equal_o oblige_v to_o be_v religious_a at_o least_o thus_o much_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n the_o great_a motive_n of_o religion_n can_v be_v so_o powerful_o enforce_v to_o the_o influence_a the_o life_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n by_o one_o who_o shall_v undertake_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o reality_n of_o they_o by_o force_n of_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o by_o one_o who_o show_v sufficient_a credential_n of_o his_o have_v be_v himself_o there_o shall_v assure_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n 10._o though_o therefore_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a to_o reason_n than_o the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n yet_o because_o it_o be_v too_o nice_a and_o laborious_a a_o work_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a importance_n for_o man_n of_o all_o capacity_n to_o discover_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n all_o the_o particular_a branch_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o because_o in_o the_o discovery_n of_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v the_o great_a motive_n of_o religion_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v more_o easy_o wrought_v upon_o and_o more_o strong_o affect_v by_o testimony_n than_o by_o argument_n and_o because_o some_o thing_n necessary_a in_o our_o present_a corrupt_a state_n such_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o mean_n by_o which_o a_o sinner_n may_v appease_v god_n after_o he_o have_v offend_v he_o can_v certain_o be_v discover_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n at_o all_o therefore_o there_o be_v evident_o a_o necessity_n of_o some_o particular_a revelation_n which_o may_v supply_v these_o defect_n and_o this_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o be_v so_o sensible_a of_o that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o principal_a lawgiver_n among_o they_o who_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o receive_v his_o law_n or_o at_o least_o his_o instruction_n for_o make_v those_o law_n by_o some_o divine_a revelation_n and_o plato_n in_o that_o most_o remarkable_a passage_n before-cited_n acknowledge_v so_o plain_o the_o want_n of_o such_o a_o revelation_n as_o even_o to_o question_v whether_o it_o will_v not_o be_v better_o that_o man_n shall_v forbear_v sacrifice_v whole_o till_o such_o time_n as_o god_n shall_v discover_v to_o they_o in_o what_o manner_n he_o will_v have_v it_o do_v it_o be_v therefore_o agreeable_a to_o the_o natural_a expectation_n of_o man_n that_o god_n shall_v make_v some_o particular_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n which_o may_v supply_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o unworthy_a of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o make_v such_o a_o revelation_n be_v also_o evident_a for_o can_v any_o man_n say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o unwise_a thing_n for_o the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n to_o reveal_v to_o his_o creature_n more_o full_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o become_v like_o himself_o can_v any_o man_n say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o unwise_a thing_n for_o god_n to_o declare_v what_o satisfaction_n he_o will_v accept_v for_o sin_n and_o upon_o what_o condition_n he_o will_v receive_v return_v sinner_n can_v any_o man_n say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n unworthy_a of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o make_v particular_a discovery_n of_o his_o will_n to_o his_o creature_n and_o to_o set_v before_o they_o in_o a_o clear_a light_n the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o a_o future_a state_n this_o be_v so_o manifest_a that_o nothing_o needs_o further_o be_v say_v about_o it_o 11._o now_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v such_o a_o particular_a revelation_n actual_o make_v by_o god_n that_o the_o peculiar_a duty_n which_o it_o enjoin_v be_v indeed_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o peculiar_a motive_n by_o which_o it_o enforce_v those_o duty_n thing_n true_a and_o in_o reality_n establish_v by_o god_n of_o this_o we_o have_v all_o the_o proof_n that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v and_o that_o be_v agreeable_a either_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o give_v or_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n to_o expect_v to_o represent_v the_o motive_n which_o be_v to_o enforce_v the_o practice_n of_o any_o thing_n more_o evident_o and_o strong_o than_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n design_v to_o be_v enforce_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o alwise_a god_n and_o to_o expect_v other_o proof_n of_o any_o thing_n than_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v be_v capable_a of_o be_v unreasonable_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o understanding_n men._n the_o design_n then_o of_o religion_n be_v to_o make_v man_n happy_a by_o make_v they_o religious_a that_o be_v to_o make_v happiness_n not_o the_o fate_n of_o man_n nature_n but_o the_o reward_n of_o their_o virtue_n it_o be_v plain_a the_o motive_n of_o religion_n ought_v of_o necessity_n to_o be_v such_o as_o may_v abundant_o encourage_v all_o wise_a man_n to_o cleave_v inseparable_o to_o their_o duty_n as_o to_o their_o life_n and_o yet_o leave_v room_n for_o man_n desperate_o wicked_a and_o incorrigible_a to_o avoid_v be_v force_v into_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o that_o happiness_n which_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o purchase_v at_o the_o rate_n of_o be_v religious_a the_o reward_n of_o everlasting_a life_n promise_v to_o obedience_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o eternal_a misery_n threaten_v to_o disobedience_n be_v motive_n in_o themselves_o infinite_o and_o irresistable_o strong_a for_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n open_o expose_v to_o view_v and_o propose_v as_o the_o immediate_a and_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o a_o man_n choose_v or_o refuse_v his_o duty_n it_o will_v be_v as_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n in_o actual_a view_n of_o these_o two_o different_a state_n not_o to_o choose_v his_o duty_n and_o refuse_v the_o contrary_a as_o for_o a_o heavy_a body_n not_o to_o fall_v downward_o to_o the_o ground_n though_o therefore_o the_o infinite_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a god_n have_v indeed_o propose_v to_o we_o these_o great_a and_o most_o powerful_a motive_n that_o man_n by_o choose_v their_o duty_n may_v choose_v their_o life_n and_o become_v happy_a in_o consequence_n of_o their_o become_a religious_a yet_o have_v he_o so_o propose_v they_o invisible_a at_o present_a and_o at_o a_o distance_n that_o good_a man_n may_v have_v some_o exercise_n of_o their_o virtue_n by_o choose_v their_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o their_o happiness_n and_o that_o man_n obstinate_o impenitent_a may_v not_o partake_v of_o the_o happiness_n without_o choose_v the_o duty_n to_o which_o that_o happiness_n be_v annex_v again_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o reveal_v institution_n of_o religion_n be_v such_o that_o except_v the_o agreeableness_n of_o its_o doctrine_n to_o the_o eternal_a rule_n of_o reason_n the_o chief_a evidence_n of_o its_o be_v from_o god_n must_v of_o necessity_n depend_v upon_o the_o credible_a testimony_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o that_o evidence_n of_o which_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a aught_o to_o be_v account_v sufficient_a in_o the_o present_a case_n and_o to_o require_v great_a proof_n than_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v be_v absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a 12._o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n therefore_o be_v indeed_o a_o revelation_n sufficient_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v from_o god_n may_v be_v satisfactory_o evidence_v to_o a_o man_n be_v own_o mind_n by_o these_o consideration_n that_o the_o duty_n which_o it_o enjoin_v be_v all_o such_o as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o our_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o most_o conducive_a to_o the_o happiness_n and_o well-being_n of_o man_n that_o the_o motive_n by_o which_o it_o enforce_v those_o duty_n be_v such_o as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o excellent_a wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o most_o answerable_a to_o the_o natural_a expectation_n of_o man_n that_o the_o peculiar_a circumstance_n with_o which_o it_o enjoin_v these_o duty_n and_o urge_v these_o motive_n be_v such_o as_o be_v most_o exact_o consonant_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o most_o wise_o perfective_a of_o it_o and_o that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v prove_v moreover_o to_o be_v teach_v and_o confirm_v of_o god_n by_o the_o most_o credible_a and_o convince_a testimony_n that_o ever_o be_v give_v to_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o the_o world_n 13._o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o duty_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n enjoin_v be_v all_o such_o as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o our_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o most_o conducive_a to_o the_o happiness_n and_o well-being_n of_o men._n this_o be_v a_o proof_n which_o be_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v a_o wise_a man_n of_o a_o religion_n be_v be_v from_o god_n for_o that_o
to_o exhort_v those_o who_o be_v in_o any_o capacity_n entrust_v with_o the_o instruction_n of_o child_n that_o they_o be_v careful_a for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o welfare_n of_o his_o church_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o love_n god_n and_o religion_n with_o their_o first_o love_n to_o improve_v in_o they_o those_o natural_a principle_n of_o justice_n and_o truth_n honesty_n and_o thankfulness_n simplicity_n and_o obedience_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o their_o very_a creation_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o resist_v the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o first_o insinuation_n of_o vice_n and_o to_o be_v afraid_a of_o a_o sin_n as_o of_o death_n to_o fill_v their_o mind_n with_o great_a and_o honourable_a thought_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o be_v make_v member_n of_o christ_n child_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o heaven_n to_o instruct_v they_o full_o in_o the_o extent_n and_o obligation_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n which_o in_o their_o baptism_n they_o engage_v to_o perform_v and_o when_o they_o be_v thus_o qualify_v to_o bring_v they_o with_o understanding_n and_o resolution_n with_o desire_n and_o zeal_n to_o receive_v at_o confirmation_n the_o consummation_n of_o baptismal_a grace_n and_o a_o joyful_a assurance_n of_o glory_n and_o immortality_n if_o they_o shall_v persevere_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o their_o obedience_n to_o the_o end_n 8._o my_o design_n in_o the_o follow_a essay_n be_v not_o to_o enter_v into_o any_o question_n of_o dispute_n but_o only_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o brief_a and_o practical_a direction_n by_o which_o one_o that_o design_n to_o be_v confirm_v who_o i_o always_o suppose_v of_o age_n to_o understand_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n or_o one_o that_o be_v already_o confirm_v and_o be_v sincere_o desirous_a to_o lead_v a_o religious_a life_n may_v attain_v to_o that_o primitive_a holiness_n and_o that_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n which_o become_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n chap._n ii_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v before_o confirmation_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o revelation_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o consideration_n 1._o first_o then_o in_o order_n to_o receive_v confirmation_n or_o to_o begin_v the_o great_a work_n of_o religion_n with_o due_a preparation_n of_o mind_n endeavour_v before_o all_o thing_n to_o attain_v a_o real_a and_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n that_o will_v be_v able_a to_o support_v the_o design_n of_o a_o true_o religious_a life_n if_o we_o do_v real_o and_o firm_o believe_v the_o be_v and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n if_o we_o be_v indeed_o convince_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n if_o we_o be_v in_o earnest_n persuade_v that_o there_o will_v certain_o come_v a_o day_n of_o retribution_n wherein_o every_o man_n shall_v receive_v according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_a this_o be_v a_o faith_n which_o will_v assure_o overcome_v the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o belief_n which_o will_v certain_o baffle_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n this_o will_v make_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n seem_v mean_a and_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n insipid_a in_o a_o word_n this_o will_v inspire_v man_n with_o such_o a_o vigorous_a zeal_n as_o will_v make_v they_o not_o only_o with_o ease_n and_o contentment_n but_o with_o a_o mighty_a pleasure_n sacrifice_v all_o earthly_a enjoyment_n to_o the_o do_v the_o great_a good_a here_o and_o obtain_v the_o great_a happiness_n hereafter_o but_o if_o we_o enter_v upon_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n rash_o and_o inconsiderate_o more_o for_o form_n and_o custom_n than_o upon_o any_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o conviction_n of_o mind_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a we_o shall_v persevere_v in_o well-doing_n with_o resolution_n and_o patience_n the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n the_o solicitation_n of_o pleasure_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o other_o thing_n will_v certain_o prevail_v over_o we_o and_o seduce_v we_o into_o sin_n nothing_o but_o a_o firm_a faith_n ground_v upon_o a_o impartial_a view_n and_o a_o deep_a consideration_n of_o thing_n can_v possible_o carry_v a_o man_n through_o the_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n but_o he_o that_o begin_v to_o build_v upon_o this_o foundation_n and_o lay_v down_o his_o first_o principle_n of_o faith_n immovable_a as_o a_o rock_n will_v be_v able_a to_o surmount_v all_o difficulty_n with_o bravery_n and_o constancy_n and_o will_v attain_v the_o end_n of_o his_o hope_n with_o triumph_n and_o joy_n 2._o the_o true_a reason_n why_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o those_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o christianity_n be_v either_o wicked_a and_o licentious_a or_o at_o least_o cold_a and_o indifferent_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v plain_o this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o in_o earnest_n believe_v as_o they_o pretend_v and_o profess_v to_o do_v the_o great_a article_n of_o religion_n they_o in_o course_n profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n without_o have_v ever_o consider_v what_o christianity_n be_v and_o therefore_o it_o have_v little_a or_o no_o influence_n upon_o their_o life_n and_o action_n for_o do_v man_n indeed_o as_o firm_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o character_n they_o be_v willing_a to_o bear_v in_o the_o world_n oblige_v they_o to_o pretend_v they_o do_v it_o will_v be_v in_o a_o manner_n as_o strange_a to_o find_v a_o man_n who_o action_n shall_v give_v his_o word_n the_o lie_n and_o his_o life_n be_v unsuitable_a to_o his_o profession_n as_o to_o hear_v one_o dispute_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o hell_n or_o no_o while_o he_o be_v actual_o torment_v in_o the_o flame_n thereof_o for_o though_o faith_n have_v not_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v yet_o if_o it_o be_v well_o ground_v it_o can_v not_o but_o have_v in_o good_a measure_n the_o same_o effect_n upon_o the_o live_v of_o man_n as_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n will_v have_v when_o a_o temporal_a prince_n declare_v that_o whoever_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o such_o or_o such_o crime_n shall_v certain_o undergo_v this_o or_o that_o particular_a punishment_n such_o a_o declaration_n have_v general_o the_o same_o influence_n upon_o all_o the_o subject_n concern_v as_o if_o they_o see_v the_o punishment_n already_o actual_o inflict_v upon_o the_o criminal_n when_o therefore_o the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n declare_v to_o mankind_n his_o will_n which_o be_v their_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o enforce_v the_o obligation_n of_o that_o law_n by_o such_o threat_n and_o promise_n as_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v that_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n contain_v if_o these_o threat_n and_o promise_v of_o the_o almighty_a have_v not_o the_o same_o influence_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n as_o those_o of_o a_o earthly_a prince_n in_o other_o case_n general_o have_v be_v it_o not_o evident_a either_o that_o man_n do_v not_o in_o earnest_n believe_v that_o these_o threat_n and_o promise_n be_v indeed_o the_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n or_o else_o that_o they_o imagine_v that_o though_o he_o now_o so_o earnest_o press_v and_o seem_v so_o severe_o to_o exact_v obedience_n to_o his_o law_n yet_o at_o last_o he_o will_v not_o punish_v the_o contempt_n of_o they_o if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n how_o come_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o have_v lose_v that_o efficacy_n in_o reform_v the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n for_o which_o it_o be_v once_o so_o eminent_a even_o among_o its_o enemy_n themselves_o if_o we_o do_v indeed_o believe_v the_o same_o gospel_n and_o live_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v how_o come_v that_o religion_n not_o to_o have_v the_o same_o influence_n upon_o our_o life_n and_o action_n that_o it_o have_v upon_o they_o can_v we_o hear_v man_n daily_o profane_v the_o sacred_a name_n of_o god_n with_o impious_a and_o horrid_a oath_n and_o yet_o think_v they_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n jealous_a of_o his_o honour_n and_o that_o will_v avenge_v himself_o on_o such_o a_o nation_n as_o this_o can_v we_o see_v man_n cheat_v and_o cozen_v destroy_v and_o prey_n upon_o one_o another_o without_o the_o least_o scruple_n or_o appearance_n of_o remorse_n and_o yet_o think_v they_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o severity_n thereof_o in_o a_o word_n can_v we_o see_v man_n dally_v with_o eternity_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o few_o empty_a and_o momentany_a gratification_n
particular_o and_o endeavour_n to_o amend_v they_o will_v be_v able_a to_o avoid_v and_o overcome_v many_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v by_o other_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o unavoidable_a frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o nature_n 7._o and_o in_o proportion_n as_o a_o man_n arrive_v near_a to_o this_o perfect_a state_n of_o virtue_n so_o will_v that_o peace_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a reward_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o world_n grow_v up_o by_o degree_n to_o a_o settle_a joy_n and_o assurance_n of_o mind_n one_o who_o life_n be_v void_a of_o great_a and_o scandalous_a crime_n but_o otherwise_o not_o strict_a and_o diligent_a will_v be_v free_a indeed_o from_o the_o terror_n and_o amazement_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o because_o he_o have_v take_v no_o great_a pain_n nor_o do_v any_o thing_n considerable_a for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n his_o mind_n will_v yet_o be_v disturb_v with_o many_o scrupulous_a doubt_n and_o uncertain_a fear_n but_o when_o a_o man_n have_v be_v true_o diligent_a to_o improve_v himself_o to_o the_o utmost_a and_o have_v with_o zeal_n and_o earnestness_n press_v forward_o towards_o perfection_n then_o be_v it_o that_o he_o attain_v to_o that_o tranquillity_n and_o assurance_n which_o wise_a man_n have_v compare_v to_o a_o continual_a feast_n the_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n which_o 36._o some_o have_v find_v upon_o the_o careful_a and_o strict_a examination_n of_o one_o past_a day_n action_n have_v be_v very_o great_a but_o that_o complete_a assurance_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o a_o man_n life_n have_v be_v spend_v in_o the_o strictness_n and_o in_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o pleasure_n infinite_o surpass_v all_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sense_n be_v indeed_o a_o fore-taste_a of_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o a_o rejoice_v beforehand_o in_o christ_n with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n such_o a_o 8._o one_o as_o have_v arrive_v to_o this_o pitch_n live_v in_o peace_n and_o die_v with_o assurance_n and_o at_o the_o appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n shall_v be_v present_v fault_n less_o before_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o glory_n with_o 24._o exceed_v joy_n the_o end_n essay_n the_o three_o of_o repentance_n chap._n i._o of_o repentance_n in_o general_n 1._o the_o plain_a and_o express_a condition_n upon_o which_o the_o gospel_n promise_v salvation_n to_o all_o man_n be_v obedience_n or_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o time_n from_o which_o this_o holy_a life_n be_v to_o begin_v be_v either_o baptism_n or_o confirmation_n that_o be_v the_o time_n when_o those_o who_o be_v either_o at_o ripe_a year_n convert_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o have_v from_o their_o infancy_n be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o come_v to_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o from_o this_o period_n every_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o persevere_v in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v in_o a_o continual_a and_o sincere_a though_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n the_o gospel_n plain_o declare_v to_o we_o and_o that_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o heaven_n shall_v be_v at_o all_o promise_v to_o so_o small_a a_o service_n as_o the_o imperfect_a obedience_n which_o weak_a sinful_a degenerate_a man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o perform_v be_v the_o purchase_n of_o the_o price_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o infinite_a riches_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o christ._n have_v god_n therefore_o to_o those_o who_o have_v once_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v once_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o 6._o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v allow_v no_o more_o remission_n for_o wilful_a and_o presumptuous_a sin_n but_o accept_v those_o only_a who_o have_v once_o wash_v their_o garment_n 14._o in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n shall_v from_o thenceforward_o keep_v themselves_o in_o a_o gospel_n sense_n pure_a and_o undefiled_a yet_o have_v his_o mercy_n be_v infinite_o great_a than_o sinful_a man_n can_v have_v deserve_v or_o expect_v but_o such_o be_v the_o earnestness_n of_o god_n desire_n to_o make_v his_o creature_n happy_a and_o such_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o grace_n make_v know_v by_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n that_o even_o to_o those_o who_o have_v be_v already_o admit_v to_o the_o mercy_n and_o favour_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n of_o a_o great_a and_o glorious_a reward_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o easy_a and_o most_o reasonable_a obedience_n and_o have_v be_v endue_v with_o the_o earnest_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v notwithstanding_o relapse_n after_o all_o this_o into_o wilful_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n even_o to_o these_o i_o say_v he_o have_v yet_o further_o grant_v that_o if_o by_o a_o solemn_a repentance_n they_o shall_v again_o unfeigned_o renew_v their_o obedience_n and_o from_o that_o period_n persevere_v in_o well-doing_n to_o the_o end_n they_o shall_v yet_o attain_v to_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o shall_v be_v save_v as_o firebrand_n pluck_v out_o of_o the_o fire_n or_o as_o man_n escape_v upon_o a_o plank_n after_o shipwreck_n 2._o by_o repentance_n therefore_o i_o will_v all_o along_o in_o this_o essay_n be_v understand_v to_o mean_v not_o that_o repentance_n which_o be_v the_o constant_a duty_n of_o all_o christian_n who_o be_v indeed_o continual_o bind_v to_o repent_v in_o general_n of_o all_o those_o slip_v and_o infirmity_n those_o defect_n and_o surprise_v which_o by_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n be_v most_o ready_o pardon_v for_o this_o repentance_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o new_a period_n or_o beginning_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o a_o necessary_a and_o continue_a part_n of_o that_o imperfect_a obedience_n which_o man_n in_o this_o degenerate_a state_n be_v capable_a of_o perform_v and_o which_o god_n have_v in_o his_o gospel_n declare_v that_o he_o will_v always_o accept_v instead_o of_o perfect_a innocence_n but_o by_o repentance_n i_o here_o understand_v that_o repentance_n which_o be_v a_o entire_a change_n of_o heart_n and_o mind_n a_o turn_n from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n whereby_o those_o who_o by_o wilful_a and_o deadly_a sin_n have_v leave_v their_o first_o estate_n and_o forfeit_v their_o title_n to_o the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n be_v to_o begin_v anew_o their_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o recover_v the_o mercy_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o that_o no_o one_o may_v be_v perplex_v with_o vain_a scruple_n and_o unreasonable_a fear_n this_o repentance_n be_v such_o as_o plain_o no_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o but_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o great_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n of_o blasphemy_n perjury_n open_a profaneness_n or_o contempt_n of_o religion_n of_o murder_n sedition_n theft_n manifest_a and_o design_a injustice_n hatred_n fraud_n wrong_v or_o oppression_n of_o adultery_n fornication_n uncleanness_n or_o habitual_a drunkenness_n and_o intemperance_n or_o of_o some_o other_o sin_n either_o malicious_o wilful_a or_o notorious_o habitual_a chap._n ii_o that_o god_n allow_v repentance_n even_o to_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n 1._o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n there_o be_v novatian_n a_o sect_n of_o man_n who_o upon_o a_o mistake_a interpretation_n of_o some_o passage_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o hebrew_n contend_v that_o there_o be_v 59_o no_o more_o place_n of_o repentance_n allow_v to_o those_o who_o after_o baptism_n shall_v fall_v into_o any_o of_o these_o wilful_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n they_o teach_v that_o in_o baptism_n indeed_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o blasphemy_n whatsoever_o be_v forgive_v man_n absolute_o and_o wash_v away_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n but_o that_o if_o after_o that_o great_a remission_n they_o sin_v again_o wilful_o and_o presumptuous_o they_o can_v no_o more_o obtain_v any_o further_a pardon_n than_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n that_o great_a sacrifice_n for_o sin_n can_v be_v repeat_v and_o that_o therefore_o however_o they_o shall_v sincere_o repent_v yet_o there_o now_o remain_v nothing_o 27._o more_o for_o they_o but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n but_o that_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n and_o that_o god_n do_v admit_v even_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n upon_o their_o true_a repentance_n to_o forgiveness_n and_o pardon_n be_v evident_a both_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n from_o the_o practice_n