ancient_a prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o if_o so_o than_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o christ_n shall_v careful_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n before_o his_o ascension_n in_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v he_o or_o elaborate_o explain_v to_o they_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o incarnation_n passion_n and_o ascension_n since_o this_o conduce_v not_o direct_o to_o the_o end_n before_o mention_v and_o may_v more_o convenient_o be_v effect_v when_o it_o shall_v become_v necessary_a after_o his_o ascension_n by_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o according_o we_o find_v not_o our_o saviour_n in_o all_o his_o private_a discourse_n and_o instruction_n to_o his_o apostle_n profess_o explain_v the_o scripture_n to_o they_o before_o his_o resurrection_n he_o frequent_o admonish_v they_o of_o the_o danger_n and_o affliction_n they_o shall_v undergo_v in_o execute_v their_o mission_n of_o the_o courage_n patience_n and_o other_o virtue_n wherewith_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v endue_v and_o the_o perpetual_a assistance_n which_o they_o may_v expect_v from_o he_o but_o seldom_o inculcate_v the_o consideration_n of_o those_o prophecy_n which_o may_v bring_v they_o to_o a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n or_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o mention_v and_o explain_v such_o prophecy_n to_o they_o it_o be_v only_o by_o way_n of_o proposal_n without_o any_o such_o extraordinary_a illumination_n of_o mind_n and_o infuse_v capacity_n of_o understand_v they_o as_o be_v afterward_o bestow_v on_o they_o by_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o never_o deny_v to_o they_o indeed_o that_o ordinary_a grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o give_v to_o all_o well_o dispose_v person_n who_o right_o ask_v it_o but_o the_o efficacy_n of_o that_o ordinary_a assistance_n be_v overthrow_v and_o stifle_v by_o the_o more_o potent_a resistance_n of_o inveterate_a prejudices_fw-la and_o false_a preconceive_a opinion_n concern_v the_o messiah_n but_o if_o the_o apostle_n receive_v no_o extraordinary_a instruction_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o their_o master_n before_o his_o resurrection_n we_o can_v hope_v that_o they_o shall_v obtain_v any_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o it_o by_o their_o natuâ—…al_a strength_n or_o acquire_v learning_n mâ—…ny_o reason_n have_v induce_v our_o saviour_n to_o choose_v to_o he_o disciple_n rather_o out_o of_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o people_n than_o from_o the_o learned_a doctor_n and_o expositor_n of_o the_o law_n and_o at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n by_o a_o iâ—…tollerable_a corruption_n of_o discipline_n the_o common_a people_n be_v by_o their_o doctor_n and_o teacher_n studious_o deprive_v of_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o exact_a and_o accurate_a knowledge_n of_o scripture_n they_o be_v deter_v from_o a_o diligent_a search_n of_o scripture_n by_o many_o artifices_fw-la and_o pretence_n by_o amplify_a the_o difficulty_n of_o their_o undertake_n the_o obscurity_n of_o those_o oracle_n and_o rashness_n of_o inquire_v into_o those_o sacred_a mystery_n with_o unwashen_n hand_n that_o be_v as_o themselves_o explain_v it_o without_o a_o tedious_a preparation_n of_o learning_n and_o education_n by_o these_o argument_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n have_v engross_v the_o study_n of_o scripture_n to_o themselves_o and_o take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n have_v suffer_v none_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o disquisition_n and_o examination_n of_o those_o sacred_a prophecy_n upon_o account_n of_o this_o ignorance_n in_o the_o common_a people_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n in_o the_o vi_o st._n john_n ver_fw-la 39_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v no_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o true_a messiah_n who_o can_v be_v know_v no_o otherwise_o than_o from_o scripture_n but_o this_o people_n who_o know_v not_o the_o law_n be_v curse_v we_o can_v imagine_v the_o apostle_n to_o have_v be_v exempt_a from_o this_o common_a calamity_n but_o rather_o more_o deep_o engage_v in_o it_o than_o other_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o meanness_n of_o their_o condition_n the_o nature_n of_o their_o employment_n their_o gross_a and_o perpetual_a mistake_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n and_o till_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n their_o insuperable_a slowness_n of_o understanding_n if_o then_o a_o right_a knowledge_n of_o scripture_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o a_o perfect_a understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o office_n of_o the_o messiah_n if_o the_o apostle_n be_v natural_o devoid_a of_o this_o knowledge_n and_o not_o extraordinary_o endue_v with_o it_o by_o christ_n before_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n all_o which_o we_o have_v already_o prove_v it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o the_o apostle_n before_o the_o reception_n of_o that_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o mystery_n and_o design_n of_o their_o master_n mission_n and_o according_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v find_v their_o ignorance_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v assign_v as_o the_o chief_a cause_n of_o their_o mistake_n in_o all_o other_o point_n so_o that_o what_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o the_o jew_n you_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n be_v perfect_o true_a of_o they_o thus_o john_n xi_o 22._o our_o saviour_n promise_v to_o raise_v up_o the_o temple_n of_o his_o body_n in_o three_o day_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v dissolve_v his_o apostle_n understand_v not_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o his_o word_n but_o when_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a than_o they_o at_o last_o remember_v that_o he_o have_v say_v this_o unto_o they_o and_o they_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o word_n which_o jesus_n have_v say_v they_o before_o even_o from_o their_o infancy_n believe_v the_o scripture_n in_o general_n that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o divine_o inspire_v but_o now_o they_o understand_v and_o believe_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n the_o ignorance_n of_o which_o have_v before_o cause_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o error_n again_o s._n john_n xii_o 16._o these_o thing_n understand_v not_o his_o disciple_n at_o the_o first_o but_o when_o jesus_n be_v glorify_v that_o be_v after_o his_o ascension_n then_o remember_v they_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v of_o he_o and_o that_o they_o have_v do_v these_o thing_n unto_o he_o here_o the_o promise_n make_v in_o the_o text_n be_v full_o accomplish_v by_o a_o twofold_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o one_o recall_v into_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o action_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n of_o which_o they_o have_v be_v witness_n in_o his_o life_n time_n the_o other_o clear_o propose_v to_o they_o the_o entire_a conformity_n between_o those_o action_n and_o the_o precedent_a prophecy_n which_o be_v write_v of_o he_o in_o like_a manner_n our_o saviour_n reprove_v the_o disciple_n of_o emmaus_n for_o their_o amazement_n and_o despair_n of_o their_o master_n resurrection_n upbraid_v to_o they_o their_o ignorance_n of_o scripture_n o_o fool_n and_o slow_a of_o heart_n to_o believe_v all_o that_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v ought_v not_o christ_n to_o have_v suffer_v these_o thing_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o his_o glory_n luc._n xxiv_o 25_o 26._o they_o doubt_v not_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o prophecy_n but_o affix_v false_a interpretation_n to_o they_o have_v pervert_v their_o sense_n and_o thereby_o in_o believe_v they_o assent_v not_o to_o the_o true_a prophefy_v but_o to_o the_o fiction_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o thereby_o be_v hinder_v from_o understand_v the_o necessity_n of_o christ_n suffer_v these_o thing_n and_o enter_v into_o his_o glory_n i_o have_v now_o dispatch_v the_o first_o and_o chief_a reason_n of_o the_o a_o postle_n ignorance_n i_o proceed_v to_o assign_v some_o other_o cause_n of_o it_o and_o among_o these_o the_o false_a notion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la which_o they_o have_v receive_v by_o their_o education_n deserve_v more_o especial_o to_o be_v consider_v the_o jew_n have_v ever_o even_o from_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n live_v in_o expectation_n of_o a_o glorious_a messiah_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o most_o illustrious_a benefit_n to_o their_o nation_n rescue_v they_o from_o their_o affliction_n and_o settle_v they_o in_o a_o exte_v nal_a state_n of_o happiness_n this_o be_v typify_v by_o all_o their_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n foretell_v by_o their_o prophet_n and_o celebrate_v in_o their_o public_a office_n in_o the_o firm_a expectation_n of_o this_o their_o forefather_n die_v and_o themselves_o continue_v their_o hope_n under_o their_o great_a affliction_n but_o then_o by_o false_a interpretation_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n the_o doctor_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n have_v long_o before_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n entertain_v and_o propagate_v mean_a and_o unworthy_a thought_n
most_o holy_a reform_a religion_n of_o our_o church_n which_o be_v indeed_o no_o other_o than_o the_o pure_a and_o genuine_a christianity_n by_o decry_v it_o as_o heretical_a and_o damnable_a to_o obviate_v the_o design_n of_o these_o man_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o effectual_a than_o to_o apply_v ourselves_o diligent_o to_o the_o study_n of_o christianity_n to_o inquire_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n what_o christ_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o and_o to_o search_v the_o design_n and_o mystery_n of_o his_o religion_n this_o be_v become_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o private_a christian_a at_o this_o time_n that_o so_o his_o ignorance_n may_v not_o lay_v he_o open_v to_o the_o attempt_v of_o design_v man_n who_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v and_o betray_v he_o to_o be_v a_o prey_n to_o error_n and_o superstition_n to_o this_o pursuance_n and_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n our_o church_n encourage_v and_o earnest_o entreat_v we_o she_o take_v no_o refuge_n in_o the_o ignorance_n of_o her_o communicant_o nor_o discourage_v they_o from_o examine_v her_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n as_o well_o know_v that_o this_o examination_n will_v end_v in_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o that_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o knowledge_n in_o divine_a matter_n and_o a_o impartial_a study_n of_o they_o will_v infallible_o secure_v we_o from_o the_o delusion_n of_o her_o enemy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n why_o every_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o be_v full_o instruct_v concern_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n that_o so_o he_o may_v answer_v the_o objection_n and_o escape_v the_o assault_n of_o those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o withdraw_v we_o from_o the_o truth_n or_o seduceus_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o enrour_n ii_o it_o be_v a_o strict_a enquiry_n into_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o full_a comprehension_n of_o they_o which_o proper_o make_v faith_n to_o be_v praise_n worthy_a in_o itself_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o capable_a of_o reward_n a_o assent_n to_o christianity_n without_o respect_n to_o the_o argument_n of_o its_o truth_n may_v be_v a_o happiness_n to_o ignorant_a person_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o enjoy_v those_o opportunity_n which_o lead_v to_o such_o a_o assent_n such_o as_o be_v education_n in_o a_o christian_a country_n or_o under_o christian_a parent_n or_o master_n whereby_o through_o custom_n or_o respect_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o person_n they_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o be_v lead_v thereby_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o practice_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o dependence_n upon_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n but_o sure_o we_o can_v imagine_v this_o to_o be_v a_o act_n deserve_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n or_o even_o comparable_a to_o the_o mean_a of_o moral_a virtue_n before_o all_o which_o a_o true_a divine_a faith_n be_v so_o frequent_o and_o so_o eminent_o prefer_v in_o scripture_n for_o since_o such_o a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n i_o mean_v a_o inclination_n to_o follow_v the_o example_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o country_n parent_n or_o master_n in_o assent_v to_o the_o religion_n receive_v by_o they_o may_v and_o do_v equal_o dispose_v man_n to_o the_o embrace_v of_o error_n as_o of_o truth_n it_o be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o thing_n whole_o indifferent_a and_o if_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o a_o wilful_a negligence_n of_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o any_o religion_n when_o mean_n and_o ability_n be_v not_o want_v to_o we_o be_v extreme_o vicious_a but_o no_o otherwise_o laudable_a than_o in_o the_o happy_a consequence_n of_o it_o and_o opportunity_n it_o may_v possible_o minister_v of_o come_v to_o the_o truth_n indeed_o christianity_n be_v so_o admirable_o fit_v to_o the_o perfection_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n that_o it_o can_v be_v assent_v to_o upon_o any_o ground_n whatsoever_o even_o by_o the_o most_o ignorant_a person_n without_o a_o precedent_a habit_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v true_o virtuous_a and_o excellent_a and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n testify_v a_o profound_a obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n in_o the_o person_n assent_v may_v not_o unfit_o be_v think_v to_o qualify_v he_o for_o the_o divine_a favour_n for_o christianity_n propose_v such_o rule_n as_o restrain_v the_o corrupt_a lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n teach_v a_o strict_a sobriety_n and_o abstinence_n from_o unlawful_a pleasure_n forbid_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o most_o darling_a lust_n and_o command_a man_n to_o deny_v to_o themselves_o what_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v a_o extreme_a happiness_n the_o unlimited_a fruition_n of_o all_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o even_o upon_o occasion_n to_o forforsake_v the_o convenience_n of_o life_n itself_o choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n than_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n none_o can_v assent_v to_o a_o religion_n of_o this_o nature_n without_o first_o overcome_v his_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o be_v thorough_o convince_v that_o all_o these_o aught_o to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o command_n and_o will_n of_o god_n which_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v propose_v to_o he_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n such_o a_o disposition_n be_v true_o excellent_a and_o in_o they_o who_o want_v mean_n of_o attain_v a_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n be_v reward_v by_o god_n as_o a_o true_a and_o perfect_a act_n of_o faith_n who_o condescend_v to_o the_o imperfection_n of_o mankind_n and_o require_v of_o none_o more_o than_o he_o have_v give_v to_o he_o supply_v by_o his_o mercy_n what_o be_v want_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o then_o such_o a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a faith_n that_o it_o may_v consist_v without_o it_o and_o be_v join_v with_o error_n neither_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o faith_n which_o have_v all_o those_o glorious_a and_o particular_a pro_fw-la rise_v of_o reward_n annex_v to_o it_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n consist_v only_o in_o assent_v to_o and_o firm_o believe_v what_o we_o be_v assure_v god_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o for_o that_o we_o can_v but_o do_v none_o ever_o that_o believe_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n dis-believed_n what_o he_o be_v persuade_v to_o have_v be_v reveal_v by_o he_o to_o do_v that_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n can_v err_v or_o lie_v and_o consequent_o be_v not_o god_n such_o a_o assent_n therefore_o be_v necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o reward_n and_o have_v nothing_o excellent_a in_o it_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o infidel_n in_o this_o sense_n and_o therefore_o none_o can_v be_v esteem_v faithful_a from_o it_o and_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o to_o have_v only_o moral_a and_o not_o demonstrative_a proof_n be_v so_o far_o from_o prejudice_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n that_o it_o be_v both_o necessary_a and_o advantageous_a to_o it_o for_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n have_v be_v self_n evident_a or_o place_v in_o as_o clear_v a_o light_n as_o the_o sun_n in_o heaven_n assent_n to_o they_o have_v be_v necessary_a and_o no_o act_n of_o choice_n and_o therefore_o incapable_a of_o reward_n whereas_o now_o god_n have_v so_o wise_o contrive_v it_o that_o a_o rational_a afsent_n to_o it_o and_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o it_o will_v exercise_v the_o diligence_n obedience_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n in_o inquire_v into_o whatsoever_o carry_v the_o stamp_n of_o divine_a authority_n in_o submit_v to_o whatsoever_o just_o appear_v to_o bear_v that_o sacred_a character_n in_o use_v aright_o our_o faculty_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o employ_v they_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n all_o these_o act_n and_o habit_n be_v in_o themselves_o praise_v worthy_a and_o reward_v by_o god_n with_o the_o reward_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v with_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n for_o it_o be_v in_o a_o rational_a and_o just_a assent_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o argument_n which_o persuade_v it_o to_o have_v proceed_v from_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o a_o due_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o discover_v its_o divine_a original_a that_o a_o true_a and_o perfect_a faith_n consist_v for_o upon_o conviction_n of_o its_o have_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n we_o can_v but_o yield_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o if_o we_o desire_v or_o expect_v to_o attain_v the_o reward_n propose_v by_o it_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o a_o serious_a obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o for_o as_o a_o due_a use_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v no_o less_o difficult_a in_o itself_o and_o advantageous_a to_o we_o than_o of_o our_o will_n so_o we_o ought_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n will_v no_o less_o favourable_o accept_v it_o and_o no_o less_o high_o reward_v it_o certain_o a_o right_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n
tend_v no_o less_o effectual_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n than_o a_o due_a command_n of_o our_o will._n for_o god_n be_v no_o less_o dishonour_v by_o mean_a and_o unworthy_a apprehension_n of_o he_o by_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n by_o deny_v his_o existence_n or_o debase_v his_o attribute_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o misguide_a reason_n than_o by_o a_o open_a violation_n of_o his_o know_a precept_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o will._n and_o thus_o it_o appear_v that_o a_o full_a enquiry_n into_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o not_o only_o contribute_v exceed_o but_o in_o person_n have_v mean_n to_o attain_v it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o beget_v a_o true_a and_o perfect_a faith_n and_o secure_a to_o we_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o iii_o a_o distinct_a and_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o our_o religion_n will_v afford_v to_o we_o many_o and_o great_a motive_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a prerogative_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o the_o more_o we_o search_v into_o the_o reason_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o the_o more_o full_o the_o divinity_n of_o it_o will_v appear_v every_o new_a discovery_n will_v give_v we_o fresh_a occasion_n to_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n eminent_o conspire_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o it_o this_o will_v excite_v in_o we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o insensible_a a_o profound_a veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n a_o ardent_a love_n of_o his_o excellency_n and_o the_o most_o intense_a degree_n of_o gratitude_n it_o will_v manifest_v to_o we_o the_o misery_n of_o man_n and_o his_o lose_a condition_n without_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o cross_n which_o may_v expiate_v for_o his_o sin_n and_o mediate_v his_o pardon_n and_o hereby_o will_v increase_v our_o sense_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n will_v enhance_v the_o value_n of_o that_o inestimable_a sacrifice_n teach_v we_o to_o adore_v love_n and_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o our_o saviour_n to_o resign_v up_o our_o belief_n to_o his_o revelation_n as_o to_o our_o prophet_n to_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n once_o make_v and_o intercession_n for_o we_o always_o continue_v by_o he_o as_o of_o our_o high_a priest_n to_o yield_v a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o precept_n as_o to_o our_o king_n can_v we_o view_v the_o love_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n manifest_v in_o our_o redemption_n the_o wonderful_a contrivance_n of_o providence_n both_o to_o secure_v the_o divine_a justice_n and_o honour_n and_o yet_o give_v pardon_n to_o sinful_a man_n and_o not_o be_v wind_v up_o into_o a_o ecstasy_n of_o love_n and_o admiration_n can_v we_o consider_v the_o most_o wise_a method_n whereby_o god_n bring_v this_o wonderful_a design_n to_o perfection_n and_o trace_v the_o footstep_n of_o it_o through_o all_o age_n can_v we_o think_v upon_o the_o majesty_n of_o he_o who_o condescend_v to_o suffer_v for_o we_o and_o the_o unworthiness_n of_o man_n to_o receive_v so_o great_a a_o favour_n without_o fill_v our_o understanding_n with_o awful_a and_o reverend_a conception_n of_o he_o our_o will_n with_o a_o passionate_a desire_n of_o union_n with_o he_o and_o enlarge_a all_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o approach_v his_o presence_n and_o receive_v his_o influence_n or_o can_v we_o hope_v to_o raise_v our_o soul_n to_o a_o worthy_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o benefit_n and_o carry_v up_o our_o affection_n to_o a_o gratitude_n not_o inferior_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o they_o without_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o their_o design_n and_o excellency_n sure_o the_o admonition_n of_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o even_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a which_o so_o earnest_o press_v we_o to_o the_o study_n of_o divine_a truth_n command_v we_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v commend_v those_o who_o be_v conversant_a in_o they_o above_o all_o other_o person_n yet_o how_o small_a a_o part_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v the_o infinite_o great_a part_n of_o it_o serve_v only_o to_o declare_v the_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o the_o church_n and_o testimony_n of_o his_o love_n to_o mankind_n to_o celebrate_v his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n and_o induce_v we_o by_o manifold_a argument_n to_o our_o duty_n yet_o these_o also_o have_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n think_v necessary_a to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o instruction_n of_o man_n and_o sure_o not_o without_o reason_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o worthy_a of_o man_n more_o perfective_a of_o his_o nature_n or_o conduce_v to_o enstate_v he_o in_o the_o great_a happiness_n than_o to_o comprehend_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n to_o entertain_v noble_a conception_n of_o his_o creator_n and_o by_o a_o constant_a meditation_n and_o exalt_a knowledge_n raise_v his_o affection_n to_o a_o vehement_a love_n of_o he_o by_o this_o we_o anticipate_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o begin_v to_o possess_v they_o even_o before_o we_o be_v receive_v into_o they_o for_o both_o reason_n and_o revelation_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o fruition_n of_o celestial_a happiness_n consist_v in_o a_o constant_a and_o unwearied_a contemplation_n and_o love_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n the_o study_n of_o these_o sacred_a matter_n be_v esteem_v the_o best_a indication_n of_o a_o pious_a mind_n and_o the_o most_o certain_a method_n of_o attain_v the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o happiness_n upon_o earth_n even_o under_o the_o old_a law_n when_o god_n have_v not_o yet_o make_v a_o full_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o divine_a oeconomy_n be_v obscure_a and_o hide_v under_o a_o veil_n of_o ceremony_n and_o ritual_a observation_n for_o proof_n of_o this_o to_o go_v no_o far_o than_o the_o cxix_o psalm_n wherein_o such_o inimitable_a strain_n of_o piety_n devotion_n and_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n appear_v the_o holy_a psalmist_n every_o where_o ascribe_v his_o proficiency_n in_o virtue_n and_o the_o inward_a satisfaction_n and_o happiness_n of_o his_o mind_n to_o the_o assiduous_a study_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n i_o will_v thank_v thou_o with_o a_o unfeigned_a heart_n when_o i_o shall_v have_v learn_v the_o judgement_n of_o thy_o righteousness_n open_v thou_o my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v see_v the_o wondrous_a thing_n of_o thy_o law_n for_o i_o remember_v thy_o everlasting_a judgement_n o_o lord_n and_o receive_v comfort_n lord_n what_o love_n have_v i_o unto_o thy_o law_n all_o the_o day_n long_o be_v my_o study_n in_o it_o o_o how_o sweet_a be_v thy_o word_n unto_o my_o throâ—…_n yea_o sweet_a than_o honey_n unto_o my_o mouth_n thy_o word_n be_v a_o lantern_n unto_o my_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o my_o path_n for_o thy_o testimony_n be_v my_o delight_n and_o my_o counselor_n see_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o a_o soul_n big_a with_o devotion_n and_o fill_v with_o transport_n of_o joy_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o excellency_n manifest_v under_o the_o mosaic_a law_n but_o alas_o how_o inconsiderable_a be_v this_o if_o compare_v to_o that_o great_a light_n which_o christianity_n have_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n what_o satisfaction_n and_o advantage_n may_v not_o we_o now_o hope_v for_o from_o the_o study_n and_o contemplation_n of_o the_o more_o perfect_a law_n of_o christ_n that_o have_v reveal_v to_o we_o the_o mystery_n which_o have_v be_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o divine_a goodness_n not_o under_o a_o veil_n and_o shadow_n but_o in_o its_o full_a dimension_n the_o ancient_a christian_n be_v true_o sensible_a of_o this_o who_o place_v their_o happiness_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n in_o this_o holy_a study_n choose_v rather_o to_o part_v with_o their_o life_n than_o bibles_n and_o brand_v those_o who_o deliver_v they_o up_o to_o their_o persecutor_n although_o in_o exchange_n for_o their_o dear_a blood_n with_o the_o name_n of_o traditores_fw-la or_o traitor_n and_o in_o the_o last_o age_n our_o forefather_n give_v eminent_a instance_n of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n and_o resolution_n when_o great_a number_n of_o they_o venture_v their_o life_n to_o enjoy_v the_o advantage_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n in_o their_o mother_n tongue_n and_o rather_o than_o forego_v that_o benefit_n choose_v to_o forfeit_v their_o life_n to_o the_o persecution_n of_o a_o church_n who_o interest_n it_o be_v that_o those_o divine_a truth_n shall_v not_o be_v know_v it_o be_v our_o
happiness_n to_o enjoy_v that_o advantage_n in_o a_o most_o eminent_a manner_n to_o have_v the_o scripture_n translate_v most_o exact_o into_o our_o own_o language_n to_o read_v they_o secure_o and_o hear_v they_o weekly_o explain_v to_o we_o let_v we_o manifest_v that_o we_o be_v not_o insensible_a of_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n by_o a_o right_a use_n of_o it_o lest_o we_o fall_v into_o the_o condemnation_n of_o those_o who_o abuse_v the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o that_o candlestick_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o worthy_a be_v remove_v from_o we_o it_o remain_v that_o we_o brief_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v say_v and_o first_o if_o our_o religion_n be_v so_o excellent_a and_o rational_a attend_v with_o such_o evidence_n and_o conviction_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o maintain_v a_o firm_a and_o constant_a profession_n of_o it_o at_o all_o time_n or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n to_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o not_o to_o dissemble_v it_o for_o fear_n or_o interest_n much_o less_o betray_v it_o by_o a_o denial_n of_o it_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o secure_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o advance_v the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n by_o such_o shameful_a cowardice_n both_o these_o end_n be_v defeat_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v wound_v and_o the_o hope_n of_o happiness_n entire_o destroy_v hereby_o man_n renounce_v all_o dependence_n upon_o god_n disow_v he_o to_o be_v their_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o bid_v defiance_n to_o he_o nor_o may_v we_o flatter_v ourselves_o that_o this_o execrable_a crime_n of_o apostasy_n consist_v only_o in_o deny_v all_o christianity_n and_o whole_o renounce_v our_o saviour_n to_o yield_v up_o the_o least_o truth_n which_o we_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v divine_a to_o assent_v to_o the_o least_o error_n which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v false_a to_o forsake_v a_o communion_n which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v pure_a and_o lawful_a to_o embrace_v one_o which_o we_o be_v persuade_v be_v corrupt_a and_o erroneous_a be_v no_o less_o true_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n and_o will_v undoubted_o meet_v with_o the_o same_o punishment_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o sin_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o case_n that_o we_o wilful_o recede_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o affront_v the_o divine_a majesty_n by_o prefer_v a_o lie_n to_o his_o revealed_z will._n the_o maintenance_n of_o truth_n and_o direct_v our_o conduct_n by_o the_o dictate_v of_o it_o be_v the_o dignity_n of_o man_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o betray_v the_o most_o inconsiderable_a truth_n to_o any_o temporal_a consideration_n be_v a_o plain_a confession_n that_o we_o have_v invert_v the_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o subject_v our_o more_o noble_a part_n the_o soul_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o the_o body_n a_o indignity_n unworthy_a a_o rational_a be_v which_o prostitute_n the_o honour_n of_o his_o nature_n rank_n he_o among_o brute_n beast_n and_o from_o be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o visible_a creature_n degrade_n he_o into_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o slave_n to_o dust_n and_o ash_n but_o when_o eternity_n and_o a_o interest_n infinite_o great_a than_o any_o which_o can_v be_v promote_v on_o earth_n by_o such_o apostasy_n lay_v at_o stake_n when_o immortality_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n be_v destroy_v by_o it_o nay_o when_o the_o utmost_a displeasure_n of_o a_o almighty_a god_n and_o the_o direful_a effect_n of_o it_o eternal_a torment_n be_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o to_o prefer_v a_o few_o trifle_a pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n disclaim_v all_o hope_n of_o happiness_n in_o another_o life_n and_o incur_v the_o divine_a vengeance_n be_v a_o height_n of_o folly_n which_o all_o the_o affair_n and_o example_n of_o this_o life_n can_v equal_v a_o impiety_n which_o neither_o the_o art_n of_o man_n or_o devil_n can_v exceed_v when_o the_o interest_n of_o truth_n be_v concern_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n engage_v to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n in_o testimony_n of_o the_o one_o and_o vindication_n of_o the_o other_o to_o forego_v all_o the_o convenience_n of_o this_o life_n to_o despise_v all_o worldly_a consideration_n and_o with_o a_o generous_a contempt_n overlook_v all_o the_o solicitation_n and_o threat_n of_o man_n this_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n require_v of_o we_o this_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n oblige_v we_o to_o this_o the_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a state_n lead_v we_o to_o for_o sure_o we_o be_v no_o long_o deserve_v the_o name_n or_o character_n of_o man_n than_o while_o we_o continue_v rational_a we_o deny_v all_o relation_n to_o god_n when_o we_o sacrifice_v his_o command_n to_o our_o interest_n and_o disclaim_v all_o title_n to_o a_o future_a state_n when_o we_o yield_v up_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o present_a advantage_n yet_o how_o many_o example_n of_o such_o apostasy_n have_v the_o church_n deplore_v in_o all_o age_n and_o i_o wish_v our_o age_n afford_v none_o of_o those_o who_o have_v betray_v the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n i_o will_v not_o say_v to_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n for_o so_o great_a a_o terror_n all_o spirit_n can_v overcome_v and_o we_o of_o this_o nation_n thanks_o be_v to_o god_n do_v not_o suffer_v but_o to_o the_o fear_n of_o poverty_n or_o perhaps_o to_o the_o hope_n of_o continue_v or_o advance_v their_o preferment_n in_o the_o world_n a_o most_o amaze_a wickedness_n that_o man_n shall_v sell_v their_o god_n at_o so_o low_a a_o price_n and_o exchange_v their_o religion_n for_o such_o mean_a consideration_n resign_v to_o i_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o possession_n in_o the_o earth_n give_v i_o up_o your_o soul_n and_o i_o will_v enrich_v your_o body_n deny_v your_o creator_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o honour_n among_o your_o fellow-creature_n a_o proposal_n which_o even_o a_o heathen_a philosopher_n will_v entertain_v with_o scorn_n and_o every_o sober_a christian_a with_o a_o pious_a horror_n these_o be_v the_o flattery_n of_o the_o world_n and_o with_o these_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n attempt_v our_o saviour_n all_o these_o thing_n will_v i_o give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v i_o but_o our_o saviour_n immediate_o reject_v such_o base_a proposal_n with_o a_o generous_a disdain_n and_o with_o a_o get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n manifest_v with_o how_o great_a indignation_n he_o have_v receive_v they_o thereby_o give_v we_o a_o example_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o upon_o such_o occasion_n and_o not_o to_o admit_v even_o the_o thought_n of_o such_o a_o crime_n for_o sure_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n even_o to_o deliberate_v with_o ourselves_o whether_o we_o shall_v betray_v it_o or_o no_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n in_o that_o case_n deliberasse_fw-la est_fw-la descivisse_fw-la and_o the_o thought_n of_o foolishness_n be_v sin_n to_o put_v the_o question_n to_o our_o own_o soul_n be_v to_o trifle_v with_o the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o dishonour_v our_o religion_n and_o degrade_v our_o nature_n but_o to_o decide_v it_o in_o favour_n of_o our_o luft_n and_o the_o petty_a temptation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o iniquity_n and_o in_o the_o most_o reproachful_a sense_n turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n i_o speak_v of_o those_o who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o religion_n or_o communion_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o forsake_v it_o as_o sor_n those_o who_o may_v pretend_v reason_n of_o conscience_n and_o conviction_n of_o judgement_n for_o their_o departure_n from_o our_o church_n let_v they_o serious_o consider_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o indeed_o a_o pretence_n and_o whether_o they_o can_v real_o answer_v it_o to_o god_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n let_v they_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v not_o bias_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o powerful_o prejudice_v in_o favour_n of_o that_o communion_n to_o which_o they_o have_v revolt_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o secular_a interest_n and_o advantage_n in_o this_o case_n let_v they_o know_v that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v and_o that_o to_o force_v our_o understanding_n be_v no_o less_o criminal_a than_o to_o force_v our_o conscience_n god_n have_v propose_v sufficient_a direction_n to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n pardon_v we_o if_o we_o wilful_o shut_v our_o eye_n against_o the_o truth_n we_o need_v not_o go_v any_o far_a than_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n for_o this_o direction_n the_o apostle_n command_v all_o christian_n to_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o they_o if_o then_o any_o society_n of_o man_n discourage_v and_o overthrow_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o private_a christian_n
and_o withal_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o method_n whereby_o to_o obtain_v the_o one_o or_o escape_v the_o other_o but_o a_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o yet_o with_o this_o belief_n and_o confession_n shall_v continue_v in_o a_o state_n of_o unrepentance_n or_o if_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v possible_a that_o two_o such_o contrary_a thing_n shall_v consist_v together_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o by_o his_o action_n he_o proclaim_v his_o unbelief_n to_o the_o world_n who_o neglect_v this_o necessary_a duty_n of_o repentance_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o deferr_v to_o perform_v it_o this_o be_v the_o second_o head_n propose_v namely_o the_o time_n prefix_v by_o god_n to_o our_o repentance_n to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n or_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o hebr._n iii_o 13._o while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n which_o may_v either_o import_n the_o term_n of_o our_o natural_a life_n for_o that_o repentance_n will_v take_v no_o place_n after_o death_n agreeable_o to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n john_n ix_o 4._o the_o night_n come_v wherein_o no_o man_n can_v work_v so_o that_o repentance_n be_v necessary_o to_o be_v perform_v in_o this_o life_n and_o no_o more_o of_o this_o life_n be_v certain_a to_o we_o than_o that_o moment_n which_o we_o now_o enjoy_v it_o ought_v to_o commence_v from_o this_o very_a moment_n or_o else_o which_o seem_v most_o natural_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o psalmist_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o iii_o of_o the_o hebrew_n repent_v to_o day_n that_o be_v immediate_o while_o god_n continue_v his_o offer_n of_o mercy_n before_o it_o be_v too_o late_a for_o that_o he_o will_v not_o await_v our_o repentance_n till_o we_o please_v nor_o suffer_v his_o goodness_n to_o be_v wilful_o slight_v this_o term_n of_o repentance_n fix_v by_o god_n to_o every_o man_n may_v be_v easy_o discover_v as_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o first_o moment_n of_o his_o conviction_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n when_o that_o conviction_n be_v once_o thorough_o form_v when_o man_n be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v their_o indispensable_a duty_n to_o conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n when_o they_o know_v withal_o that_o this_o conformity_n consist_v in_o practise_v all_o the_o divine_a precept_n of_o holiness_n justice_n and_o sobriety_n and_o that_o all_o habitual_a sin_n be_v a_o open_a opposition_n to_o it_o when_o they_o be_v asâ—…ured_v that_o god_n have_v proclaim_v his_o pardon_n to_o penitent_a and_o denounce_v his_o wrath_n to_o impenitent_a sinner_n then_o be_v life_n and_o death_n true_o set_v before_o they_o then_o be_v it_o commit_v to_o their_o choice_n which_o they_o will_v prefer_v a_o easy_a choice_a one_o will_v imagine_v have_v not_o the_o deplorable_a experience_n of_o so_o many_o obstinate_a sinner_n teach_v we_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o mankind_n in_o choose_v the_o worse_o even_o under_o conviction_n of_o their_o interest_n and_o obligation_n to_o the_o contrary_n if_o we_o inquire_v after_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o miserable_a perverseness_n we_o find_v indeed_o the_o temptation_n to_o which_o mankind_n be_v expose_v to_o be_v very_o violent_a the_o lust_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n to_o be_v very_o powerful_a and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n of_o a_o bewitch_a nature_n yet_o all_o this_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o master_n the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o natural_a desire_n of_o true_a happiness_n which_o be_v find_v in_o all_o do_v not_o a_o unhappy_a mistake_n misguide_v the_o practice_n of_o man_n and_o render_v all_o the_o present_a conviction_n of_o conscience_n ineffectual_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o raise_v false_a notion_n from_o the_o divine_a attribute_n of_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o vain_a hope_n that_o the_o term_v prefix_v by_o god_n to_o their_o repentance_n be_v not_o yet_o expire_v that_o it_o will_v never_o be_v too_o late_o to_o begin_v their_o repentance_n and_o in_o virtue_n of_o it_o take_v out_o their_o pardon_n this_o be_v that_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n warn_v we_o in_o the_o aforementioned_a place_n lest_o any_o of_o we_o be_v harden_v through_o it_o after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o jew_n of_o who_o some_o when_o they_o have_v hear_v do_v provoke_v verse_n 16._o that_o be_v after_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o power_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n refuse_v to_o obey_v his_o command_n or_o rely_v on_o his_o pomise_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o their_o refusal_n to_o go_v up_o and_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o land_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o they_o relate_v in_o the_o fourteen_o of_o number_n to_o which_o this_o psalm_n particular_o relate_v they_o immediate_o indeed_o repent_v of_o their_o folly_n and_o resolve_v forthwith_o to_o take_v up_o arm_n and_o enter_v upon_o the_o design_n but_o than_o it_o be_v too_o late_o they_o have_v slip_v their_o time_n and_o god_n refuse_v to_o be_v among_o they_o or_o to_o give_v they_o success_n it_o be_v frivolous_a therefore_o to_o plead_v the_o hope_n of_o continual_a offer_n of_o pardon_n for_o defer_v of_o repentance_n and_o to_o pretend_v that_o if_o they_o exact_o know_v the_o time_n beyond_o which_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n will_v not_o await_v they_o will_v immediate_o begin_v to_o form_v a_o sincere_a repentance_n such_o resolution_n may_v possible_o be_v true_a and_o indeed_o unless_o a_o monstrous_a stupidity_n intervene_v it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o but_o then_o the_o term_n be_v manifest_a and_o can_v be_v unknown_a to_o any_o be_v the_o moment_n from_o which_o we_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o obey_v god_n and_o know_v what_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o obedience_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o god_n can_v do_v nothing_o irrational_a now_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o pardon_n to_o sinful_a man_n be_v found_v either_o in_o the_o invincible_a ignorance_n of_o his_o duty_n or_o in_o the_o infirmity_n of_o his_o nature_n prone_a to_o yield_v to_o powerful_a temptation_n the_o latter_a suppose_v a_o endeavour_n of_o obedience_n and_o piety_n and_o can_v consist_v with_o a_o fix_a and_o resolve_v unrepentance_n for_o then_o every_o sin_n will_v be_v the_o effect_n not_o of_o humane_a infirmity_n but_o of_o resolution_n the_o former_a cause_n vanish_v when_o the_o ignorance_n of_o man_n be_v remove_v by_o a_o clear_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o athenian_n that_o god_n wink_v indeed_o at_o the_o time_n of_o ignorance_n but_o now_o after_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v as_o for_o we_o christian_n we_o can_v pretend_v a_o ignorance_n of_o our_o duty_n much_o less_o those_o who_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o church_n so_o excellent_o constitute_v we_o have_v the_o scripture_n open_v to_o we_o be_v admonish_v and_o incite_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n by_o weekly_a exhortation_n and_o disow_v all_o little_a art_n so_o usual_a in_o other_o church_n of_o procure_v salvation_n without_o a_o strict_a and_o real_a obedience_n there_o remain_v then_o to_o we_o only_o the_o plea_n of_o infirmity_n whereby_o to_o excuse_v our_o sin_n and_o not_o whole_o to_o despair_v of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n this_o suppose_v our_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o perform_v our_o duty_n and_o a_o settle_a course_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n in_o which_o course_n we_o may_v be_v overtake_v with_o temptation_n and_o be_v unaware_o insuare_v by_o they_o may_v be_v betray_v into_o sin_n while_o the_o soul_n be_v cloud_v with_o a_o passion_n and_o by_o violent_a impression_n from_o the_o body_n or_o outward_a object_n have_v scarce_o the_o liberty_n of_o direct_v her_o thought_n aright_o but_o if_o when_o this_o tempest_n be_v allay_v this_o cloud_n remove_v when_o the_o mind_n regain_v its_o perfect_a freedom_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o serious_a thought_n of_o its_o condition_n it_o entertain_v any_o complacency_n with_o the_o sin_n perform_v or_o be_v willing_a to_o permit_v a_o continuance_n of_o it_o this_o be_v no_o long_o a_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n but_o of_o deliberate_a and_o resolve_a choice_n much_o more_o when_o any_o man_n resolve_v whole_o to_o stand_v out_o against_o the_o divine_a command_n and_o conviction_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o proceed_v in_o his_o unrepentance_n although_o but_o for_o a_o certain_a time_n this_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o so_o heinous_a a_o nature_n that_o no_o pardon_n be_v promise_v to_o it_o under_o the_o gospel_n nor_o indeed_o can_v it_o consist_v with_o the_o justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n to_o give_v it_o and_o then_o even_o for_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n it_o be_v
by_o reflect_v on_o it_o will_v persuade_v himself_o that_o his_o interest_n be_v indeed_o engage_v in_o it_o for_o it_o affect_v those_o very_a passion_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o betray_v the_o will_n of_o man_n to_o sin_n desire_v and_o fear_n and_o will_v man_n consider_v can_v not_o but_o be_v more_o prevalent_a than_o all_o other_o object_n which_o move_v those_o passion_n since_o the_o reward_n propose_v be_v more_o desirable_a the_o punishment_n denounce_v more_o to_o be_v fear_v than_o any_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o this_o be_v the_o argument_n which_o our_o lord_n his_o forerunner_n john_n baptiâ—…t_n and_o his_o apostle_n employ_v to_o convert_v the_o world_n repent_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v at_o hand_n the_o time_n now_o come_v when_o he_o will_v no_o long_o wink_v at_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n when_o he_o will_v evident_o declare_v his_o resolution_n to_o punish_v impenitent_a sinner_n and_o even_o exemplify_v it_o in_o the_o terrible_a destruction_n of_o the_o impenitent_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o he_o do_v short_o after_o the_o axe_n be_v now_o lay_v to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o every_o tree_n which_o bring_v not_o foâ—…th_o good_a fruit_n shall_v be_v hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n these_o and_o such_o like_a denunciation_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n to_o unrepent_v sinner_n draw_v multitude_n of_o man_n to_o a_o sense_n of_o and_o sorrow_n for_o their_o sin_n not_o only_o the_o more_o devout_a jew_n but_o also_o soldier_n and_o publican_n who_o confess_v their_o sin_n be_v then_o baptise_a manifest_v by_o that_o ancient_o receive_v emblem_n of_o purity_n and_o innocence_n their_o resolution_n of_o sin_v no_o more_o even_o after_o a_o full_a conviction_n form_v of_o their_o duty_n our_o lord_n think_v fit_a to_o propose_v this_o very_a argument_n to_o his_o disciple_n who_o have_v be_v long_o train_v up_o in_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o be_v now_o enter_v upon_o the_o most_o difficult_a point_n of_o christianity_n the_o patient_a endure_v of_o persecution_n affliction_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o all_o which_o he_o foretell_v shall_v befall_v they_o in_o that_o mission_n which_o he_o then_o enjoin_v they_o yet_o to_o these_o fear_n he_o oppose_v as_o the_o great_a remedy_n this_o consideration_n only_o fear_v not_o they_o which_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n and_o after_o that_o can_v do_v no_o more_o but_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o who_o you_o shall_v fear_v fear_v he_o who_o can_v destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n all_o other_o motive_n of_o interest_n all_o other_o object_n of_o fear_n or_o hope_n concern_v the_o body_n only_o and_o terminate_v there_o but_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o reward_n to_o be_v desire_v the_o punishment_n to_o be_v fear_v equal_o concern_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n the_o common_a happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o both_o which_o depend_v upon_o it_o the_o reward_v you_o may_v slight_v perhaps_o as_o not_o desire_v any_o great_a satisfaction_n than_o what_o you_o now_o enjoy_v but_o the_o fear_v you_o can_v surmount_v that_o will_v still_o affect_v you_o for_o if_o you_o so_o much_o value_v the_o present_a ease_n of_o the_o body_n the_o one_o part_n of_o you_o you_o can_v but_o be_v affright_v at_o the_o certain_a expectation_n of_o the_o eternal_a misery_n of_o both_o soul_n and_o body_n if_o this_o consideration_n have_v not_o that_o effect_n upon_o we_o which_o it_o have_v upon_o the_o hearer_n of_o christ_n john_n baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v because_o the_o expectation_n of_o this_o denounce_v destruction_n far_o from_o be_v certain_a in_o we_o be_v elude_v by_o vain_a persuasion_n that_o destruction_n may_v be_v avoid_v without_o repentance_n we_o all_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o divine_a revelation_n prescribe_v rule_n of_o piety_n justice_n and_o temperance_n command_v repentance_n upon_o neglect_n or_o violation_n of_o these_o rule_n give_v sentence_n of_o dreadful_a punishment_n upon_o impenitence_n we_o all_o confess_v that_o we_o have_v violate_v those_o rule_n we_o apply_v not_o the_o remedy_n of_o repentance_n and_o yet_o we_o hope_v to_o avoid_v the_o punishment_n for_o do_v not_o man_n real_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o those_o hope_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o future_a punishment_n and_o conscious_a of_o its_o own_o demerit_n shall_v not_o immediate_o apply_v itself_o to_o prevent_v the_o execution_n of_o that_o dreadful_a sentence_n by_o a_o timely_a repentance_n these_o false_a hope_n and_o persuasion_n may_v be_v refer_v to_o a_o double_a head_n either_o that_o of_o presumption_n or_o that_o of_o inadvertency_n that_o man_n through_o a_o fond_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o worth_n fancy_n god_n will_v exempt_v they_o from_o the_o general_a sentence_n and_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n or_o at_o least_o allow_v this_o and_o another_o and_o a_o three_o sin_n to_o they_o or_o that_o they_o proceed_v in_o sin_n secure_o and_o with_o a_o sort_n of_o stupidity_n never_o willing_o consider_v the_o consequence_n of_o punishment_n upon_o sin_n and_o when_o they_o be_v suggest_v to_o they_o still_o put_v they_o off_o and_o continue_v to_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v however_o save_v they_o though_o theyk_fw-mi now_o not_o why_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o prejudices_fw-la be_v too_o common_a among_o all_o christian_n and_o to_o both_o i_o shall_v oppose_v some_o general_a consideration_n show_v it_o impossible_a that_o goâ—…_n shall_v not_o execute_v the_o sentence_n of_o destruction_n pronounce_v universal_o against_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n that_o it_o can_v be_v that_o man_n shall_v not_o repent_v and_o yet_o shall_v not_o perish_v the_o necessity_n of_o destruction_n consequent_a upon_o unrepentance_n be_v draw_v chief_o from_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n which_o have_v so_o appoint_v it_o and_o the_o resolution_n of_o god_n herein_o be_v so_o frequent_o and_o full_o express_v in_o scripture_n that_o no_o doubt_n can_v be_v admit_v of_o it_o nay_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v take_v particular_a care_n lest_o man_n shall_v be_v deceive_v herein_o by_o affix_v vehement_a asseveration_n to_o his_o threat_n of_o punishment_n as_o in_o ezech._n xvii_o 19_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n as_o i_o live_v sure_o my_o oath_n that_o he_o have_v despise_v and_o my_o covenant_n that_o he_o have_v break_v even_o it_o will_v i_o recompense_v upon_o his_o own_o head_n and_o in_o the_o xxii_o chapter_n have_v denounce_v to_o sinner_n the_o extremity_n of_o his_o anger_n he_o subjoin_v verse_n 14._o can_v thy_o heart_n endure_v or_o can_v thy_o hand_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o day_n that_o i_o shall_v deal_v with_o thou_o i_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o and_o i_o will_v do_v it_o so_o that_o those_o who_o promise_v salvation_n to_o themselves_o without_o repentance_n of_o past_a sin_n or_o reformation_n of_o life_n must_v either_o pretend_v to_o new_a light_n and_o new_a revelalation_n new_a term_n of_o covenant_n or_o disbelieve_v those_o contain_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o only_a true_a one_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o say_v disbelieve_v they_o for_o far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o judge_v that_o of_o many_o christian_n who_o do_v firm_o indeed_o believe_v all_o the_o revelation_n of_o that_o sacred_a write_n and_o yet_o continue_v their_o hope_n of_o salvation_n without_o employ_v the_o mean_n of_o it_o only_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o believe_v they_o we_o do_v not_o regard_v they_o and_o when_o we_o do_v serious_o reflect_v upon_o it_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o such_o vain_a hope_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o those_o reveal_v truth_n for_o i_o hope_v none_o of_o this_o assembly_n have_v be_v deceive_v with_o the_o idle_a pretence_n of_o inward_a light_n or_o unaccountable_a revelation_n of_o arbitrary_a election_n for_o secret_a reason_n and_o absolute_a reprobation_n for_o unknown_a cause_n which_o delusion_n when_o once_o entertain_v will_v render_v all_o repentance_n useless_a we_o hold_v fast_o to_o the_o old_a form_n of_o tradition_n deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n pretend_v to_o no_o revelation_n unknown_a to_o former_a age_n to_o know_v more_o of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n than_o what_o our_o lord_n or_o the_o apostle_n have_v plain_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n we_o be_v content_a to_o go_v to_o heaven_n the_o same_o way_n that_o all_o saint_n have_v go_v before_o we_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o good_a work_n nor_o if_o there_o be_v any_o truth_n in_o those_o sacred_a write_n be_v there_o any_o other_o way_n yet_o we_o hear_v those_o holy_a scripture_n daily_o read_v to_o we_o wherein_o we_o be_v command_v by_o precept_n we_o be_v allure_v by_o promise_n we_o be_v terrify_v by_o threat_n