_o the_o presumption_n of_o a_o pharisee_fw-mi which_o do_v as_o strange_a thing_n in_o their_o kind_n for_o as_o abraham_n by_o faith_n offer_v up_o his_o son_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n so_o saul_n by_o the_o impulse_n of_o his_o opinion_n persecute_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n faith_n and_o very_o think_v till_o our_o saviour_n call_v to_o he_o out_o of_o heaven_n as_o the_o angel_n do_v to_o abraham_n that_o he_o be_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n even_o when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o make_v a_o sacrifice_n of_o christianity_n itself_o the_o design_n of_o the_o three_o and_o four_o sermon_n be_v to_o represent_v the_o extreme_a danger_n of_o impenitency_n under_o the_o powerful_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o trust_v to_o a_o late_a or_o deathbed_n repentance_n these_o i_o fear_v be_v very_o grate_v and_o unpleasant_a subject_n but_o i_o the_o rather_o think_v they_o require_v the_o plain_a deal_n and_o must_v needs_o say_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o latter_a that_o upon_o the_o review_n i_o can_v esteem_v it_o any_o breach_n of_o charity_n to_o have_v wrest_v a_o text_n perhaps_o more_o frequent_o mis-applyed_n than_o any_o other_o in_o the_o gospel_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o that_o be_v never_o fair_o in_o possession_n of_o it_o and_o be_v apt_a as_o st._n peter_n speak_v of_o some_o other_o to_o wrest_v it_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n the_o five_o be_v deliver_v at_o a_o time_n when_o great_a endeavour_n be_v use_v to_o turn_v we_o out_o of_o the_o straight_a way_n to_o heaven_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o show_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o protestant_a faith_n and_o the_o great_a advantage_n it_o have_v above_o the_o romish_a in_o point_n of_o certainty_n how_o much_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o adhere_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o own_o church_n and_o to_o adorn_v it_o by_o the_o purity_n of_o our_o life_n and_o example_n and_o the_o way_n to_o do_v this_o be_v describe_v and_o recommend_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n concern_v our_o improvement_n in_o all_o christian_a virtue_n and_o grace_n and_o be_v we_o once_o persuade_v to_o govern_v our_o life_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o may_v just_o hope_v to_o enjoy_v they_o more_o and_o perhaps_o much_o long_o than_o we_o do_v we_o shall_v think_v it_o no_o dishonour_n to_o suffer_v those_o that_o affront_v and_o despiteful_o use_v we_o to_o live_v out_o the_o short_a term_n of_o life_n which_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v set_v they_o and_o make_v better_a use_n of_o the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o own_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o which_o happy_a temper_n be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o two_o last_o sermon_n as_o to_o the_o composure_n of_o these_o few_o discourse_n the_o reader_n will_v find_v enough_o to_o exercise_v his_o candour_n and_o ingenuity_n all_o i_o can_v hope_v for_o be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v serviceable_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o the_o lover_n of_o truth_n for_o who_o sake_n they_o be_v publish_v &_o that_o the_o venture_n will_v be_v the_o more_o pardonable_a because_o my_o infirmity_n at_o present_a be_v such_o as_o hinder_v the_o discharge_n of_o the_o ordinary_a duty_n of_o my_o function_n god_n grant_v his_o blessing_n to_o all_o faithful_a endeavour_n to_o preserve_v the_o truth_n and_o promote_v peace_n and_o piety_n the_o content_n sermon_n i._n the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n heb._n 11.17_o 18._o by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n and_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n offer_v up_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v sermon_n ii_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o misinform_v conscience_n or_o mistake_v principle_n in_o religion_n act_n 26.9_o i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n sermon_n iii_o of_o the_o different_a dispensation_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o impenitency_n under_o the_o best_a mean_n of_o salvation_n matth._n 11.21.22_o wo_n unto_o thou_o chorazin_n woe_n unto_o thou_o bethsaida_n for_o if_o the_o mighty_a work_n which_o be_v do_v in_o you_o have_v be_v do_v in_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n they_o will_v have_v repent_v long_o ago_o in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o you_o sermon_n iv_o the_o case_n of_o a_o late_a or_o deathbed_n repentance_n matth._n 20.9_o and_o when_o they_o come_v that_o be_v hire_v about_o the_o eleven_o hour_n they_o receive_v every_o man_n a_o penny_n sermon_n v._n the_o straight_a and_o certain_a way_n to_o happiness_n hebr._n 12.13_o make_v straight_a path_n for_o your_o foot_n sermon_n vi._n of_o growth_n in_o grace_n 2_o pet._n 3.18_o but_o grow_v in_o grace_n sermon_n vii_o of_o murder_n particular_o duel_v and_o self-murder_n matth._n 5.21_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o be_v say_v by_o they_o of_o old_a time_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v sermon_n viii_o of_o the_o shortness_n and_o instability_n of_o humane_a life_n james_n 4.14_o for_o what_o be_v your_o life_n it_o be_v even_o a_o vapour_n that_o appear_v for_o a_o little_a time_n and_o then_o vanish_v away_o sermon_n i._o concern_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n hebr._n 11.17_o 18._o by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n and_o he_o that_o have_v rerceive_v the_o promise_n offer_v up_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n discourse_v in_o this_o chapter_n of_o two_o eminent_a point_n of_o knowledge_n the_o nature_n of_o divine_a faith_n and_o the_o mighty_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o in_o the_o first_o verse_n he_o call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o ground_a expectation_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o conviction_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v etc._n ver_fw-la 3.5_o etc._n etc._n such_o as_o the_o creation_n of_o this_o and_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o better_a world_n and_o this_o show_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n to_o lie_v in_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o truth_n and_o promise_n ground_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n and_o not_o upon_o any_o sensible_a evidence_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o they_o and_o according_o the_o holy_a man_n who_o faith_n be_v so_o much_o magnify_v in_o this_o chapter_n 13._o ver_fw-la 13._o
upon_o his_o son_n and_o talk_v with_o he_o upon_o the_o way_n to_o moriah_n nature_n shall_v make_v a_o stand_n and_o his_o heart_n shall_v fail_v he_o to_o think_v what_o a_o sad_a uncomfortable_a errand_n he_o be_v go_v upon_o but_o we_o meet_v with_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o in_o abraham_n deportment_n during_o the_o whole_a process_n of_o his_o trial_n he_o do_v not_o make_v a_o false_a step_n in_o three_o day_n journey_n to_o moriah_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o stagger_v at_o the_o strangeness_n of_o thing_n that_o he_o go_v on_o without_o delay_n and_o as_o far_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n of_o this_o great_a action_n proceed_v by_o even_o and_o constant_a step_n through_o all_o the_o stage_n of_o his_o tedious_a duty_n 22.9_o gen._n 22.9_o even_o when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o mountain_n which_o god_n tell_v he_o of_o have_v build_v a_o altar_n and_o lay_v the_o wood_n in_o order_n upon_o it_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o allow_v himself_o to_o say_v must_v i_o now_o burn_v the_o staff_n of_o my_o old-age_n and_o the_o dear_a pledge_n of_o god_n favour_n to_o i_o and_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o we_o see_v he_o perfect_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n and_o surmount_v the_o discouragement_n which_o his_o way_n be_v obstruct_v with_o 2._o the_o power_n or_o principle_n by_o which_o this_o transcendent_a act_n of_o righteousness_n be_v wrought_v i._n e._n by_o which_o abraham_n prevail_v with_o himself_o and_o over_o all_o discouragement_n to_o offer_v up_o isaac_n the_o apostle_n ascribe_v it_o to_o his_o faith_n now_o faith_n we_o know_v be_v sometime_o take_v for_o a_o habitual_a belief_n or_o persuasion_n of_o the_o perfection_n truth_n and_o promise_v of_o god_n and_o sometime_o for_o a_o single_a act_n of_o this_o eminent_a grace_n and_o there_o be_v place_n of_o which_o the_o text_n be_v one_o in_o which_o it_o be_v apparent_o use_v in_o both_o sense_n 1._o first_o then_o the_o honour_n of_o this_o noble_a action_n be_v owe_v to_o a_o constant_a and_o habitual_a persuasion_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o promise_n which_o abraham_n have_v attain_v unto_o he_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_v to_o believe_v god_n upon_o his_o word_n and_o to_o rely_v upon_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o reality_n and_o concernment_n of_o all_o that_o he_o reveal_v to_o he_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o he_o to_o conclude_v and_o settle_v upon_o this_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n that_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v and_o this_o persuasion_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o his_o piety_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o he_o leave_v his_o own_o country_n for_o a_o strange_a land_n and_o follow_v the_o clue_n of_o god_n providence_n whithersoever_o it_o lead_v he_o it_o direct_v his_o step_n when_o he_o know_v not_o whither_o he_o go_v and_o put_v he_o into_o a_o posture_n of_o undertake_v the_o hard_a trial_n and_o give_v any_o proof_n of_o his_o sincerity_n that_o god_n shall_v demand_v of_o he_o and_o according_o when_o god_n demand_v his_o son_n the_o dear_a thing_n he_o have_v in_o the_o world_n though_o it_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n in_o any_o case_n but_o he_o to_o slay_v a_o innocent_a youth_n though_o it_o be_v in_o common_a esteem_n a_o contradiction_n to_o all_o the_o kindness_n and_o tenderness_n which_o a_o father_n name_n carry_v in_o it_o and_o no_o less_o contrary_a to_o the_o endearment_n of_o the_o conjugal_a relation_n nay_o though_o it_o have_v all_o the_o visible_a mark_n of_o unnatural_a rage_n and_o inhumanity_n upon_o it_o and_o be_v like_a to_o prove_v a_o indelible_a blemish_n to_o religion_n though_o these_o consideration_n be_v no_o less_o obvious_a than_o weighty_a yet_o be_v abraham_n through_o the_o constancy_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o obedience_n so_o naturalize_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n that_o nothing_o can_v divert_v he_o from_o it_o but_o i_o confess_v this_o do_v not_o full_o clear_v the_o main_a difficulty_n employ_v in_o the_o text_n viz._n that_o abraham_n shall_v offer_v up_o his_o son_n by_o faith_n while_o he_o believe_v the_o promise_n concern_v his_o seed_n it_o be_v against_o common_a sense_n or_o reason_n that_o if_o isaac_n die_v without_o issue_n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v bless_v after_o he_o so_o that_o abraham_n may_v be_v a_o strong_a believer_n and_o do_v great_a thing_n by_o his_o faith_n yet_o still_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v but_o that_o he_o must_v needs_o stagger_v while_o he_o shake_v the_o very_a ground_n and_o foundation_n which_o his_o faith_n and_o hope_n have_v rest_v upon_o as_o he_o do_v when_o he_o go_v about_o to_o destroy_v the_o promise_a line_n and_o so_o cut_v off_o all_o the_o blessing_n that_o depend_v upon_o it_o let_v we_o therefore_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o second_o notion_n of_o faith_n and_o consider_v it_o as_o it_o signify_v 2._o some_o special_a and_o eminent_a act_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o such_o we_o find_v in_o the_o present_a casu_fw-la namely_o a_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o abraham_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o raise_v up_o isaac_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o to_o this_o the_o context_n express_o ascribe_v his_o success_n by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n 19.1_o v._o 19.1_o etc._n etc._n account_v say_v the_o apostle_n that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o even_o from_o the_o dead_a i._n e._n that_o he_o have_v power_n to_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n by_o bring_v isaac_n to_o life_n again_o and_o that_o he_o will_v certain_o do_v it_o rather_o than_o suffer_v the_o least_o tittle_n of_o his_o promise_n to_o die_v with_o he_o and_o now_o his_o way_n though_o hard_a be_v clear_a and_o open_a and_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o interrupt_v his_o obedience_n but_o what_o his_o almighty_a faith_n can_v deal_v withal_o he_o have_v doubtless_o consider_v that_o god_n have_v a_o better_a interest_n in_o his_o son_n and_o all_o his_o other_o possession_n than_o any_o he_o can_v lay_v claim_n unto_o and_o the_o great_a reverence_n he_o have_v for_o his_o wisdom_n and_o sovereignty_n hush_v his_o natural_a affection_n and_o whereas_o god_n command_n seem_v to_o oppose_v his_o promise_n he_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n too_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v they_o and_o bring_v back_o isaac_n from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o same_o power_n that_o give_v he_o his_o first_o be_v when_o he_o spring_v from_o one_o as_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o chapter_n that_o be_v as_o good_a as_o dead_a that_o be_v himself_o that_o have_v outlive_v the_o natural_a power_n of_o give_v life_n to_o other_o we_o see_v then_o the_o eminency_n of_o abraham_n faith_n 12._o v._o 12._o and_o the_o support_v it_o give_v he_o all_o along_o in_o his_o trial_n by_o the_o direction_n of_o it_o he_o keep_v his_o eye_n all_o the_o while_n upon_o god_n command_n and-winked_a at_o all_o the_o seem_a contradiction_n that_o oppose_v his_o obedience_n to_o it_o he_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o god_n have_v power_n to_o kill_v and_o to_o make_v alive_a to_o command_v what_o he_o please_v and_o reward_v those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v and_o obey_v he_o in_o short_a amid_o all_o the_o hard_a thing_n that_o bear_v upon_o abraham_n faith_n there_o be_v nothing_o appear_v so_o incredible_a to_o he_o as_o that_o god_n shall_v lie_v or_o so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o suspend_v his_o obedience_n while_o he_o be_v persuade_v of_o god_n faithfulness_n to_o he_o and_o according_o he_o immediate_o follow_v he_o in_o the_o light_n and_o strength_n of_o his_o faith_n without_o any_o falter_a or_o regret_n through_o all_o the_o dark_a scene_n of_o that_o cloudy_a providence_n which_o lead_v he_o to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o only_a son_n and_o that_o after_o a_o most_o express_a and_o emphatical_a promise_n that_o in_o isaac_n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v call_v and_o now_o it_o be_v time_n for_o we_o to_o consider_v how_o far_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o this_o discourse_n both_o in_o reference_n to_o our_o faith_n and_o practice_n first_o then_o 1._o hence_o we_o learn_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o justify_v faith_n there_o be_v nothing_o plain_a in_o scripture_n than_o that_o abraham_n faith_n be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n which_o certain_o it_o have_v never_o be_v if_o he_o have_v not_o obey_v the_o command_n which_o be_v the_o trial_n of_o his_o faith_n if_o abraham_n then_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o faith_n which_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o he_o be_v justify_v by_o a_o lively_a and_o work_a faith_n and_o that_o no_o other_o faith_n than_o this_o can_v justify_v be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o abraham_n faith_n be_v more_o than_o
accept_v of_o a_o short_a repentance_n in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o when_o the_o gospel_n make_v they_o equal_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o we_o undertake_v for_o they_o alike_o in_o our_o baptism_n i'faith_o indeed_o and_o repentance_n be_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v we_o within_o the_o verge_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o when_o we_o be_v in_o a_o covenant-state_n and_o have_v solemn_o engage_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n all_o our_o day_n as_o we_o expect_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o we_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n can_v justify_v our_o pretence_n to_o they_o this_o be_v the_o tenor_n of_o his_o covenant_n with_o we_o and_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o god_n will_v be_v put_v off_o with_o the_o renew_n of_o those_o vow_n at_o our_o death_n which_o our_o life_n have_v be_v a_o continual_a violation_n of_o to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v 3._o that_o the_o sincerity_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n can_v never_o be_v try_v and_o therefore_o to_o we_o it_o can_v be_v know_v to_o be_v that_o repentance_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v some_o instance_n we_o hope_v there_o be_v of_o man_n that_o have_v make_v good_a the_o vow_n which_o they_o make_v in_o their_o sickness_n but_o alas_o how_o many_o of_o those_o that_o have_v outlive_v their_o own_o fear_n of_o death_n have_v outlive_v the_o promise_v too_o which_o they_o make_v under_o the_o terror_n of_o it_o how_o often_o have_v man_n recover_v into_o a_o wickede_a life_n than_o ever_o their_o sorrow_n be_v but_o as_o a_o morning_n cloud_n and_o their_o penitent_a tear_n as_o the_o early_a dew_n which_o soon_o pass_v away_o and_o now_o from_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v upon_o this_o head_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o device_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n have_v no_o foundation_n in_o the_o gospel_n nay_o so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o that_o that_o it_o tend_v to_o ruin_v the_o very_a design_n of_o its_o appear_v unto_o man_n to_o debauch_v the_o christian_a world_n and_o to_o make_v salvation_n cheap_a after_o the_o direful_a suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n than_o the_o vile_a lust_n that_o be_v practise_v in_o it_o and_o if_o this_o pass_n for_o gospel_n i_o confess_v i_o be_o to_o learn_v what_o powerful_a argument_n the_o gospel_n have_v leave_v to_o prevail_v with_o the_o generality_n of_o its_o professor_n who_o notwithstanding_o their_o baptismal_a vow_n do_v hardly_o seem_v to_o be_v half_o persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n to_o close_v entire_o with_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o the_o best_a we_o can_v offer_v to_o they_o be_v that_o the_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a man_n live_v a_o noble_a life_n and_o be_v in_o a_o safe_a state_n than_o he_o that_o drill_v off_o his_o repentance_n and_o think_v it_o time_n enough_o to_o reform_v when_o he_o be_v die_v because_o he_o may_v be_v surprise_v by_o death_n which_o be_v a_o chance_n the_o other_o be_v provide_v against_o but_o sudden_a death_n happen_v so_o very_o seldom_o and_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n be_v so_o little_o understand_v that_o consider_v the_o guise_n of_o this_o world_n the_o hardness_n of_o a_o impenitent_a heart_n and_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o great_a deceiver_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o violent_a and_o outrageous_a affection_n by_o which_o habitual_a sinner_n be_v hurry_v on_o to_o their_o several_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n no_o man_n that_o have_v any_o insight_n into_o the_o principle_n of_o human_a action_n can_v promise_v any_o competent_a success_n if_o we_o have_v no_o better_a argument_n to_o urge_v than_o these_o and_o indeed_o when_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n be_v go_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v strike_v at_o by_o all_o the_o projector_n of_o easy_a way_n to_o heaven_n christianity_n must_v be_v a_o very_a precarious_a thing_n a_o matter_n of_o goodwill_n or_o at_o most_o of_o very_o ordinary_a prudence_n have_v lose_v its_o great_a power_n and_o efficacy_n to_o reform_v the_o world_n for_o if_o the_o gospel_n will_v secure_v i_o of_o heaven_n and_o excuse_v i_o for_o not_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n all_o my_o life-long_a it_o plain_o leave_v i_o to_o my_o liberty_n to_o do_v as_o i_o listen_v which_o be_v the_o thing_n my_o unhappy_a nature_n desire_v and_o while_o i_o find_v myself_o easy_a and_o believe_v myself_o safe_a in_o this_o way_n i_o must_v be_v under_o a_o invincible_a prejudice_n against_o any_o other_o that_o can_v be_v recommend_v to_o i_o it_o be_v not_o argue_v that_o will_v reach_v i_o now_o it_o be_v not_o dry_a reason_n that_o will_v work_v upon_o i_o oh_o bless_a jesus_n how_o many_o way_n have_v man_n invent_v to_o shift_v off_o their_o obedience_n to_o thy_o commandment_n but_o how_o can_v i_o think_v that_o thou_o come_v to_o turn_v i_o from_o my_o sin_n if_o part_v sorrowful_o with_o they_o when_o i_o die_v be_v enough_o to_o bring_v i_o into_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o heavenly_a kingdom_n it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o draw_v to_o a_o conclusion_n but_o i_o fear_v you_o will_v hardly_o excuse_v i_o if_o i_o shall_v not_o stay_v to_o answer_v a_o question_n or_o two_o in_o behalf_n of_o poor_a die_v penitent_n 1._o first_o then_o may_v not_o god_n in_o a_o moment_n dissolve_v the_o hard_a and_o most_o impenitent_a heart_n and_o cast_v it_o into_o a_o new_a frame_n whenever_o he_o be_v please_v to_o show_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n towards_o the_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n fit_v for_o destruction_n and_o who_o he_o sanctify_v will_v he_o not_o save_v these_o i_o grant_v be_v undeniable_a truth_n but_o then_o we_o be_v not_o speak_v of_o what_o god_n can_v do_v or_o may_v have_v do_v in_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n but_o the_o question_n be_v what_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o when_o he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o and_o declare_v he_o will_v judge_v we_o according_a to_o it_o whether_o he_o will_v think_v fit_a to_o vary_v from_o this_o rule_n if_o he_o will_v not_o it_o be_v sad_o evident_a that_o a_o late_a repentance_n be_v the_o most_o desperate_a adventure_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o will_v he_o have_v no_o where_o tell_v we_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v have_v not_o reason_n to_o presume_v upon_o it_o but_o 2._o do_v not_o the_o penitent_a thief_n go_v immediate_o from_o the_o cross_n into_o paradise_n true_o but_o do_v not_o judas_n also_o repent_v and_o restore_v the_o money_n he_o have_v take_v to_o betray_v his_o master_n and_o after_o that_o go_v to_o his_o own_o place_n be_v not_o judas_n a_o profess_a disciple_n and_o the_o crucify_a thief_n a_o stranger_n to_o the_o covevant_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o which_o of_o these_o do_v most_o resemble_v the_o case_n of_o delay_v penitent_n they_o be_v i_o grant_v in_o no_o danger_n of_o be_v guilty_a of_o judas_n his_o sin_n but_o neither_o be_v they_o in_o condition_n of_o make_v so_o glorious_a a_o confession_n as_o the_o penitent_a thief_n do_v when_o he_o 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nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o think_v that_o extraordinary_a grace_n be_v more_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o end_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n and_o perfection_n than_o it_o be_v with_o the_o honour_n and_o good_a government_n of_o pious_a and_o merciful_a prince_n when_o they_o find_v reason_n to_o over-rule_v the_o sentence_n of_o their_o own_o just_a and_o righteous_a law_n and_o methinks_v it_o be_v some_o comfort_n that_o good_a man_n be_v general_o dispose_v to_o hope_v well_o of_o those_o who_o repentance_n at_o any_o time_n be_v signal_n and_o extraordinary_a and_o though_o all_o this_o do_v not_o mount_v to_o a_o sure_a ground_n of_o hope_n yet_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o aught_o to_o
encourage_v die_v sinner_n to_o all_o possible_a degree_n of_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n this_o be_v certain_o the_o best_a use_n they_o can_v put_v their_o last_o minute_n to_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o from_o the_o very_a centre_n and_o bottom_n of_o their_o soul_n their_o damnation_n be_v irreversible_o seal_v if_o they_o do_v we_o must_v leave_v they_o to_o the_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n of_o god_n and_o though_o we_o can_v promise_v they_o eternal_a life_n without_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n because_o we_o have_v no_o authority_n from_o the_o gospel_n to_o do_v it_o yet_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o remind_v they_o that_o there_o be_v some_o monument_n of_o a_o miraculous_a grace_n some_o instance_n in_o which_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n have_v triumph_v over_o the_o utmost_a spite_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o insolent_a and_o malicious_a offender_n and_o that_o the_o great_a their_o contrition_n be_v the_o meet_a object_n they_o be_v of_o his_o infinite_a pity_n and_o compassion_n to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v but_o small_a comfort_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o they_o may_v have_v enjoy_v have_v they_o live_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v such_o as_o the_o case_n will_v bear_v and_o if_o man_n sin_n beyond_o the_o state_v measure_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n in_o the_o gospel_n they_o must_v thank_v themselves_o if_o it_o will_v not_o afford_v they_o better_o but_o they_o must_v not_o be_v angry_a with_o the_o preacher_n of_o it_o because_o they_o dare_v not_o go_v beyond_o their_o commission_n and_o have_v more_o kindness_n for_o they_o than_o to_o flatter_v they_o into_o eternal_a torment_n now_o what_o be_v the_o proper_a use_n of_o this_o discourse_n but_o that_o know_v the_o fallacy_n and_o danger_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n we_o shall_v hence_o learn_v the_o wisdom_n of_o apply_v ourselves_o betimes_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o 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torture_n which_o they_o endure_v we_o have_v at_o most_o but_o a_o short_a time_n to_o be_v in_o this_o world_n and_o every_o day_n we_o delay_v our_o repentance_n beside_o the_o hazard_n we_o run_v by_o it_o we_o certain_o make_v our_o work_n so_o much_o the_o heavy_a the_o day_n after_o for_o still_o we_o have_v the_o more_o sin_n to_o repent_v of_o and_o we_o have_v a_o worse_a nature_n to_o struggle_v with_o and_o shall_v we_o delay_v on_o to_o our_o die_a day_n what_o a_o world_n of_o distraction_n shall_v we_o treasure_n up_o for_o ourselves_o against_o our_o last_o hour_n when_o of_o all_o other_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o least_o able_a to_o hear_v it_o and_o when_o all_o this_o be_v do_v we_o can_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o god_n will_v regard_v our_o sorrow_n any_o more_o than_o we_o have_v do_v his_o call_n to_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o life_n will_v we_o consider_v thing_n as_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o find_v they_o certain_o we_o shall_v not_o choose_v to_o leave_v they_o at_o this_o pass_n and_o to_o have_v no_o better_a hope_n than_o a_o condemn_a malefactor_n have_v viz._n that_o though_o by_o law_n he_o be_v to_o die_v yet_o he_o may_v possible_o be_v save_v by_o the_o prerogative_n of_o his_o prince_n who_o crown_n and_o dignity_n till_o he_o fall_v into_o his_o hand_n he_o be_v always_o a_o utter_a and_o declare_a enemy_n to_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v hazard_v his_o life_n upon_o such_o a_o contingency_n and_o can_v there_o be_v starke_a madness_n than_o to_o venture_v our_o soul_n upon_o the_o like_a issue_n by_o continue_v in_o a_o impenitent_a state_n till_o we_o be_v leave_v the_o world_n in_o hope_n that_o god_n will_v be_v better_o than_o his_o covenant_n and_o when_o the_o gospel_n condemn_v we_o save_v we_o by_o a_o reserve_n of_o prerogative_n grace_n let_v we_o therefore_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n while_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o pardon_n for_o they_o and_o not_o stay_v till_o it_o be_v too_o late_o which_o will_v be_v a_o repentance_n for_o ever_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o a_o dismal_a thing_n it_o will_v be_v when_o we_o be_v die_v to_o have_v our_o conscience_n fly_v in_o our_o face_n and_o accuse_v we_o at_o once_o of_o a_o whole_a life_n spend_v in_o wickedness_n and_o contradiction_n to_o our_o christian_a profession_n and_o since_o we_o can_v see_v god_n without_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o can_v die_v with_o any_o true_a peace_n and_o comfort_n without_o it_o let_v we_o resolve_v without_o any_o further_a delay_n to_o break_v off_o our_o sin_n and_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n and_o grace_n let_v we_o every_o day_n as_o we_o draw_v near_o to_o eternity_n mind_n the_o concernment_n of_o it_o with_o that_o zeal_n and_o sincerity_n that_o we_o shall_v hearty_o wish_v we_o have_v do_v when_o we_o lie_v pant_v and_o breathe_v out_o our_o soul_n into_o a_o state_n of_o immortality_n in_o short_a let_v we_o make_v our_o deathbed_n as_o soft_a and_o easy_a as_o we_o can_v i_o mean_v by_o do_v our_o great_a work_n beforehand_o and_o leave_v ourselves_o nothing_o to_o do_v there_o but_o to_o die_v this_o be_v the_o way_n when_o we_o be_v tire_v out_o with_o the_o care_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o toilsome_a life_n to_o find_v the_o sweet_a repose_n upon_o they_o to_o die_v in_o peace_n and_o to_o finish_v our_o course_n with_o joy_n and_o then_o our_o rest_n will_v be_v glorious_a i_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n by_o which_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o argument_n of_o this_o discourse_n be_v not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v 8._o cal._n 6.7_o 8._o for_o whatsoever_o a_o man_n sow_v that_o shall_v he_o also_o reap_v he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o flesh_n shall_v of_o the_o flesh_n reap_v corruption_n but_o he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o spirit_n shall_v of_o the_o spirit_n reap_v life_n everlasting_a which_o god_n grant_v we_o may_v all_o do_v through_o the_o infinite_a merit_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n sermon_n v._o the_o straight_a and_o certain_a way_n to_o happiness_n heb._n 12.13_o make_v straight_a path_n for_o your_o foot_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o many_o passage_n in_o this_o epistle_n that_o the_o christian_a jew_n to_o who_o it_o be_v write_v begin_v to_o falter_v in_o the_o brofession_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o revolt_a to_o their_o old_a religion_n hereupon_o the_o apostle_n who_o it_o be_v probable_a have_v be_v instrumental_a to_o their_o change_n endeavour_n to_o settle_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o it_o and_o whereas_o the_o fear_n of_o suffer_a persecution_n be_v the_o great_a thing_n that_o stagger_v the_o hebrew_n christian_n he_o show_v they_o at_o large_a in_o the_o eleven_o chapter_n that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o old_a do_v use_v to_o raise_v they_o above_o any_o such_o discouragement_n and_o then_o propose_v the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o great_a sufferer_n and_o the_o most_o absolute_a pattern_n of_o fortitude_n and_o patience_n in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n after_o this_o he_o endeavour_v to_o raise_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o deject_a hebrew_n and_o reconcile_v they_o to_o a_o state_n of_o persecution_n by_o remind_v they_o that_o affliction_n be_v no_o argument_n of_o god_n hatred_n or_o desertion_n of_o his_o child_n 10._o verse_n 5_o to_o 10._o but_o rather_o of_o his_o paternal_a love_n and_o peculiar_a tenderness_n towards_o they_o 11._o verse_n 11._o and_o though_o they_o seem_v harsh_a and_o grievous_a for_o the_o present_a yet_o in_o their_o effect_n they_o be_v very_o kind_a and_o grateful_a as_o yield_v the_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n pleasure_n
that_o one_o of_o they_o must_v fall_v by_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o both_o god_n and_o his_o miniter_n of_o jutice_n do_v agree_v in_o the_o same_o choice_n and_o by_o a_o virtual_a commission_n empower_v the_o innocent_a person_n to_o execute_v their_o vengenace_n upon_o the_o guilty_a and_o to_o slay_v the_o invader_n rather_o than_o be_v murder_v by_o he_o and_o this_o i_o think_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o law_n and_o be_v so_o of_o the_o roman_a which_o allow_v the_o kill_v of_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o day_n time_n si_fw-mi se_fw-mi telo_fw-la defenderit_fw-la if_o he_o offer_v to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o weapon_n and_o much_o more_o may_v we_o presume_v upon_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o save_v our_o life_n when_o we_o be_v assault_v with_o a_o mortal_a violence_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a after_o all_o our_o care_n to_o prevent_v and_o escape_v it_o that_o unless_o we_o immediate_o return_v it_o there_o be_v but_o a_o moment_n between_o we_o and_o death_n these_o be_v all_o the_o ordinary_a case_n in_o which_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o man._n there_o be_v one_o indeed_o of_o a_o more_o heroical_a nature_n which_o have_v fair_a pretence_n to_o the_o like_a immunity_n from_o this_o law_n viz._n when_o a_o man_n be_v cast_v into_o those_o circumstance_n that_o either_o he_o must_v yield_v up_o the_o life_n of_o his_o friend_n that_o be_v as_o his_o own_o soul_n or_o save_v it_o by_o take_v away_o his_o enemy_n from_o he_o but_o this_o case_n be_v liable_a to_o such_o infinite_a abouse_n and_o variety_n of_o circumstance_n that_o as_o the_o tenderness_n of_o our_o law_n in_o this_o matter_n show_v the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o lawgiver_n so_o it_o be_v perhaps_o the_o best_a light_n that_o can_v be_v give_v into_o it_o 2._o the_o second_o thing_n be_v to_o show_v what_o the_o sin_n of_o murder_n or_o the_o kill_v here_o forbid_v be_v by_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o apprehend_v that_o this_o law_n prophibit_v the_o bereave_v our_o neighbour_n of_o his_o life_n without_o authority_n justice_n or_o necessity_n enforce_v to_o it_o the_o instance_n of_o which_o be_v when_o a_o man_n of_o his_o own_o motion_n compass_n the_o death_n of_o another_o in_o a_o wilful_a treacherous_a revengeful_a or_o sportive_a manner_n or_o be_v accessary_a to_o it_o at_o the_o instigation_n of_o any_o person_n not_o invest_v with_o competent_a authority_n whether_o this_o be_v do_v to_o cover_v our_o shame_n or_o to_o heal_v what_o we_o call_v our_o honour_n or_o with_o respect_n to_o any_o convenience_n satisfaction_n or_o advantage_n to_o ourselves_o whether_o we_o do_v this_o by_o open_a assault_n and_o violence_n or_o by_o secret_a and_o malicious_a craft_n under_o the_o colour_n of_o religion_n or_o law_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o sun_n or_o under_o the_o mask_n of_o night_n whether_o immediate_o by_o ourselves_o or_o by_o wicked_a instrument_n by_o purjury_n or_o poison_n by_o false_a suggestion_n evil_a counsel_n or_o enticement_n or_o any_o other_o mean_n or_o method_n tend_v to_o the_o untimely_a death_n and_o destruction_n of_o our_o neighbour_n this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o murder_n direct_o forbid_v in_o the_o six_o commandment_n the_o first_o and_o immediate_a design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o preserve_v the_o life_n of_o our_o neighbour_n which_o be_v general_o of_o all_o other_o blessing_n the_o dear_a to_o he_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v high_o value_v because_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o enjoyment_n and_o advantage_n of_o do_v good_a at_o least_o in_o this_o world_n do_v depend_v upon_o it_o now_o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v that_o god_n who_o forbid_v the_o kill_v of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o express_o command_v we_o to_o love_v he_o as_o ourselves_o do_v by_o consequence_n also_o forbid_v the_o kill_v of_o ourselves_o for_o we_o have_v no_o more_o power_n over_o our_o own_o than_o we_o have_v over_o the_o live_v of_o other_o men._n 2.10_o mal._n 2.10_o have_v we_o not_o all_o one_o father_n have_v not_o one_o god_n create_v we_o nad_z have_v he_o not_o create_v we_o after_o his_o own_o image_n the_o preservation_n of_o which_o in_o man_n be_v the_o manifest_a end_n and_o intention_n of_o this_o commandment_n but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v more_o full_o under_o the_o last_o general_n 3._o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o be_v the_o heinousness_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o murder_n it_o be_v general_o condemn_v by_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n and_o man_n as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a strain_n of_o wickedness_n and_o inhumanity_n and_o be_v indeed_o a_o crime_n of_o the_o large_a size_n and_o the_o high_a provocation_n of_o any_o against_o the_o second_o table_n of_o the_o law_n the_o very_a relation_n of_o the_o fact_n strike_v every_o innocent_a breast_n with_o horror_n and_o raise_v a_o mighty_a indignation_n against_o the_o murderer_n the_o mean_a while_n his_o own_o conscience_n pursue_v he_o and_o whither_o soever_o he_o fly_v his_o accuser_n witness_v and_o judge_n be_v with_o he_o the_o altar_n be_v no_o sanctuary_n to_o he_o for_o god_n who_o be_v great_a than_o his_o conscience_n hear_v the_o dreadful_a cry_n of_o his_o sin_n strong_o importune_v he_o to_o hasten_v down_o his_o vengeance_n upon_o he_o we_o have_v a_o instance_n of_o this_o in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o this_o kind_n that_o ever_o be_v commit_v the_o voice_n of_o thy_o brother_n blood_n say_v the_o lord_n to_o cain_n cry_v unto_o i_o from_o the_o ground_n gen._n 4.10_o and_o it_o be_v observable_a how_o quick_a and_o severe_a a_o answer_n it_o receive_v 11_o 12._o verse_n and_o now_o be_v thou_o curse_v from_o the_o earth_n a_o fugitive_n and_o a_o vagabond_n shall_v thou_o be_v upon_o it_o nay_o the_o malignity_n of_o this_o sin_n be_v such_o that_o it_o difile_v the_o land_n where_o it_o be_v commit_v and_o leave_v a_o guilt_n upon_o it_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expiate_v but_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o murderer_n and_o therefore_o no_o sanctuary_n be_v provide_v for_o he_o in_o israel_n and_o if_o he_o flee_v to_o any_o of_o the_o city_n of_o refuge_n he_o be_v thence_o to_o be_v take_v by_o the_o special_a command_n of_o god_n and_o immediate_o give_v up_o to_o justice_n thou_o shall_v take_v he_o say_v god_n from_o my_o altar_n that_o he_o may_v die_v exod._n 21.14_o and_o on_o this_o account_n god_n be_v say_v to_o make_v inquisition_n for_o blood_n 9.12_o ps_n 9.12_o i._n e._n to_o search_v out_o the_o shedder_n of_o it_o and_o to_o drive_v he_o out_o of_o all_o his_o refuge_n till_o he_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o inexorable_a justice_n now_o since_o there_o be_v so_o terrible_a a_o outcry_n against_o the_o murderer_n since_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v so_o high_o incense_v against_o he_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v to_o punish_v he_o there_o must_v be_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a malignity_n and_o provocation_n in_o the_o sin_n which_o call_v so_o loud_a for_o so_o solemn_a a_o vengeance_n and_o wherein_o this_o consist_v will_v appear_v with_o the_o least_o glance_n of_o our_o thought_n upon_o these_o tarticulars_n 1._o that_o it_o bid_v defiance_n to_o the_o majesty_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o direct_o tend_v to_o extinguish_v his_o government_n in_o the_o world_n it_o snatch_v the_o sword_n of_o justice_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n and_o employ'_v it_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o subject_n contrary_a to_o his_o declare_a will_n and_o most_o sacred_a prerogative_n every_o time_n this_o sin_n be_v punish_v in_o its_o kind_n two_o at_o least_o of_o his_o subject_n be_v cashier_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n the_o kingdom_n he_o have_v found_v among_o man_n it_o be_v a_o peculiar_a affront_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o it_o deface_v the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o man_n on_o this_o account_v it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o very_o great_a sacrilege_n as_o philo_n call_v it_o a_o rob_v god_n of_o that_o creature_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v to_o represent_v he_o in_o this_o low_a world_n which_o approach_v the_o near_a in_o perfection_n to_o he_o be_v make_v for_o his_o own_o society_n and_o of_o all_o his_o work_n have_v the_o lively_a resemblance_n of_o divinity_n upon_o it_o and_o therefore_o when_o god_n pronounce_v sentence_n upon_o the_o murderer_n who_o so_o shede_v man_n blood_n 9.6_o gen._n 9.6_o by_o man_n shall_v his_o blood_n be_v shed_v he_o assign_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o for_o in_o the_o image_n of_o god_n make_v he_o man._n 3._o murder_n be_v a_o act_n of_o excessive_a mischief_n and_o cruelty_n to_o our_o neighbour_n the_o utmost_a wrong_n that_o
ourselves_o and_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o our_o love_n to_o he_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o have_v as_o great_a obligation_n to_o the_o full_a to_o be_v tender_a of_o our_o own_o life_n as_o of_o he_o and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v murder_n to_o kill_v our_o neighbour_n it_o must_v be_v at_o least_o as_o great_a a_o crime_n to_o kill_v ourselves_o nay_o in_o some_o respect_n it_o exceed_v all_o the_o instance_n of_o inhumanity_n and_o vice_n and_o transcend_v the_o most_o cruel_a and_o cry_v sin_n for_o 1._o to_o kill_v ourselves_o be_v the_o most_o unnatural_a murder_n that_o can_v be_v if_o we_o consider_v how_o deep_o the_o principle_n of_o self-preservation_n be_v plant_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o law_n in_o our_o mind_n teach_v we_o to_o abhor_v the_o destruction_n of_o ourselves_o and_o to_o take_v the_o best_a care_n we_o can_v to_o preserve_v our_o own_o life_n and_o be_v there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o unnatural_a murder_n as_o the_o put_n of_o ourselves_o to_o death_n there_o be_v no_o natural_a union_n in_o the_o world_n so_o dear_a and_o intimate_v as_o that_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n nor_o any_o that_o have_v great_a interest_n depend_v upon_o it_o both_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o and_o the_o future_a state_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o voice_n and_o dictate_v of_o nature_n than_o the_o wilful_a destruction_n of_o it_o by_o the_o same_o person_n that_o be_v most_o near_o concern_v to_o preserve_v and_o enjoy_v it_o 2._o it_o be_v of_o any_o sin_n the_o most_o direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o save_a condition_n of_o repentance_n which_o be_v a_o remedy_n for_o all_o other_o sin_n but_o this_o self-murder_n be_v a_o sin_n of_o that_o quick_a dispatch_n and_o that_o desperate_a nature_n that_o it_o leave_v a_o man_n no_o time_n to_o repent_v of_o it_o we_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o many_o other_o sin_n and_o may_v live_v to_o repent_v of_o they_o but_o he_o that_o murder_v himself_o be_v fure_z to_o die_v in_o his_o sin_n and_o to_o be_v hurry_v away_o in_o the_o reek_n and_o gild_n of_o his_o own_o blood_n to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n without_o allow_v himself_o time_n to_o ask_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o it_o or_o at_o least_o to_o purge_v his_o conscience_n from_o so_o deep_a and_o indelible_a a_o stain_n as_o this_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o can_v be_v save_v without_o repentance_n as_o the_o gospel_n assure_v we_o we_o can_v not_o he_o that_o destroy_v his_o own_o life_n can_v be_v save_v according_a to_o the_o gospel-covenant_n because_o he_o die_v in_o a_o sin_n that_o can_v be_v repent_v of_o it_o be_v true_a god_n may_v have_v more_o mercy_n for_o sinner_n than_o he_o make_v we_o acquaint_v with_o which_o may_v be_v just_a enough_o to_o keep_v our_o hope_n alive_a at_o the_o death_n of_o such_o person_n but_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o last_o revelation_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o infinite_a presumption_n in_o expectation_n of_o unrevealed_a grace_n to_o venture_v upon_o a_o sin_n which_o all_o the_o grace_n and_o truth_n that_o come_v by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v too_o little_a to_o secure_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o these_o be_v great_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o self-murder_n and_o i_o fear_v the_o excuse_n which_o be_v make_v for_o it_o will_v prove_v no_o better_o since_o they_o all_o centre_n in_o a_o high_a discontent_n at_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n no_o man_n offer_v to_o make_v away_o himself_o that_o think_v himself_o well_o in_o this_o world_n or_o that_o submit_v to_o the_o trouble_n and_o calamity_n which_o befall_v he_o as_o come_v from_o the_o just_a and_o overrule_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o for_o man_n to_o throw_v away_o their_o life_n in_o a_o pet_n and_o to_o grow_v so_o utter_o weary_a of_o they_o that_o they_o can_v endure_v to_o live_v a_o few_o day_n long_a or_o wait_v for_o god_n permission_n to_o depart_v in_o peace_n be_v a_o very_a high_a reflection_n upon_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o providence_n as_o if_o he_o have_v thrust_v they_o into_o a_o world_n that_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o they_o to_o live_v in_o as_o if_o hey_n know_v better_a when_o and_o how_o to_o deliver_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n than_o he_o do_v as_o if_o god_n have_v no_o regard_n to_o their_o suffering_n or_o have_v leave_v it_o to_o their_o discretion_n to_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o discharge_v themselves_o from_o his_o service_n when_o they_o please_v or_o have_v not_o provide_v a_o better_a world_n to_o requite_v they_o for_o it_o as_o if_o a_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a recompense_n for_o their_o patience_n under_o the_o heavy_a affliction_n of_o this_o present_a life_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n this_o be_v so_o false_a and_o insolent_a a_o charge_n against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o spoil_v the_o 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much_o less_o to_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n or_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v bind_v over_o to_o destruction_n with_o the_o iron_n chain_n of_o a_o irrespective_a decree_n or_o that_o christ_n die_v to_o save_v but_o very_o few_o of_o those_o that_o be_v call_v by_o his_o name_n and_o methinks_v the_o effect_n which_o these_o and_o the_o like_a doctrine_n have_v have_v upon_o poor_a melancholy_a soul_n shall_v be_v no_o argument_n to_o recom_v they_o to_o any_o serious_a and_o impartial_a judgement_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o narrow_a the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n who_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v or_o lay_v the_o damnation_n of_o man_n upon_o any_o thing_n but_o their_o own_o wilful_a opposition_n to_o the_o grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o lead_v to_o repentance_n 2._o it_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v very_o cautious_a of_o all_o the_o method_n and_o degree_n of_o this_o sin_n such_o as_o pierce_v our_o heart_n with_o worldly_a care_n poison_v our_o health_n and_o surfeit_v our_o body_n with_o excess_n and_o die_v the_o martyr_n of_o intemperance_n or_o lust_n how_o many_o owe_v their_o death_n to_o the_o revel_n of_o a_o night_n drink_v away_o their_o reason_n and_o drown_v themselves_o in_o river_n of_o wine_n game_n high_a and_o when_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o money_n or_o engage_v their_o estate_n or_o honour_n sell_v their_o life_n to_o redeem_v they_o these_o man_n do_v as_o certain_o kill_v themselves_o and_o very_o often_o as_o sudden_o too_o as_o he_o that_o strangle_v himself_o or_o sheath_n the_o fatal_a poniard_n in_o his_o sob_a and_z despairin_fw-mi breast_n and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o die_v as_o a_o fool_n dyes._n without_o any_o consideration_n of_o the_o life_n he_o have_v lead_v or_o of_o the_o everlasting_a state_n he_o be_v launch_v into_o that_o man_n that_o be_v not_o fond_a of_o destruction_n and_o in_o love_n wih_o misery_n will_v venture_v his_o life_n and_o soul_n upon_o such_o hazard_n as_o these_o be_v there_o no_o other_o life_n than_o this_o a_o prudent_a man_n will_v not_o be_v prodigal_a of_o it_o but_o to_o throw_v it_o away_o at_o one_o cast_v or_o to_o stake_v it_o against_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o debauch_n when_o all_o eternity_n depend_v upon_o it_o be_v a_o astonish_a instance_n of_o the_o madness_n of_o folly_n oh_o that_o mean_v be_v wise_a 32.9_o deut._n 32.9_o that_o they_o understand_v this_o that_o they_o will_v consider_v their_o latter_a end_n that_o in_o kindness_n to_o their_o soul_n which_o must_v live_v forever_o they_o will_v frequent_o entertain_v themselves_o with_o the_o serious_a thought_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n eternal_a happiness_n and_o misery_n and_o not_o suffer_v their_o lust_n and_o
proper_a and_o great_a end_n of_o live_v to_o assist_v you_o herein_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o i_o shall_v remind_v you_o of_o this_o certain_a and_o important_a truth_n that_o the_o life_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n be_v very_o short_a and_o transitory_a and_o then_o 2._o show_v you_o what_o practical_a inference_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o shortness_n and_o instability_n of_o our_o life_n 1._o the_o life_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n be_v very_o short_a and_o transitory_a this_o be_v matter_n of_o sense_n and_o one_o of_o the_o most_o obvious_a truth_n that_o ever_o nature_n or_o experience_n teach_v we_o the_o grave_a every_o time_n it_o open_v its_o mouth_n give_v we_o a_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o it_o it_o show_v we_o of_o what_o mould_n we_o be_v make_v what_o we_o be_v and_o what_o we_o must_v short_o be_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o vigour_n and_o gaiety_n of_o youth_n be_v go_v before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o border_n 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ease_v we_o of_o they_o many_o of_o they_o be_v but_o vmbrae_fw-la malorum_fw-la 89._o sen._n ep._n 89._o as_o seneca_n call_v they_o mere_a shadow_n and_o appearance_n of_o evil_a such_o as_o we_o apprehend_v in_o our_o dream_n when_o our_o fancy_n be_v trouble_v and_o when_o we_o awake_v have_v no_o real_a mischief_n or_o terror_n in_o they_o and_o such_o be_v our_o want_n of_o all_o the_o unnecessary_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n we_o fancy_v we_o shall_v live_v more_o pleasant_o if_o we_o have_v more_o estate_n or_o more_o power_n and_o applause_n in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o may_v be_v we_o shall_v live_v worse_o than_o we_o do_v and_o not_o so_o long_o as_o we_o may_v do_v without_o they_o for_o we_o see_v that_o few_o man_n that_o have_v they_o have_v virtue_n enough_o to_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o they_o and_o that_o the_o estate_n and_o the_o owner_n do_v very_o often_o help_v to_o ruin_n one_o another_o and_o for_o those_o affliction_n which_o be_v real_a and_o we_o can_v 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