drift_n of_o the_o parable_n be_v make_v plain_a and_o perspicuous_a to_o a_o ordinary_a capacity_n wherefore_o now_o i_o proceed_v to_o handle_v the_o particular_a branch_n of_o it_o of_o which_o there_o be_v these_o three_o most_o remarkable_a in_o the_o parable_n and_o which_o as_o i_o have_v already_o intimate_v be_v the_o design_a subject_n of_o the_o subsequent_a discourse_n first_o we_o have_v here_o a_o graphical_a description_n of_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o a_o habitual_a sinner_n before_o repentance_n from_o vers_fw-la 11._o to_o vers_n 17._o second_o a_o type_n or_o portraiture_n of_o true_a repentance_n and_o turn_n to_o god_n from_o vers_fw-la 17._o to_o vers_n 20._o three_o a_o emblematical_a representation_n of_o god_n unspeakable_a mercy_n in_o the_o gracious_a reception_n of_o such_o penitent_n from_o vers_fw-la 20._o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n but_o especial_o to_o vers_n 24._o of_o these_o three_o point_n i_o will_v treat_v in_o order_n according_a as_o the_o series_n of_o the_o parable_n lead_v i_o but_o yet_o because_o i_o apprehend_v it_o will_v be_v not_o only_o profitable_a in_o itself_o but_o also_o peculiarly_a subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o present_a design_n that_o before_o i_o apply_v myself_o to_o a_o direct_a prosecution_n of_o the_o trace_n of_o the_o parable_n i_o give_v a_o strict_a and_o philosophical_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o several_a station_n of_o sinner_n as_o which_o will_v give_v both_o light_n and_o weight_n especial_o to_o the_o first_o of_o the_o mention_v particular_n and_o in_o good_a measure_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n this_o therefore_o i_o will_v endeavour_v in_o the_o next_o immediate_a chapter_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o divers_a state_n of_o sinner_n the_o content_n §_o i._o a_o definition_n of_o sin_n the_o three_o sort_n of_o law_n mankind_n be_v under_o viz._n natural_a divine_a and_o humane_a all_o sin_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o some_o or_o other_o of_o they_o the_o mischief_n of_o mistake_n herein_o §_o ii_o a_o law_n that_o oblige_v must_v be_v know_v or_o knowable_a several_a way_n of_o promulge_v the_o divine_a law_n the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n rise_v in_o proportion_n to_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o promulgation_n of_o that_o law_n whereof_o it_o be_v a_o violation_n the_o mischief_n of_o mistake_n herein_o and_o the_o remedy_n §_o iii_o all_o sin_n be_v voluntary_a caution_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o that_o assertion_n the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o absurd_a consequence_n of_o the_o contrary_n §_o iv._o a_o passage_n of_o s._n james_n chap._n i._o vers_fw-la 13._o etc._n etc._n explain_v and_o the_o nativity_n of_o sin_n thereby_o discover_v §_o v._o the_o usefulness_n of_o the_o forego_n definition_n and_o explication_n the_o distinction_n between_o presumptuous_a sin_n and_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n and_o their_o different_a effect_n §_o vi_o of_o reluctancy_n of_o conscience_n and_o whether_o that_o extenuate_v or_o increase_v the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n §_o vii_o of_o the_o several_a state_n and_o mansion_n of_o sinner_n upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o which_o return_n be_v make_v to_o the_o parable_n §_o i._o if_o we_o take_v just_a measure_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o it_o fall_v under_o our_o present_a consideration_n for_o it_o be_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o my_o subject_n to_o treat_v of_o original_a sin_n it_o be_v thus_o to_o be_v define_v namely_o sin_n be_v a_o voluntary_a breach_n of_o a_o know_a law_n or_o to_o speak_v more_o full_o and_o distinct_o there_o be_v these_o three_o thing_n concurrent_a to_o make_v man_n guilty_a or_o to_o denominate_v any_o action_n of_o his_o sinful_a 1._o that_o by_o some_o act_n or_o omission_n of_o he_o there_o be_v a_o go_v contrary_a to_o and_o violation_n of_o some_o law_n in_o be_v 2._o that_o the_o law_n so_o violate_v be_v such_o as_o be_v or_o may_v have_v be_v know_v to_o the_o offender_n 3._o that_o the_o action_n or_o omission_n by_o which_o such_o law_n be_v violate_v be_v consent_v to_o and_o the_o breach_n voluntary_a all_o these_o three_o thing_n together_o in_o conjunction_n be_v the_o ingredient_n which_o make_v up_o the_o deadly_a poison_n of_o sin_n and_o for_o defect_n of_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o necessary_a concurrence_n of_o all_o of_o they_o to_o that_o unhappy_a production_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v whether_o great_a error_n have_v ensue_v in_o doctrine_n or_o more_o vice_n in_o practice_n whether_o more_o perplexity_n have_v infest_a man_n conscience_n or_o more_o uncharitableness_n have_v embitter_v their_o spirit_n for_o if_o the_o first_o ingredient_n be_v leave_v out_o sin_n be_v thereby_o render_v either_o nothing_o at_o all_o or_o of_o so_o indefinite_a and_o uncertain_a a_o nature_n as_o that_o loose_a and_o profane_a man_n will_v laugh_v at_o it_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a good_a and_o devout_a person_n will_v never_o be_v free_a from_o suspicion_n of_o it_o if_o the_o second_o be_v omit_v the_o consequence_n will_v be_v that_o severe_a and_o sad_a judgement_n will_v be_v pass_v upon_o the_o final_a estate_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o therewith_o very_o unworthy_a reflection_n be_v make_v upon_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o if_o the_o three_o branch_n be_v omit_v the_o number_n of_o sin_n will_v be_v vast_o multiply_v but_o the_o nature_n and_o guilt_n thereof_o so_o extenuate_v as_o that_o man_n will_v be_v tempt_v to_o be_v more_o afraid_a of_o god_n then_o of_o sin_v against_o he_o but_o all_o this_o and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o will_v better_o appear_v upon_o a_o brief_a explication_n of_o the_o particular_n first_o then_o wherever_o there_o be_v sin_n there_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o some_o law_n in_o be_v this_o though_o it_o be_v not_o the_o full_a and_o adequate_a notion_n yet_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n of_o sin_n and_o according_o we_o may_v easy_o observe_v that_o in_o most_o if_o not_o in_o all_o language_n the_o very_a word_n that_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o express_v moral_a evil_a or_o sin_n do_v all_o import_v the_o breach_n of_o some_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o action_n especial_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n which_o be_v most_o significant_a in_o this_o kind_n have_v three_o word_n most_o usual_a in_o the_o case_n which_o we_o find_v all_o together_o psal_n 32._o v._n 1_o 2._o and_o all_o lead_v we_o direct_o to_o this_o notion_n of_o sin_n bless_a be_v be_v who_o transgression_n be_v forgive_v who_o sin_n be_v cover_v bless_a be_v the_o man_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n impute_v not_o iniquity_n the_o first_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v transgression_n proper_o signify_v to_o pass_v set_v bound_n or_o transgress_v prefix_v limit_n the_o second_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o translate_v sin_n denote_v a_o miss_n of_o the_o aim_n or_o mark_v we_o be_v to_o have_v direct_v ourselves_o towards_o and_o the_o last_o of_o the_o three_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d iniquity_n imply_v the_o make_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o wander_a path_n so_o that_o we_o see_v whatever_o kind_n condition_n or_o degree_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v that_o be_v speak_v of_o it_o be_v still_o express_v by_o respect_n to_o some_o law_n or_o rule_n in_o deviation_n from_o which_o it_o consist_v the_o like_a may_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n in_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n and_o general_o in_o other_o language_n but_o we_o need_v not_o insist_v upon_o nicety_n when_o that_o which_o we_o be_v say_v be_v the_o express_a assertion_n of_o two_o apostle_n st._n paul_n and_o st._n john_n the_o former_a tell_v we_o rom._n 4._o 15._o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n the_o other_o ep._n 1._o chap._n 3._o vers_fw-la 4._o he_o that_o sin_v transgress_v also_o the_o law_n for_o sin_n be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n now_o for_o that_o law_n which_o sin_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o it_o be_v threefold_a viz._n either_o first_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n that_o be_v those_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v of_o itself_o able_a to_o collect_v by_o attentive_a consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o our_o relation_n to_o he_o the_o state_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o the_o mutual_a aspect_n of_o the_o several_a part_n thereof_o upon_o each_o other_o and_o upon_o ourselves_o of_o which_o we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v more_o hereafter_o or_o second_o the_o express_a and_o positive_a declaration_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n concern_v thing_n to_o be_v do_v or_o avoid_v by_o we_o which_o be_v common_o call_v revelation_n or_o divine_a law_n or_o three_o the_o
institution_n command_n and_o prohibition_n of_o such_o man_n as_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o invest_v with_o authority_n under_o himself_o of_o oblige_v other_o which_o we_o call_v humane_a law_n to_o these_o some_o will_v add_v custom_n as_o a_o four_o rule_n of_o action_n because_o they_o observe_v there_o be_v many_o case_n wherein_o all_o the_o former_a cease_v wise_a and_o good_a man_n be_v wont_a to_o govern_v themselves_o by_o laudable_a and_o prevail_a custom_n but_o this_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v oblige_v may_v be_v reduce_v to_o humane_a law_n other_o also_o will_v add_v the_o law_n of_o charity_n or_o of_o avoid_v scandal_n as_o a_o five_o but_o this_o be_v both_o provide_v for_o by_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n and_o also_o deducible_a from_o natural_a principle_n therefore_o the_o three_o aforesaid_a measure_n comprise_v all_o that_o which_o can_v fall_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o law_n and_o consequent_o every_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o sin_n must_v consist_v in_o a_o deviation_n from_o or_o go_v cross_n to_o either_o all_o or_o some_o one_o or_o other_o of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a of_o itself_o that_o every_o thing_n be_v free_a till_o something_o restrain_v and_o circumscribe_v it_o and_o it_o can_v be_v evil_a but_o good_a to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o liberty_n which_o derogate_v from_o no_o other_o which_o infringe_n no_o authority_n be_v retrench_v by_o none_o and_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o we_o owe_v account_n of_o ourselves_o and_o carriage_n only_o to_o god_n ultimate_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o derive_v our_o be_v and_o we_o have_v and_o be_v from_o he_o and_o he_o only_o he_o therefore_o who_o give_v we_o our_o be_v and_o all_o our_o power_n and_o faculty_n and_o their_o respective_a accommodation_n and_o who_o continual_o support_v we_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o may_v just_o prescribe_v to_o we_o and_o set_v we_o what_o boundary_n shall_v seem_v fit_a to_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n now_o there_o be_v but_o three_o way_n wherein_o he_o have_v impose_v any_o obligation_n or_o restraint_n upon_o we_o viz._n either_o by_o such_o footstep_n of_o his_o will_n as_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n may_v trace_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o creation_n those_o intimation_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o be_v interweave_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o order_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o natural_a reason_n or_o second_o by_o extraordinary_a interposition_n express_o dictate_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n or_o last_o delegate_a authority_n to_o those_o who_o his_o providence_n have_v constitute_v in_o superiority_n to_o prescribe_v to_o we_o in_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o foreprize_v by_o the_o two_o former_a i._n e._n that_o in_o all_o case_n where_o neither_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o the_o divine_a law_n be_v infringe_v there_o it_o be_v his_o will_n we_o shall_v govern_v ourselves_o by_o the_o law_n of_o man_n these_o i_o say_v be_v all_o the_o way_n god_n have_v think_v fit_a and_o all_o that_o be_v imaginable_a of_o lay_v any_o obligation_n upon_o we_o therefore_o wherever_o there_o be_v sin_n either_o some_o plain_n dictate_v of_o reason_n be_v contradict_v or_o some_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n violate_v or_o the_o sanction_n of_o human_a authority_n oppose_v and_o where_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v do_v there_o can_v be_v no_o sin_n upon_o the_o forecited_a reason_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n which_o plain_a truth_n we_o have_v thus_o careful_o deduce_v principal_o for_o the_o prevention_n or_o remedy_n of_o two_o mistake_n very_o rife_o in_o this_o matter_n the_o former_a be_v of_o certain_a honest_a and_o well-meaning_a but_o timorous_a and_o superstitious_a person_n who_o not_o content_a to_o approve_v themselves_o to_o the_o aforesaid_a measure_n nor_o think_v it_o sufficient_a for_o their_o security_n that_o neither_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o any_o express_v either_o divine_a or_o humane_a law_n disallow_v their_o action_n be_v afraid_a of_o their_o own_o shadow_n and_o suspect_v sin_n and_o danger_n they_o know_v not_o why_o nor_o whence_o their_o heart_n misgive_v they_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o case_n but_o either_o that_o the_o thing_n they_o be_v about_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o course_n of_o their_o education_n or_o forbid_v by_o the_o imperious_a dictate_v of_o some_o person_n to_o who_o usurp_a authority_n they_o have_v prostitute_v their_o judgement_n now_o will_v such_o person_n be_v induce_v to_o consider_v that_o lawful_a and_o unlawful_a be_v relative_a term_n and_o respect_v some_o definite_a rule_n or_o other_o which_o must_v determine_v any_o action_n to_o be_v this_o or_o that_o that_o god_n be_v well_o please_v that_o his_o law_n be_v observe_v and_o be_v not_o so_o severe_a and_o rigid_a as_o to_o oblige_v we_o negative_o that_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v do_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o command_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a field_n of_o liberty_n interjacent_a between_o express_a sin_n and_o express_v duty_n and_o in_o that_o we_o may_v expatiate_v without_o offence_n that_o all_o action_n be_v good_a within_o that_o scope_n and_o though_o they_o admit_v of_o such_o different_a degree_n as_o that_o some_o may_v be_v much_o better_a than_o other_o yet_o none_o be_v evil_a that_o touch_v not_o upon_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o law_n if_o i_o say_v these_o thing_n be_v consider_v which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o effect_n of_o what_o i_o say_v before_o then_o will_v those_o honest_a mind_n be_v undeceive_v and_o enfranchise_v who_o for_o want_v of_o such_o consideration_n be_v put_v to_o the_o unhappy_a choice_n either_o to_o be_v despoil_v of_o all_o liberty_n or_o deprive_v of_o all_o peace_n beside_o that_o by_o such_o jealousy_n they_o tempt_v both_o themselves_o and_o other_o to_o think_v hardly_o of_o god_n and_o consequent_o of_o that_o provoke_v all_o such_o man_n as_o be_v stranger_n to_o religion_n to_o nauseate_n and_o abhor_v it_o the_o other_o mistake_v which_o we_o here_o seek_v to_o prevent_v be_v of_o those_o that_o quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o former_a be_v so_o far_o from_o think_v the_o three_o rule_n of_o action_n we_o lay_v down_o to_o be_v insufficient_a that_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n for_o law_n or_o rule_n the_o persuasion_n of_o a_o man_n be_v own_o conscience_n a_o honest_a intention_n and_o a_o zeal_n of_o god_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v out_o and_o justify_v a_o undertake_n though_o against_o the_o express_a and_o literal_a direction_n of_o some_o law_n in_o be_v this_o conceit_n strange_a as_o it_o be_v have_v nevertheless_o have_v its_o patron_n and_o proselyte_n both_o among_o jew_n and_o christian_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o mischief_n enough_o to_o both_o now_o it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v within_o the_o power_n of_o conscience_n to_o make_v that_o which_o be_v before_o indifferent_a in_o the_o general_n to_o become_v good_a and_o laudable_a in_o particular_a or_o contrariwise_o by_o its_o dissent_n to_o render_v it_o evil_n and_o vicious_a because_o god_n have_v give_v it_o a_o judicature_n its_o consent_n be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o what_o we_o do_v in_o which_o sense_n i_o take_v it_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n a_o err_a conscience_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v by_o and_o by_o be_v also_o some_o mitigation_n of_o a_o miscarriage_n in_o practice_n but_o it_o be_v far_o from_o that_o prerogative_n of_o be_v able_a to_o legitimate_a any_o action_n prohibit_v by_o any_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a rule_n for_o it_o be_v but_o a_o judge_n not_o a_o law_n and_o must_v be_v govern_v by_o the_o measure_v forelay_v or_o if_o we_o allow_v too_o that_o the_o light_n of_o conscience_n be_v one_o of_o those_o measure_n as_o we_o do_v yet_o must_v it_o not_o bear_v down_o both_o the_o other_o that_o be_v it_o be_v only_o a_o law_n and_o justify_v a_o action_n when_o neither_o divine_a nor_o humane_a law_n have_v restrain_v it_o and_o not_o else_o wherefore_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o three_o rule_n aforesaid_a in_o conjunction_n make_v up_o the_o standard_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a every_o thing_n be_v a_o sin_n that_o go_v contrary_a to_o any_o of_o they_o and_o nothing_o be_v so_o that_o do_v not_o §_o ii_o 2._o but_o second_o to_o render_v any_o action_n of_o we_o culpable_a it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o some_o law_n in_o be_v be_v break_v unless_o that_o law_n be_v also_o promulge_v i._n e._n such_o as_o be_v or_o may_v be_v know_v for_o otherwise_o in_o effect_n it_o be_v no_o law_n
for_o deliberation_n there_o can_v be_v no_o perfect_a judgement_n and_o consequent_o but_o a_o imperfect_a consent_n again_o while_o a_o man_n be_v bend_v himself_o with_o all_o his_o might_n against_o some_o one_o extreme_a which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v evil_a and_o therefore_o careful_o decline_v he_o may_v perhaps_o in_o detestation_n of_o that_o incline_v too_o much_o to_o the_o other_o or_o while_o a_o man_n endeavour_n diligent_o to_o carry_v on_o both_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o concern_v of_o religion_n too_o it_o may_v happen_v that_o the_o solicitude_n and_o care_n of_o the_o former_a may_v sometime_o unreasonable_o crowd_v in_o and_o disturb_v he_o in_o the_o latter_a nay_o once_o more_o through_o the_o infirmity_n of_o memory_n compare_v with_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o affair_n which_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n care_n extend_v to_o it_o may_v not_o infrequent_o fall_v out_o that_o such_o a_o person_n for_o the_o present_a forget_v or_o omit_v some_o duty_n of_o religion_n now_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o any_o of_o these_o case_n be_v perfect_o involuntary_a because_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o that_o extraordinary_a diligence_n and_o watchfulness_n may_v have_v provide_v against_o they_o nevertheless_o they_o be_v not_o deliberate_a sin_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o full_a consent_n of_o the_o will_n to_o they_o as_o be_v evident_a both_o by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v already_o and_o also_o by_o this_o that_o such_o person_n we_o speak_v of_o very_o quick_o feel_v remorse_n for_o they_o their_o heart_n smite_v they_o upon_o the_o first_o reflection_n upon_o what_o have_v past_a and_o they_o present_o recover_v themselves_o and_o double_a their_o watch_n and_o guard_n where_o they_o have_v thus_o find_v themselves_o overtake_v these_o therefore_o and_o all_o other_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o be_v proper_o call_v sin_n of_o infirmity_n but_o now_o on_o the_o other_o side_n when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v notorious_a and_o palpable_a that_o it_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o dispute_n whether_o it_o be_v evil_a or_o no_o when_o a_o man_n be_v not_o surprise_v but_o make_v his_o election_n do_v not_o insensible_o slip_v awry_o while_o he_o be_v in_o his_o right_a way_n but_o take_v a_o wrong_a course_n be_v not_o overbear_v by_o a_o huge_a fear_n but_o be_v allure_v by_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n when_o he_o have_v time_n to_o consider_v and_o yet_o resolve_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v forbid_v he_o here_o be_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o extenuate_v the_o fact_n or_o mitigate_v his_o guilt_n it_o be_v a_o voluntary_a and_o therefore_o a_o presumptuous_a sin_n such_o a_o distinction_n as_o this_o david_n seem_v to_o make_v psal_n 19_o 12_o 13._o when_o he_o pray_v that_o he_o may_v understand_v his_o error_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o with_o holy_a joh_n where_o he_o have_v do_v iniquity_n he_o may_v do_v so_o no_o more_o but_o earnest_o beg_v that_o he_o may_v be_v keep_v from_o presumptuous_a sin_n i_o e._n from_o such_o voluntary_a and_o wilful_a miscarriage_n as_o we_o have_v but_o now_o speak_v of_o so_o say_v he_o shall_v i_o be_v innocent_a and_o free_a from_o the_o great_a transgression_n for_o though_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n in_o the_o most_o proper_a sense_n be_v not_o without_o guilt_n at_o least_o if_o god_n shall_v proceed_v in_o rigour_n with_o man_n yet_o in_o consideration_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n together_o with_o the_o evident_a pitiableness_n of_o their_o own_o circumstance_n they_o leave_v no_o horror_n upon_o the_o mind_n no_o stain_n or_o ill_a mark_n upon_o the_o person_n much_o less_o a_o scar_n or_o a_o maim_n but_o the_o other_o beside_o their_o great_a guilt_n either_o terrible_o afflict_v or_o lay_v waste_n and_o stupify_v the_o conscience_n they_o harden_v the_o heart_n break_v the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o quench_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v more_o at_o large_a hereafter_o at_o present_a i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v very_o pertinent_a to_o observe_v that_o whereas_o s._n john_n ep._n 1._o chap._n 3._o vers_fw-la 4._o seem_v to_o give_v a_o brief_a and_o compendious_a description_n of_o sin_n in_o these_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v sin_n be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v not_o altogether_o improbable_a but_o that_o the_o apostle_n intend_v to_o express_v something_o more_o than_o be_v common_o understand_v by_o those_o word_n in_o english_a for_o beside_o that_o it_o seem_v a_o flat_a say_n he_o that_o sin_v transgress_v the_o law_n for_o sin_n be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v note_v moreover_o by_o learned_a man_n that_o the_o apostle_n call_v not_o sin_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o have_v be_v the_o most_o proper_a word_n to_o denote_v a_o mere_a breach_n or_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n but_o use_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o namely_o lawlessness_n and_o dissoluteness_n the_o live_n without_o or_o cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o law_n for_o so_o we_o find_v it_o elsewhere_o use_v in_o scripture_n particular_o 1_o tim._n 1._o 9_o where_o we_o have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lawless_a and_o disobedient_a or_o ungovernable_a join_v together_o and_o thus_o the_o phrase_n of_o the_o apostle_n before_o we_o will_v import_v not_o so_o much_o the_o mere_a matter_n of_o sin_n viz._n the_o violation_n of_o a_o law_n but_o the_o aggravation_n of_o it_o as_o a_o presumptuous_a sin_n namely_o the_o wilfullness_n and_o stubbornness_n of_o the_o sinner_n and_o if_o this_o gloss_n may_v be_v allow_v we_o shall_v with_o much_o ease_n be_v able_a to_o understand_v a_o follow_a passage_n in_o this_o apostle_n which_o have_v not_o a_o little_a exercise_v the_o head_n of_o divine_n nor_o less_o perplex_v the_o conscience_n of_o many_o serious_a person_n viz._n vers_fw-la 9_o of_o this_o chapter_n he_o write_v thus_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n for_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o he_o can_v sin_v because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n now_o if_o we_o take_v sin_n strict_o and_o rigorous_o here_o for_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n than_o it_o will_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o by_o the_o phrase_n he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n we_o can_v understand_v none_o but_o our_o saviour_n himself_o which_o be_v altogether_o beside_o the_o business_n forasmuch_o as_o he_o only_o be_v without_o sin_n in_o that_o sense_n but_o if_o we_o take_v the_o phrase_n in_o the_o latitude_n before_o intimate_v that_o be_v for_o voluntary_a wilful_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n then_o the_o sense_n be_v both_o easy_a and_o comfortable_a namely_o that_o the_o man_n who_o be_v true_o a_o christian_n have_v not_o only_o the_o profession_n but_o the_o new_a nature_n temper_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o be_v a_o man_n and_o so_o encompass_v with_o temptation_n and_o difficulty_n as_o every_o one_o be_v in_o this_o world_n he_o can_v avoid_v all_o surreption_n yet_o the_o powerful_a principle_n of_o christianity_n settle_v in_o his_o heart_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o preserve_v he_o at_o least_o ordinary_o from_o rebellion_n and_o wilful_a disobedience_n and_o this_o way_n of_o interpret_n these_o and_o the_o like_a passage_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v strong_o countenance_v by_o what_o we_o find_v luk._n 1._o 6._o where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o zachary_n and_o elizabeth_n that_o they_o be_v both_o of_o they_o righteous_a before_o god_n walk_v in_o all_o the_o commandment_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n blameless_a that_o be_v they_o be_v sincere_o good_a and_o virtuous_a person_n their_o heart_n be_v principled_a with_o the_o fear_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o though_o they_o be_v not_o without_o the_o error_n and_o fail_n incident_a to_o humanity_n yet_o they_o strict_o make_v conscience_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o do_v not_o deliberate_o depart_v from_o the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n and_o that_o passage_n concern_v david_n 1_o king_n 15._o 5._o seem_v sufficient_a to_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o doubt_n where_o it_o be_v say_v david_n do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o turn_v not_o aside_o from_o any_o thing_n he_o command_v he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n save_v only_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o vriah_n the_o hittite_n notwithstanding_o the_o scripture_n reckon_v up_o several_a fail_n of_o david_n his_o passion_n for_o absalon_n his_o number_v the_o people_n his_o approaching_z too_o near_o the_o lord_n be_v anoint_v when_o he_o cut_v off_o the_o skirt_n of_o saul_n garment_n for_o which_o his_o heart_n smite_v he_o his_o despondency_n
of_o mind_n and_o mistrust_n that_o he_o shall_v one_o day_n fall_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o saul_n his_o rage_n against_o nabal_n etc._n etc._n but_o in_o regard_n these_o be_v but_o imperfect_o voluntary_a therefore_o they_o make_v no_o blot_n in_o his_o character_n but_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o vriah_n the_o fact_n be_v horrible_a there_o be_v time_n for_o deliberation_n the_o use_n of_o cunning_a and_o contrivance_n and_o therefore_o full_a consent_n wherefore_o this_o be_v quite_o of_o another_o consideration_n from_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o leave_v such_o a_o stain_n upon_o he_o as_o require_v many_o tear_n and_o prayer_n and_o a_o very_a serious_a and_o signal_n repentance_n to_o cleanse_v he_o from_o §_o vi_o thus_o much_o i_o have_v think_v sufficient_a for_o the_o clear_n the_o distinction_n between_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n and_o presumption_n but_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o mistake_n equal_o common_a and_o dangerous_a which_o wherever_o it_o take_v place_n do_v not_o only_o render_v all_o we_o have_v hitherto_o say_v useless_a but_o be_v of_o fatal_a consequence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n it_o be_v to_o this_o effect_n when_o man_n be_v about_o the_o commission_n of_o some_o great_a and_o enormous_a sin_n it_o be_v not_o unusual_a for_o they_o to_o find_v some_o reluctancy_n and_o abhorrence_n within_o themselves_o now_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o they_o think_v that_o although_o they_o yield_v to_o the_o temptation_n and_o commit_v the_o sin_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v esteem_v altogether_o a_o voluntary_a transgression_n but_o will_v admit_v of_o great_a abatement_n by_o reason_n of_o such_o combat_n and_o conflict_n which_o they_o find_v in_o themselves_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n they_o apply_v that_o passage_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 7._o 15._o that_o which_o i_o do_v i_o allow_v not_o for_o what_o i_o will_v that_o do_v i_o not_o but_o what_o i_o will_v not_o that_o i_o do_v and_o that_o which_o follow_v also_o vers_fw-la 17._o so_o than_o it_o be_v no_o more_o i_o that_o do_v it_o but_o sin_n that_o dwell_v in_o i_o but_o to_o remove_v so_o dangerous_a a_o mistake_n it_o will_v be_v well_o consider_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o however_o some_o have_v learned_a to_o call_v such_o a_o reluctancy_n as_o aforesaid_a by_o the_o specious_a name_n of_o the_o combat_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n or_o the_o regenerate_a and_o unregenerate_a part_n as_o the_o same_o man_n love_v to_o speak_v it_o be_v certain_o nothing_o else_o but_o mere_o some_o remain_v of_o natural_a conscience_n in_o man_n and_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o some_o measure_n in_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o man_n that_o be_v in_o all_o but_o those_o who_o conscience_n be_v sear_v and_o utter_o insensible_a it_o be_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o conscience_n itself_o which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o kind_n of_o internal_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n implant_v by_o god_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o a_o man_n may_v more_o easy_o destroy_v any_o of_o his_o outward_a sense_n than_o quite_o extinguish_v this_o the_o apostle_n take_v notice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o roman_n chap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 15._o who_o vice_n be_v yet_o so_o notorious_a as_o that_o they_o be_v utter_o out_o of_o capacity_n of_o be_v account_v regenerate_v man_n indeed_o if_o a_o man_n find_v in_o himself_o so_o quick_a a_o sense_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o be_v so_o tender_a of_o all_o degree_n of_o evil_a that_o his_o conscience_n not_o only_o check_v but_o call_v he_o off_o and_o restrain_v he_o upon_o the_o first_o appearance_n or_o approach_n of_o sin_n this_o as_o i_o have_v intimate_v before_o will_v be_v a_o good_a sign_n of_o regeneration_n and_o such_o beginning_n of_o evil_a so_o resist_v will_v not_o be_v impute_v as_o wilful_a transgression_n but_o when_o a_o man_n conscience_n only_o check_v he_o but_o he_o go_v on_o and_o commit_v the_o sin_n the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o it_o be_v only_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sear_a conscience_n and_o yet_o such_o a_o man_n be_v in_o a_o fair_a way_n to_o that_o also_o for_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o body_n by_o be_v often_o rub_v and_o hurt_v grow_v at_o last_o callous_a and_o insensible_a so_o the_o conscience_n be_v often_o resist_v in_o its_o intimation_n and_o stifle_v and_o overbear_v by_o the_o fury_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n grow_v at_o last_o stupid_a and_o dead_a so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 1._o 28._o because_o they_o like_v not_o to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o mind_n he_o give_v they_o up_o to_o vain_a imagination_n and_o because_o they_o give_v themselves_o to_o sensuality_n he_o give_v they_o up_o to_o unnatural_a lust_n and_o so_o by_o degree_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n to_o a_o state_n of_o stupidity_n a_o spirit_n of_o injudiciousness_n to_o lose_v the_o feel_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o extenuate_v the_o guilt_n of_o a_o man_n sin_n that_o his_o heart_n smite_v he_o for_o it_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o his_o presumption_n that_o he_o go_v on_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o if_o a_o man_n can_v say_v he_o do_v not_o so_o well_o know_v his_o duty_n as_o he_o shall_v and_o therefore_o his_o conscience_n not_o be_v right_o inform_v do_v not_o give_v he_o warning_n of_o it_o or_o that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o hurry_n and_o can_v not_o consider_v or_o confess_v his_o rashness_n and_o precipitancy_n these_o be_v some_o mitigation_n for_o as_o s._n clemens_n well_o pronounce_v 〈◊〉_d that_o which_o be_v involuntary_a be_v sudden_a and_o where_o a_o man_n can_v deliberate_v 2._o he_o scarce_o consent_v but_o when_o the_o case_n be_v such_o that_o a_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v he_o know_v what_o he_o do_v he_o think_v of_o it_o and_o condemn_v it_o and_o yet_o do_v it_o this_o sure_o be_v a_o aggravation_n if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v so_o it_o be_v say_v a_o generous_a heathen_a 〈◊〉_d plutarch_n by_o name_n a_o most_o unmanly_a and_o brutish_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n that_o know_v what_o he_o shall_v do_v soft_o and_o effeminate_o to_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o the_o swing_n of_o intemperate_a passion_n in_o short_a if_o when_o a_o man_n confess_v the_o truth_n must_v say_v he_o have_v reason_n against_o what_o he_o do_v but_o confront_v it_o his_o conscience_n shame_v he_o but_o he_o resolve_v to_o be_v shameless_a he_o have_v weapon_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o resist_v temptation_n but_o he_o cast_v they_o down_o and_o yield_v all_o which_o be_v imply_v when_o a_o man_n say_v his_o conscience_n smite_v he_o when_o he_o go_v about_o a_o sin_n but_o nevertheless_o he_o persist_v and_o commit_v it_o i_o say_v if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o voluntary_a sin_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n incident_a to_o mankind_n §_o vii_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o guilt_n or_o malignity_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o general_a now_o brief_o for_o the_o various_a state_n and_o mansion_n of_o sinner_n which_o we_o shall_v the_o more_o easy_o understand_v if_o we_o first_o consider_v the_o several_a degree_n of_o virtue_n or_o so_o many_o high_a and_o low_a capacity_n as_o there_o be_v of_o be_v good_a and_o holy_a and_o i_o know_v not_o where_o to_o find_v these_o more_o exact_o reckon_v up_o and_o describe_v then_o by_o s._n clement_n of_o alexandria_n who_o make_v four_o station_n of_o perfection_n 〈◊〉_d 1._o not_o to_o sin_n at_o all_o which_o say_v he_o be_v the_o felicity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o to_o be_v sure_a not_o the_o condition_n of_o any_o mere_a man_n in_o this_o world_n 2._o not_o to_o commit_v any_o wilful_a or_o voluntary_a sin_n which_o be_v the_o attainment_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n or_o true_a gnostick_n 1._o as_o he_o use_v to_o speak_v 3._o rare_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o inadvertency_n or_o involuntary_a lapse_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o good_a proficient_a in_o religion_n 4._o and_o last_o when_o a_o man_n have_v sin_v to_o recover_v himself_o early_o by_o repentance_n and_o not_o lie_v under_o the_o guilt_n nor_o much_o less_o grow_v into_o a_o habit_n of_o sin_n which_o low_a degree_n though_o it_o be_v vast_o different_a from_o every_o of_o the_o former_a yet_o it_o be_v tolerable_a and_o acceptable_a through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v anon_o now_o in_o some_o proportion_n to_o this_o discourse_n we_o will_v suppose_v 4_o station_n or_o degree_n of_o wickedness_n 1._o such_o as_o do_v nothing_o but_o sin_n which_o we_o only_o mention_v for_o method-sake_n for_o as_o we_o be_v certain_a non_fw-la datur_fw-la summum_fw-la
than_o whatever_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n be_v the_o inferior_a power_n without_o dispute_n apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o execution_n for_o to_o use_v another_o allusion_n reason_n be_v as_o the_o card_n which_o direct_v the_o course_n and_o show_v what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v but_o the_o will_n be_v as_o the_o helm_n and_o rudder_n that_o turn_v about_o the_o whole_a fabric_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n not_o a_o lawlessness_n or_o authority_n to_o do_v what_o we_o will_v nor_o yet_o a_o ability_n to_o effect_v whatever_o we_o please_v but_o a_o capacity_n within_o ourselves_o of_o determine_v ourselves_o and_o make_v our_o own_o choice_n now_o that_o we_o have_v indeed_o such_o a_o capacity_n be_v matter_n of_o daily_a experience_n for_o we_o can_v but_o have_v observe_v that_o oftentimes_o when_o reason_n and_o religion_n have_v recommend_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o and_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o importance_n of_o they_o yet_o we_o have_v follow_v our_o passion_n notwithstanding_o and_o do_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a dictate_v of_o our_o mind_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 7._o 23._o we_o have_v find_v a_o law_n in_o our_o member_n rebel_a against_o the_o law_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o lead_v we_o captive_a to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o contrariwise_o sometime_o we_o have_v check_v and_o subdue_v the_o importunity_n of_o our_o passion_n and_o cast_v the_o scale_n on_o the_o side_n of_o conscience_n and_o religion_n and_o both_o these_o out_o of_o the_o freedom_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n it_o be_v true_a that_o very_o ordinary_o in_o the_o former_a of_o these_o case_n the_o devil_n may_v promote_v the_o business_n by_o his_o temptation_n and_o in_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v certain_a as_o we_o heretofore_o have_v give_v caution_n that_o there_o be_v the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o both_o in_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o man_n act_v free_o nevertheless_o suffer_v no_o violence_n nor_o compulsion_n for_o though_o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o god_n who_o make_v man_n and_o can_v dissolve_v he_o when_o he_o please_v by_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o omnipotence_n may_v control_v the_o election_n of_o man_n or_o over-rule_v they_o to_o whatsoever_o he_o will_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o think_v he_o will_v or_o do_v ordinary_o do_v so_o determine_v they_o to_o evil_a he_o can_v upon_o the_o account_n either_o of_o his_o own_o purity_n justice_n or_o wisdom_n and_o for_o his_o over-bearing_a they_o to_o the_o do_v of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a beside_o that_o we_o can_v understand_v how_o it_o leave_v any_o room_n for_o reward_n in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o seem_v as_o much_o to_o reproach_v his_o wisdom_n in_o the_o first_o creation_n of_o such_o being_n as_o to_o display_v his_o power_n in_o control_a their_o action_n and_o election_n and_o will_v be_v as_o unseemly_a a_o phaenomenon_n as_o for_o he_o to_o cross_v and_o pervert_v the_o common_a course_n of_o natural_a cause_n and_o for_o the_o devil_n though_o he_o by_o the_o order_n of_o his_o creation_n be_v of_o a_o high_a rank_n and_o of_o great_a power_n than_o we_o yet_o he_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n able_a to_o force_v our_o will_n or_o to_o rescind_v the_o decree_n of_o a_o free_a mind_n god_n permit_v he_o to_o use_v his_o cunning_n and_o to_o show_v his_o malice_n in_o contrive_v bait_n to_o allure_v and_o catch_v we_o and_o several_a way_n to_o give_v we_o disturbance_n but_o if_o he_o shall_v allow_v he_o to_o force_v we_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a there_o shall_v never_o have_v be_v any_o one_o good_a man_n in_o the_o world_n the_o object_n that_o present_v themselves_o to_o we_o from_o without_o can_v but_o court_v our_o acceptance_n not_o obtrude_v themselves_o upon_o we_o they_o knock_v at_o our_o door_n but_o can_v break_v in_o upon_o we_o or_o they_o present_v we_o motive_n to_o alter_v our_o resolution_n but_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n still_o whether_o we_o will_v revoke_v they_o for_o example_n and_o the_o common_a usage_n of_o the_o world_n the_o power_n of_o which_o be_v so_o much_o magnify_v by_o some_o man_n as_o if_o they_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o apology_n for_o all_o our_o folly_n it_o be_v so_o inconsiderable_a in_o this_o case_n that_o if_o we_o due_o consider_v its_o efficacy_n we_o must_v pronounce_v of_o it_o that_o it_o work_v only_o metaphorical_o not_o physical_o and_o be_v at_o most_o but_o a_o ideal_o cause_n if_o we_o will_v call_v it_o so_o sufficient_a to_o abuse_v man_n of_o soft_a and_o easy_a mind_n but_o not_o the_o manly_a and_o generous_a as_o for_o the_o low_a and_o mere_o animal_n power_n in_o we_o they_o as_o we_o note_v before_o may_v corrupt_v the_o imagination_n and_o begin_v to_o form_v a_o seditious_a party_n within_o we_o but_o it_o be_v still_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o will_v till_o it_o dethrone_n itself_o so_o to_o suppress_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v successful_a in_o their_o rebellion_n but_o then_o in_o the_o last_o place_n for_o reason_n itself_o which_o some_o man_n govern_v themselves_o by_o a_o old_a maxim_n voluntas_fw-la semper_fw-la sequitur_fw-la dictamen_fw-la intellect_n ûs_fw-la suppose_v to_o prescribe_v so_o authoritative_o to_o the_o will_n as_o that_o the_o privilege_n of_o freedom_n belong_v rather_o to_o the_o former_a than_o the_o latter_a if_o that_o be_v true_a i._n e._n if_o the_o will_n must_v proceed_v upon_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n there_o will_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o liberty_n at_o all_o because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n what_o light_n our_o understanding_n shall_v have_v and_o as_o i_o have_v note_v before_o we_o can_v believe_v what_o we_o will_v nor_o understand_v thing_n otherwise_o then_o they_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o therefore_o if_o the_o will_v have_v not_o a_o power_n of_o act_v contrary_a to_o our_o understanding_n as_o perfect_v a_o fatality_n be_v introduce_v as_o be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o natural_a agent_n beside_o we_o find_v by_o constant_a observation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o world_n that_o in_o passion_n in_o love_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o riches_n and_o honour_n and_o most_o of_o our_o prosecution_n we_o sometime_o follow_v our_o reason_n sometime_o go_v before_o it_o and_o sometime_o quite_o cross_v it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o ordinary_o have_v some_o either_o reason_n or_o pretence_n of_o reason_n or_o other_o to_o countenance_v our_o election_n because_o otherwise_o it_o can_v not_o be_v call_v choice_n where_o there_o be_v no_o end_n propound_v or_o design_n aim_v at_o which_o i_o think_v be_v all_o that_o the_o aforesaid_a obsolete_a maxim_n intend_v nevertheless_o since_o it_o be_v manifest_a we_o oftentimes_o follow_v that_o which_o we_o know_v not_o to_o be_v the_o best_a reason_n even_o then_o when_o we_o follow_v it_o we_o may_v thereby_o be_v sufficient_o convince_v of_o the_o arbitrary_a power_n of_o our_o own_o will_n this_o which_o we_o have_v be_v assert_v be_v a_o truth_n of_o that_o importance_n that_o the_o denial_n thereof_o cut_v the_o very_a sinew_n of_o all_o industry_n destroy_v the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n take_v away_o all_o principle_n of_o conscience_n all_o argument_n of_o repentance_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o and_o herewith_o make_v that_o natural_a passion_n of_o ingenuous_a shame_n which_o mankind_n be_v peculiar_o endow_v with_o utter_o senseless_a and_o unaccountable_a but_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o suppose_a we_o easy_o understand_v both_o the_o nature_n and_o force_n of_o resolution_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n we_o have_v aim_v at_o to_o proceed_v therefore_o the_o son_n in_o the_o text_n conscious_a of_o this_o truth_n and_o as_o well_o sensible_a of_o his_o own_o liberty_n as_o certain_a of_o the_o necessity_n of_o take_v some_o course_n or_o other_o to_o relieve_v himself_o say_v in_o the_o word_n before_o recite_v i_o will_v arise_v i_o will_v go_v to_o my_o father_n i_o will_v say_v unto_o he_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o resolution_n of_o every_o penitent_n be_v to_o the_o same_o effect_n viz._n i_o will_v not_o fit_v with_o my_o hand_n fold_v up_o as_o a_o man_n infatuate_v and_o fit_v for_o destruction_n i_o will_v spend_v no_o more_o time_n doubt_v and_o dispute_v nor_o abandon_v myself_o to_o desperation_n i_o will_v endeavour_v both_o to_o cease_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o to_o learn_v to_o do_v well_o i_o will_v take_v shame_n to_o myself_o acknowledge_v my_o folly_n and_o accept_v the_o punishment_n of_o my_o iniquity_n i_o will_v earnest_o deprecate_v the_o divine_a displeasure_n and_o implore_v his_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n in_o short_a whatsoever_o
call_v thy_o son_n i_o deserve_v to_o be_v utter_o abandon_v exclude_v your_o care_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o your_o thought_n as_o i_o cast_v myself_o out_o of_o your_o family_n and_o so_o the_o penitent_a i_o be_o so_o far_a lord_n from_o deserve_v thy_o favour_n or_o eternal_a life_n that_o i_o deserve_v not_o the_o least_o crum_n from_o thy_o table_n less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o all_o thy_o mercy_n nay_o i_o acknowledge_v i_o have_v deserve_v to_o go_v with_o sorrow_n to_o my_o grave_n and_o to_o undergo_v the_o dreadful_a viol_n of_o thy_o wrath_n it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o the_o prodigal_n do_v not_o only_o thus_o condemn_v himself_o while_o he_o anxious_o stand_v expect_v his_o doom_n from_o his_o father_n but_o even_o then_o when_o his_o father_n have_v express_v compassion_n to_o he_o have_v run_v to_o meet_v he_o and_o kiss_v he_o for_o so_o vers_n 21._o we_o find_v he_o repeat_v his_o own_o condemnation_n in_o the_o same_o word_n as_o before_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o observe_v the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n after_o he_o have_v obtain_v pardon_n and_o the_o great_a favour_n of_o apostleship_n to_o be_v continual_o rip_v up_o his_o former_a sin_n and_o condemn_v himself_o for_o they_o as_o if_o the_o wound_n bleed_v afresh_o as_o often_o as_o it_o be_v touch_v thus_o the_o penitent_a always_o judge_n and_o condemn_v himself_o that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v judge_v of_o the_o lord_n by_o severity_n towards_o himself_o he_o recommend_v himself_o to_o the_o divine_a mercy_n poenit._n for_o as_o tertullian_n express_v it_o in_o quantum_fw-la non_fw-la peperceris_fw-la tibi_fw-la in_fw-la tantum_fw-la deus_fw-la tibi_fw-la parcet_fw-la if_o we_o like_o phineas_n stand_v up_o and_o execute_v judgement_n the_o plague_n will_v be_v stay_v he_o that_o anticipate_v the_o day_n of_o judgement_n by_o erect_v a_o private_a but_o impartial_a tribunal_n prevent_v the_o dreadfullness_n of_o that_o day_n in_o short_a if_o we_o be_v just_a god_n will_v be_v merciful_a and_o therefore_o when_o the_o penitent_a have_v be_v accuser_n witness_n and_o judge_v against_o himself_o he_o may_v then_o with_o hope_n of_o success_n become_v 4._o in_o the_o four_o place_n intercessor_n for_o himself_o also_o and_o deprecate_v the_o divine_a displeasure_n and_o implore_v his_o favour_n so_o the_o son_n do_v here_o make_v i_o as_o one_o of_o thy_o hire_a servant_n q._n d._n let_v i_o not_o be_v utter_o cast_v out_o of_o thy_o family_n but_o have_v at_o least_o this_o instance_n of_o thy_o favour_n that_o i_o may_v still_o retain_v some_o relation_n to_o thou_o and_o so_o the_o penitent_a now_o that_o he_o have_v receive_v his_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n within_o himself_o sue_v out_o his_o pardon_n o_o take_v not_o my_o confession_n mere_o as_o a_o argument_n of_o my_o guilt_n but_o as_o a_o evidence_n of_o my_o contrition_n break_v not_o the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n it_o be_v thy_o prerogative_n o_o lord_n to_o pardon_v and_o what_o pleasure_n be_v there_o in_o my_o blood_n will_v the_o lord_n be_v angry_a for_o ever_o will_v his_o jealousy_n burn_v like_o fire_n o_o consider_v my_o frame_n remember_v i_o be_o but_o dust_n and_o ash_n call_v to_o mind_v thy_o mercy_n of_o old_a thou_o be_v god_n and_o not_o man_n and_o as_o much_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a than_o the_o earth_n so_o be_v thy_o mercy_n above_o the_o mercy_n of_o a_o man_n turn_v thy_o face_n away_o from_o my_o sin_n and_o blot_v out_o all_o my_o transgression_n make_v i_o a_o clean_a heart_n o_o god_n and_o renew_v a_o right_a spirit_n in_o i_o cast_v i_o not_o away_o from_o thy_o presence_n and_o take_v not_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n from_o i_o give_v i_o the_o comfort_n of_o thy_o help_n again_o and_o establish_v i_o with_o thy_o free_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 51._o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o saint_n cyprian_n report_v it_o to_o have_v be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a penitent_n out_o of_o their_o quick_a and_o prick_a sense_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o more_o effectual_o to_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o his_o church_n earnest_o to_o implore_v the_o martyr_n that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o suffering_n and_o sharp_a agony_n they_o will_v remember_v they_o in_o their_o prayer_n think_v such_o affectionate_a intercession_n of_o those_o that_o pour_v out_o their_o blood_n and_o request_n together_o must_v needs_o be_v available_a both_o with_o god_n and_o man_n but_o the_o penitent_a address_n himself_o also_o to_o a_o high_a and_o more_o prevalent_a advocate_n who_o add_v the_o incense_n of_o his_o own_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o man_n and_o make_v they_o come_v up_o as_o sweet_a odour_n before_o the_o almighty_a and_o who_o be_v exalt_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n to_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v give_v success_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o such_o contrite_a person_n to_o which_o add_v that_o not_o only_o the_o deep_a apprehension_n of_o guilt_n and_o of_o danger_n which_o such_o a_o person_n we_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v under_o must_v needs_o mkee_v he_o ardent_a and_o importunate_a and_o to_o cry_v mighty_o to_o god_n but_o also_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v wont_a to_o assist_v such_o with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n which_o be_v unutterable_a §_o ii_o now_o for_o the_o acceptableness_n of_o this_o penitent_a confession_n of_o which_o we_o be_v speak_v although_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n take_v no_o delight_n in_o the_o pitiful_a moan_n in_o the_o tear_n and_o lamentation_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o most_o true_a that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o address_n and_o complemental_a form_n by_o the_o accent_n of_o man_n voice_n by_o the_o rhetoric_n of_o tear_n nor_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n because_o he_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o passion_n as_o man_n be_v yet_o have_v demonstrate_v already_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n that_o the_o divine_a majesty_n have_v no_o restraint_n upon_o he_o but_o what_o himself_o please_v and_o that_o all_o his_o action_n towards_o his_o creature_n be_v so_o subject_a to_o his_o wisdom_n that_o whenever_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n for_o mercy_n he_o can_v show_v it_o notwithstanding_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o rigour_n of_o his_o law_n or_o the_o demand_n of_o his_o justice_n if_o now_o we_o also_o make_v it_o appear_v from_o his_o own_o mouth_n and_o from_o those_o discovery_n which_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o that_o the_o aforesaid_a humble_a and_o contrite_a address_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o therefore_o require_v by_o he_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o pardon_n then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o they_o will_v in_o their_o kind_n be_v as_o acceptable_a to_o his_o divine_a majesty_n and_o as_o successful_a on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o sinner_n as_o the_o penitent_a son_n submission_n be_v with_o his_o earthly_a parent_n and_o this_o will_v be_v easy_o evident_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o whereas_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n lie_v principal_o in_o the_o dishonour_n it_o reflect_v upon_o the_o divine_a perfection_n such_o penitential_a acknowledgement_n as_o we_o have_v describe_v do_v in_o great_a measure_n repair_v that_o injury_n and_o do_v right_a to_o all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n as_o we_o will_v instance_n in_o particular_a 1._o sin_n be_v a_o invasion_n of_o god_n authority_n and_o sovereignty_n over_o we_o inasmuch_o as_o he_o that_o wilful_o break_v any_o law_n of_o god_n proclaim_v himself_o svi_fw-la juris_fw-la or_o lawless_a and_o say_v with_o those_o in_o the_o gospel_n we_o will_v not_o have_v this_o lord_n to_o rule_v over_o we_o now_o penitent_a acknowledgement_n though_o it_o can_v recall_v the_o act_n which_o be_v past_a yet_o it_o revoke_v and_o retract_v the_o affront_n and_o settle_v god_n authority_n again_o 2._o sin_n be_v a_o impeachment_n of_o god_n wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n at_o once_o for_o he_o that_o allow_v himself_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o a_o sin_n lay_v a_o imputation_n upon_o god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v either_o not_o foresee_v what_o liberty_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v allow_v to_o his_o creature_n or_o have_v not_o order_v the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o thing_n with_o that_o decency_n and_o benignity_n that_o mankind_n can_v comfortable_o acquiesce_v in_o without_o temptation_n to_o entrench_v upon_o that_o for_o his_o own_o necessary_a accommodation_n now_o on_o the_o contrary_a confession_n take_v shame_n and_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n to_o ourselves_o and_o justify_v the_o wisdom_n and_o equity_n of_o all_o god_n constitution_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o may_v take_v that_o expression_n luk._n 7._o 29._o the_o publican_n justify_v god_n
go_v quite_o back_o again_o and_o undo_v all_o he_o have_v do_v beside_o the_o agony_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o strong_a convulsion_n which_o he_o must_v suffer_v that_o cast_v off_o a_o long_o settle_v and_o habitual_a course_n of_o sin_n to_o which_o add_v that_o whatever_o diligence_n or_o zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n a_o late_a convert_n that_o come_v into_o the_o vineyard_n as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o eleven_o hour_n may_v express_v at_o last_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o have_v do_v god_n a_o great_a dishonour_n heretofore_o whereas_o he_o we_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v one_o that_o come_v in_o at_o the_o first_o hour_n labour_v all_o day_n in_o god_n work_n and_o equal_o carry_v on_o the_o affair_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o his_o own_o comfort_n here_o and_o salvation_n hereafter_o now_o all_o these_o thing_n consider_v if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o man_n so_o rash_a and_o injudicious_a as_o notwithstanding_o to_o press_v all_o man_n without_o distinction_n in_o order_n to_o their_o title_n to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o hope_n of_o heaven_n to_o make_v the_o same_o severe_a reflection_n upon_o themselves_o or_o to_o show_v the_o like_a sensible_a and_o discernible_a change_n in_o their_o life_n let_v they_o know_v by_o this_o unskilfulness_n of_o they_o they_o unreasonable_o minister_v trouble_v to_o the_o best_a and_o happy_a of_o man_n and_o have_v a_o design_n quite_o contrary_a to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n who_o profess_v he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o in_o the_o seven_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n he_o speak_v of_o just_a man_n which_o need_v no_o repentance_n that_o be_v have_v no_o need_n to_o make_v a_o change_n of_o their_o whole_a course_n and_o begin_v a_o new_a as_o notorious_a sinner_n ought_v to_o do_v both_o which_o place_n i_o take_v to_o be_v clear_o interpret_v and_o to_o the_o sense_n we_o be_v assign_v to_o they_o by_o that_o other_o passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n jo._n 13._o 10._o he_o that_o be_v wash_v need_v not_o save_v to_o wash_v his_o foot_n only_o that_o be_v he_o that_o be_v already_o engage_v in_o a_o holy_a course_n and_o habituate_v to_o the_o way_n of_o piety_n have_v only_o need_v to_o be_v due_o cleanse_v from_o those_o occasional_a soil_n and_o defilement_n which_o the_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n suffer_v no_o man_n whole_o to_o escape_v but_o not_o to_o enter_v upon_o a_o new_a state_n or_o begin_v a_o whole_a course_n of_o repentance_n to_o which_o effect_n i_o understand_v those_o word_n of_o origen_n in_o his_o book_n against_o celsus_n 〈◊〉_d christ_n jesus_n say_v he_o be_v send_v indeed_o a_o physician_n to_o cure_v and_o recover_v sinner_n but_o to_o improve_v and_o instruct_v those_o further_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v already_o virtuous_a i_o will_v conclude_v and_o confirm_v all_o i_o have_v say_v of_o this_o kind_n with_o the_o sense_n of_o manasses_n which_o he_o express_v in_o his_o famous_a penitential_a prayer_n thou_o o_o lord_n that_o be_v the_o god_n of_o the_o just_a have_v not_o appoint_v repentance_n to_o the_o just_a as_o to_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n etc._n etc._n but_o thou_o have_v appoint_v repentance_n unto_o i_o who_o be_o a_o sinner_n etc._n etc._n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o determination_n who_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o elder_a brother_n and_o then_o we_o can_v be_v much_o to_o seek_v who_o be_v denote_v by_o the_o young_a for_o what_o we_o have_v now_o say_v be_v grant_v it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o by_o the_o young_a son_n be_v describe_v all_o such_o person_n as_o have_v run_v a_o dangerous_a risk_a of_o sin_n and_o impiety_n that_o have_v commit_v gross_a and_o heinous_a transgression_n and_o continue_v in_o a_o state_n of_o disobedience_n and_o impenitency_n after_o such_o manner_n as_o the_o publican_n and_o sinner_n in_o the_o text_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v do_v these_o be_v say_v to_o forsake_v their_o father_n house_n and_o presence_n to_o misspend_v their_o portion_n in_o riotous_a live_n who_o yet_o at_o last_o be_v reduce_v to_o extremity_n come_v to_o themselves_o turn_v serious_a penitent_n bewail_v their_o folly_n resolve_v upon_o amendment_n implore_v pardon_n double_v their_o diligence_n and_o care_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o of_o old_a sinner_n become_v young_a saint_n whereupon_o they_o be_v by_o a_o gracious_a god_n admit_v to_o pardon_n and_o reconciliation_n and_o adoption_n for_o these_o the_o best_a robe_n be_v fetch_v out_o the_o fat_a calf_n slay_v and_o upon_o their_o conversion_n as_o a_o thing_n utter_o despair_v of_o and_o unexpected_a there_o be_v joy_n in_o heaven_n and_o among_o the_o holy_a angel_n these_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n but_o be_v now_o quicken_v and_o revive_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n they_o be_v stranger_n and_o alien_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o now_o become_v of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o now_o these_o two_o point_n be_v resolve_v of_o we_o have_v a_o key_n by_o which_o we_o may_v easy_o open_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o whole_a parable_n so_o that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v necessary_a that_o i_o insist_v long_o upon_o a_o general_a interpretation_n nevertheless_o lest_o there_o shall_v seem_v one_o difficulty_n not_o sufficient_o provide_v against_o or_o any_o man_n shall_v yet_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n how_o if_o the_o elder_a brother_n denote_v sincere_o good_a man_n it_o can_v stand_v with_o their_o character_n to_o grumble_v at_o the_o merciful_a reception_n of_o poor_a penitent_n as_o here_o he_o be_v represent_v to_o do_v and_o moreover_o it_o may_v raise_v another_o doubt_n if_o the_o elder_a brother_n be_v set_v to_o describe_v man_n of_o constant_a and_o unblemished_a sanctity_n how_o such_o a_o person_n shall_v be_v fit_a to_o denote_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o be_v certain_o very_o evil_a and_o corrupt_a man_n unless_o a_o plain_a account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o these_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o either_o we_o have_v not_o hit_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o parable_n or_o the_o parable_n do_v not_o answer_v to_o the_o occasion_n wherefore_o to_o these_o i_o answer_v joint_o that_o our_o saviour_n the_o more_o effectual_o to_o convince_v these_o jew_n that_o reproach_v and_o censure_v he_o proceed_v with_o they_o upon_o their_o own_o hypothesis_n namely_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o they_o be_v as_o eminent_o good_a and_o holy_a man_n as_o they_o either_o take_v themselves_o or_o pretend_v to_o be_v and_o that_o the_o publican_n and_o sinner_n be_v indeed_o as_o bad_a as_o they_o esteem_v they_o i_o mean_v he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o signify_v that_o these_o censorious_a person_n be_v indeed_o good_a man_n for_o upon_o all_o occasion_n we_o see_v he_o upbraid_v their_o rottenness_n and_o hypocrisy_n but_o because_o they_o out_o of_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o sanctity_n and_o contempt_n of_o other_o reproach_v his_o carriage_n in_o this_o matter_n therefore_o the_o design_n to_o show_v they_o that_o if_o that_o be_v true_a which_o be_v utter_o false_a and_o they_o as_o good_a man_n as_o they_o be_v extreme_o bad_a yet_o upon_o due_a consideration_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o blame_v his_o management_n of_o himself_o and_o gracious_a condescension_n to_o sinner_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v you_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n wonder_v that_o instead_o of_o apply_v myself_o to_o your_o conversation_n who_o be_v man_n of_o great_a note_n for_o sanctity_n and_o devotion_n and_o never_o blemish_v with_o any_o great_a disorder_n i_o rather_o choose_v to_o lay_v out_o myself_o upon_o the_o recovery_n of_o flagitious_a and_o desperate_a sinner_n now_o see_v your_o own_o unreasonableness_n in_o this_o instance_n you_o will_v allow_v a_o father_n to_o be_v more_o passionate_o concern_v for_o and_o express_v a_o great_a joy_n upon_o the_o recovery_n of_o a_o lose_a son_n than_o he_o usual_o do_v about_o he_o that_o be_v always_o with_o he_o and_o out_o of_o danger_n and_o if_o that_o son_n who_o have_v never_o depart_v from_o his_o father_n and_o so_o never_o give_v he_o occasion_n for_o those_o change_n of_o passion_n shall_v expostulate_v with_o his_o father_n for_o his_o affectionateness_n in_o such_o a_o case_n you_o will_v in_o your_o own_o thought_n blame_v he_o as_o envious_a and_o undutiful_a now_o apply_v this_o to_o yourselves_o and_o think_v as_o well_o as_o you_o can_v of_o yourselves_o yet_o upon_o the_o premise_n you_o will_v see_v no_o reason_n to_o calumniate_v my_o endeavour_n of_o reclaim_v sinner_n or_o my_o kindness_n and_o benignity_n towards_o they_o upon_o their_o repentance_n by_o this_o time_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o whole_a
not_o be_v want_v to_o he_o but_o for_o the_o latter_a namely_o the_o do_v or_o will_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o requisite_a but_o the_o will_n itself_o provide_v god_n extraordinary_o interpose_v not_o to_o hinder_v it_o these_o thing_n premise_v i_o be_o not_o aware_a of_o the_o least_o suspicion_n that_o can_v lie_v against_o what_o we_o be_v assert_v namely_o that_o a_o necessary_a and_o principal_a ingredient_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o voluntarinesse_n thereof_o and_o of_o the_o truth_n hereof_o the_o proof_n be_v as_o many_o and_o pregnant_a as_o the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o contrary_n be_v manifest_a for_o what_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v imaginable_a why_o god_n shall_v use_v exhortation_n and_o persuasion_n reproof_n and_o expostulation_n with_o man_n for_o sin_n if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o withstand_v it_o wherefore_o shall_v he_o upbraid_v they_o for_o their_o wilfulness_n condemn_v they_o for_o stubbornness_n and_o after_o all_o severe_o punish_v they_o for_o what_o they_o can_v not_o help_v if_o the_o insupportable_a weight_n of_o necessity_n lie_v upon_o they_o or_o some_o latent_fw-la and_o irresistible_a cause_n overpower_v they_o they_o be_v patient_n rather_o than_o agent_n and_o deserve_v pity_n rather_o than_o blame_v or_o punishment_n it_o be_v a_o discreet_a say_n of_o porphyry_n 〈◊〉_d a_o man_n that_o be_v move_v by_o force_n only_o be_v proper_o enough_o say_v to_o be_v where_o he_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v move_v at_o all_o for_o whatsoever_o seem_v alteration_n necessity_n and_o violence_n may_v make_v for_o the_o present_a when_o once_o the_o force_n be_v over_o 1._o every_o thing_n return_v to_o its_o own_o nature_n again_o and_o be_v what_o it_o be_v before_o but_o without_o doubt_n in_o all_o moral_a consideration_n man_n be_v reasonable_o to_o be_v interpret_v to_o be_v in_o that_o state_n all_o the_o while_n where_o he_o be_v by_o his_o own_o choice_n sen._n and_o will_v have_v continue_v have_v not_o force_v expulse_v he_o and_o seneca_n say_v very_o well_o necessity_n be_v the_o great_a sanctuary_n of_o humane_a infirmity_n which_o whosoever_o can_v lay_v claim_n to_o obtain_v protection_n for_o it_o perfect_o excuse_v all_o the_o fault_n it_o commit_v whatever_o can_v just_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v necessary_a if_o it_o be_v evil_a be_v a_o natural_a one_o and_o not_o a_o moral_n and_o a_o unhappiness_n or_o punishment_n rather_o than_o a_o sin_n abesse_fw-la so_o the_o roman_n judge_v also_o in_o a_o well_o know_v case_n it_o be_v the_o free_a mind_n which_o only_o be_v capable_a of_o guilt_n dull_a matter_n and_o body_n whatsoever_o be_v passive_a can_v be_v blame_v because_o they_o can_v choose_v neither_o be_v it_o possible_a any_o man_n shall_v repent_v of_o do_v what_o he_o can_v not_o but_o do_v or_o of_o omit_v to_o do_v what_o be_v never_o in_o his_o power_n to_o effect_v no_o more_o than_o that_o he_o can_v fly_v like_o a_o bird_n or_o move_v like_o a_o angel_n what_o remorse_n or_o shame_n or_o trouble_v of_o conscience_n can_v there_o be_v that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o another_o kind_n of_o creature_n than_o he_o be_v make_v that_o he_o do_v what_o be_v natural_a and_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o do_v or_o for_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v indeed_o be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o and_o yet_o not_o be_v his_o act_n that_o be_v the_o act_n of_o a_o man_n because_o he_o can_v not_o do_v otherwise_o god_n have_v set_v up_o conscience_n as_o his_o vicegerent_n and_o a_o judge_n within_o we_o but_o as_o we_o say_v before_o it_o be_v not_o so_o absolute_a as_o to_o judge_v without_o a_o law_n so_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v so_o unjust_a and_o absurd_a as_o to_o condemn_v and_o torture_v without_o conviction_n of_o guilt_n and_o though_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n of_o the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n to_o impose_v what_o law_n he_o please_v yet_o we_o have_v the_o manifold_a security_n of_o his_o goodness_n wisdom_n and_o justice_n beside_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n that_o he_o will_v not_o oppress_v we_o with_o his_o sovereignty_n but_o in_o all_o his_o dispensation_n will_v consider_v our_o frame_n and_o circumstance_n and_o remember_v that_o we_o be_v but_o dust_n and_o ash_n in_o short_a if_o there_o be_v any_o so_o absurd_a as_o to_o affirm_v sin_n to_o be_v any_o way_n necessary_a to_o all_o other_o absurdity_n they_o bring_v in_o the_o surly_a paradox_n of_o the_o stoic_n and_o make_v all_o sin_n equal_a represent_v the_o most_o pitiable_a infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n equal_a to_o the_o most_o dissolute_a enormity_n they_o infinite_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o sin_n but_o take_v off_o the_o weight_n and_o guilt_n render_v it_o little_o more_o than_o a_o notion_n and_o teach_v man_n to_o have_v no_o horrid_a apprehension_n of_o it_o they_o excuse_v man_n and_o lay_v the_o fault_n if_o there_o be_v any_o somewhere_o else_o but_o wherever_o that_o be_v it_o will_v revolve_v at_o last_o upon_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o §_o 4._o but_o i_o persuade_v myself_o i_o need_v not_o proceed_v further_o in_o exaggerate_v this_o matter_n wherefore_o both_o to_o close_v and_o to_o confirm_v what_o i_o have_v say_v i_o will_v only_o subjoin_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n s_o james_n in_o that_o remarkable_a passage_n of_o his_o epistle_n chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 13_o 14_o 15._o wherein_o he_o describe_v the_o conception_n formation_n growth_n perfection_n and_o nativity_n of_o sin_n the_o word_n be_v these_o let_v not_o any_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n be_v not_o tempt_v of_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man_n but_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v then_o when_o lust_n have_v conceive_v it_o bring_v forth_o sin_n and_o sin_n when_o it_o be_v finish_v bring_v forth_o death_n upon_o which_o let_v i_o crave_v leave_n to_o use_v the_o liberty_n of_o this_o less_o strict_a paraphrase_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v let_v no_o man_n imagine_v that_o god_n by_o any_o act_n of_o his_o providence_n provoke_v or_o prompt_v or_o much_o less_o put_v any_o necessity_n upon_o man_n to_o sin_n for_o as_o he_o by_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n be_v infinite_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o any_o temptation_n to_o act_v it_o himself_o so_o it_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o he_o that_o he_o abhor_v it_o wherever_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n contribute_v to_o it_o nor_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o the_o production_n of_o it_o and_o though_o several_a of_o his_o design_n suppose_v it_o and_o his_o providence_n be_v exercise_v about_o the_o regulation_n of_o it_o yet_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o he_o either_o ordain_v it_o or_o effect_n it_o for_o his_o wisdom_n be_v sufficient_a to_o enable_v he_o to_o see_v through_o all_o the_o series_n of_o cause_n and_o to_o foreknow_v what_o they_o be_v pregnant_a with_o and_o what_o they_o will_v in_o their_o respective_a time_n be_v deliver_v of_o without_o peremptory_a determination_n of_o they_o thereunto_o and_o again_o although_o it_o be_v true_a that_o sin_n can_v not_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n unless_o he_o have_v think_v fit_a to_o permit_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v never_o the_o more_o by_o he_o since_o it_o take_v its_o rise_n from_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o unhappy_a use_n of_o that_o great_a blessing_n and_o privilege_n of_o liberty_n which_o he_o endow_v rational_a creature_n withal_o will_v you_o then_o understand_v more_o particular_o the_o generation_n of_o this_o sponte-nascent_a take_v it_o thus_o first_o than_o you_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o great_a and_o wise_a creator_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o weighty_a reason_n think_v fit_a to_o create_v mankind_n of_o a_o middle_a nature_n and_o condition_n betwixt_o pure_o spiritual_a being_n and_o the_o inferior_a world_n of_o mere_a animal_n and_o natural_a make_v he_o participate_v of_o both_o and_o agreeable_o hereunto_o endow_v he_o both_o with_o intellectual_a and_o sensitive_a power_n the_o former_a whereof_o namely_o the_o intellectual_a be_v to_o enable_v he_o to_o serve_v his_o creator_n to_o render_v he_o capable_a of_o noble_a and_o excellent_a delight_n and_o that_o he_o may_v by_o they_o order_n and_o govern_v the_o inferior_a and_o sensitive_a faculty_n and_o these_o latter_a be_v give_v he_o partly_o to_o relax_v his_o mind_n by_o a_o moderate_a and_o seasonable_a condescension_n to_o the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o sense_n but_o principal_o to_o be_v a_o field_n and_o exercise_v for_o those_o active_a vigorous_a and_o noble_a capacity_n of_o the_o mind_n again_o second_o you_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o as_o that_o wise_a and_o benign_a majesty_n never_o make_v any_o thing_n but_o
what_o be_v good_a in_o its_o kind_n and_o happy_a according_a to_o its_o proportion_n so_o especial_o in_o this_o part_n of_o his_o workmanship_n he_o prepare_v and_o apportion_v object_n suitable_a to_o the_o aforesaid_a different_a capacity_n and_o allow_v the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o both_o only_o with_o this_o remarkable_a difference_n that_o the_o object_n and_o entertainment_n of_o sense_n be_v little_a and_o narrow_a but_o present_a at_o hand_n those_o of_o the_o intellectual_a power_n great_a but_o out_o of_o view_n and_o at_o distance_n by_o which_o mean_v it_o become_v somewhat_o difficult_a but_o not_o impossible_a for_o those_o high_a faculty_n to_o maintain_v that_o authority_n over_o the_o inferior_a which_o he_o design_v they_o for_o and_o expect_v from_o they_o 3._o than_o further_o to_o afford_v those_o high_a power_n opportunity_n to_o show_v themselves_o he_o retrench_v in_o some_o measure_n the_o liberty_n of_o the_o sensitive_a faculty_n forbid_v some_o kind_n of_o enjoyment_n of_o their_o proper_a object_n in_o which_o case_n those_o strong_a but_o unjudging_a faculty_n be_v restrain_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v natural_a to_o they_o and_o wherein_o they_o find_v a_o quick_a relish_n and_o delight_n have_v as_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v but_o they_o shall_v a_o proneness_n and_o inclination_n to_o such_o thing_n notwithstanding_o the_o divine_a prohibition_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lust_n and_o which_o i_o think_v the_o schoolman_n mean_v by_o motus_fw-la primo-primi_a and_o although_o sin_n take_v its_o rise_n hence_o yet_o hitherto_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n for_o do_v the_o high_a faculty_n now_o quit_v themselves_o as_o they_o may_v and_o ought_v and_o in_o consideration_n of_o the_o reverence_n due_a to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o those_o boundary_n he_o have_v set_v give_v check_n to_o these_o inclination_n all_o be_v well_o but_o now_o begin_v the_o mischief_n for_o while_o those_o object_n of_o sense_n continual_o present_v themselves_o to_o and_o court_v their_o proper_a power_n and_o reason_n not_o step_v in_o to_o disturb_v and_o forbid_v the_o parley_n that_o proneness_n or_o connaturalnesse_n of_o which_o we_o speak_v quick_o start_v up_o into_o the_o desire_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o god_n have_v forbid_v in_o which_o consist_v the_o first_o conception_n of_o sin_n and_o hitherto_o the_o high_a faculty_n be_v guilty_a as_o accessory_n only_o because_o they_o do_v not_o interpose_v to_o hinder_v these_o beginning_n but_o then_o in_o the_o next_o place_n fancy_n and_o imagination_n be_v employ_v about_o the_o object_n so_o desire_v do_v in_o that_o manner_n paint_v and_o set_v it_o out_o or_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o chemistry_n so_o wonderful_o sublime_a and_o heighten_v it_o that_o the_o value_n be_v mighty_o raise_v the_o desire_n inflame_v and_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o danger_n must_v not_o be_v deny_v thus_o the_o embryo_n be_v cherish_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o gather_v strength_n and_o now_o it_o be_v high_a time_n for_o the_o high_a power_n to_o correct_v their_o first_o error_n to_o rally_v their_o force_n to_o call_v in_o all_o the_o aid_n of_o religion_n and_o set_v in_o vigorous_o and_o stop_v the_o further_a progress_n of_o the_o mischief_n but_o reason_n either_o lay_v asleep_a by_o the_o fume_n of_o sense_n forget_v the_o danger_n and_o le_fw-fr we_o fall_v its_o sceptre_n or_o those_o high_a power_n either_o prevent_v in_o their_o preparation_n or_o corrupt_v by_o the_o charm_n of_o pleasure_n connive_v at_o the_o disorder_n and_o make_v but_o a_o faint_a and_o superficial_a resistance_n the_o second_o error_n become_v worse_a than_o the_o first_o and_o sin_n go_v on_o and_o grow_v ripe_a for_o the_o birth_n till_o at_o last_o passion_n still_o swell_v and_o reason_n yield_v consent_v as_o it_o be_v to_o its_o own_o deposition_n and_o lust_n get_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o will_n have_v the_o reins_o put_v into_o its_o hand_n and_o so_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v subject_a to_o its_o command_n and_o then_o be_v sin_n bring_v forth_o perfect_a and_o consummate_v §_o 5._o thus_o i_o have_v as_o brief_o and_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v open_v the_o nature_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o tenor_n of_o which_o discourse_n we_o may_v gain_v this_o double_a advantage_n first_o to_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v which_o fill_v sin_n with_o that_o malignity_n as_o to_o make_v it_o the_o just_a hate_n of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o second_o to_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v the_o several_a degree_n of_o guilt_n or_o principal_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n for_o touch_v the_o former_a of_o these_o we_o may_v easy_o perceive_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o guilt_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a arbitrary_a stamp_n that_o god_n set_v upon_o action_n nor_o punishment_n a_o effect_n of_o harshness_n or_o severity_n forasmuch_o as_o all_o that_o which_o god_n put_v under_o that_o character_n and_o punish_v as_o such_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o to_o that_o law_n and_o order_n of_o thing_n he_o have_v constitute_v in_o the_o world_n and_o second_o be_v a_o contempt_n also_o of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o that_o the_o sinner_n either_o turn_v his_o back_n upon_o the_o proclaim_a law_n of_o heaven_n by_o affect_a ignorance_n or_o take_v himself_o to_o be_v lawless_a and_o confront_v god_n almighty_a and_o last_o there_o be_v wilfullness_n and_o contumacy_n in_o it_o too_o for_o whereas_o it_o please_v god_n out_o of_o special_a favour_n to_o endow_v man_n with_o freedom_n to_o the_o intent_n they_o may_v serve_v he_o both_o more_o honourable_o and_o more_o cheerful_o they_o in_o sin_v perverse_o turn_v this_o privilege_n against_o their_o maker_n and_o for_o the_o second_o of_o these_o though_o sin_n admit_v of_o many_o head_n of_o abatement_n or_o aggravation_n as_o namely_o either_o from_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o or_o the_o law_n it_o violate_v whether_o natural_a divine_a or_o humane_a or_o from_o the_o clearness_n or_o dimness_n of_o the_o light_n under_o which_o man_n sin_n the_o greatness_n or_o littleness_n of_o the_o temptation_n which_o they_o have_v to_o offend_v and_o several_a other_o consideration_n of_o that_o kind_n which_o it_o be_v not_o uneasy_a to_o specify_v yet_o the_o most_o general_a and_o the_o most_o useful_a distinction_n be_v take_v from_o that_o which_o i_o reckon_v as_o the_o three_o and_o last_o ingredient_n of_o sin_n namely_o from_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o will_n in_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o for_o so_o if_o we_o observe_v we_o shall_v find_v that_o both_o in_o the_o esteem_n of_o scripture_n and_o conscience_n the_o degree_n of_o guilt_n be_v principal_o reckon_v in_o proportion_n to_o the_o imperfectness_n or_o fullness_n of_o its_o consent_n and_o concurrence_n to_o any_o vicious_a action_n insomuch_o that_o herein_o that_o great_a distinction_n of_o sin_n into_o infirmity_n and_o presumption_n have_v its_o foundation_n namely_o when_o there_o be_v but_o a_o imperfect_a compliance_n of_o the_o will_n the_o miscarriage_n be_v of_o the_o former_a kind_n but_o when_o it_o full_o yield_v and_o consent_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n with_o a_o high_a hand_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n wherein_o the_o peace_n of_o man_n conscience_n here_o and_o their_o eternal_a welfare_n hereafter_o be_v concern_v i_o shall_v not_o suspect_v it_o will_v be_v unacceptable_a to_o the_o reader_n that_o i_o speak_v a_o little_a more_o full_o to_o it_o and_o first_o to_o reckon_v up_o the_o most_o common_a instance_n of_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n i_o take_v they_o to_o be_v proper_o such_o as_o these_o follow_v viz._n the_o first_o beginning_n of_o sin_n not_o pursue_v when_o a_o man_n unadvised_o enter_v the_o confine_n of_o evil_a but_o recover_v and_o withdraw_v himself_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o consider_v the_o consequent_n and_o apprehend_v the_o mischief_n and_o danger_n or_o when_o by_o the_o nearness_n of_o the_o allurement_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o quick_a motion_n of_o bodily_a passion_n he_o begin_v to_o take_v fire_n or_o when_o the_o extraordinariness_n of_o the_o temptation_n surprise_v he_o or_o the_o mighty_a prevalence_n of_o example_n overbear_v he_o beyond_o his_o course_n and_o intention_n before_o he_o well_o understand_v where_o he_o be_v and_o he_o have_v no_o time_n to_o recollect_v himself_o and_o to_o call_v in_o the_o aid_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n perhaps_o a_o mighty_a fear_n may_v hurry_v a_o man_n to_o some_o degree_n of_o indecency_n or_o a_o huge_a advantage_n may_v sway_v he_o a_o little_a aside_o till_o he_o can_v so_o far_o recover_v himself_o as_o mature_o to_o consider_v and_o then_o to_o set_v himself_o upright_o he_o bend_v himself_o quite_o the_o other_o way_n now_o in_o all_o these_o case_n where_o there_o be_v no_o room_n
malum_fw-la or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o be_v absolute_o evil_a as_o the_o manichee_n imagine_v so_o it_o be_v very_o questionable_a whether_o the_o very_a devil_n himself_o do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v evil_a but_o it_o be_v out_o of_o all_o question_n with_o i_o that_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o vicious_o incline_v man_n do_v some_o good_a and_o for_o those_o that_o can_v assert_v the_o most_o virtuous_a action_n of_o unregenerate_a man_n to_o be_v express_a sin_n they_o may_v pretend_v what_o patron_n they_o will_v of_o their_o opinion_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a neither_o scripture_n nor_o reason_n will_v countenance_v it_o for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o best_a action_n of_o such_o man_n be_v not_o acceptable_a as_o the_o condition_n of_o eternal_a life_n because_o they_o be_v disjoin_v from_o habitual_a sanctification_n and_o true_a holiness_n yet_o that_o they_o be_v not_o therefore_o sin_n will_v sufficient_o appear_v by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v not_o long_o since_o in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n neither_o because_o they_o be_v defective_a in_o some_o circumstance_n do_v they_o cease_v to_o be_v good_a or_o become_v sin_n for_o then_o the_o best_a performance_n of_o the_o best_a man_n in_o this_o world_n will_v be_v sin_n too_o because_o they_o be_v also_o defective_a in_o circumstance_n 2._o the_o second_o or_o rather_o first_o rank_n of_o sinner_n consist_v of_o such_o as_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o great_a and_o enormous_a sin_n whether_o of_o one_o kind_a or_o of_o many_o i_o confess_v at_o the_o first_o sight_n one_o will_v think_v these_o shall_v be_v divide_v into_o two_o class_n whereof_o the_o first_o shall_v be_v those_o profligate_v wretch_n and_o son_n of_o belial_n who_o perfect_o abandon_v themselves_o to_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o fury_n of_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o add_v drunkenness_n to_o thirst_n as_o the_o scripture_n express_v it_o or_o run_v from_o one_o kind_n of_o sin_n to_o another_o with_o a_o kind_n of_o greediness_n as_o if_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o love_v evil_a for_o its_o own_o sake_n or_o have_v a_o spite_n both_o at_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o second_o shall_v be_v those_o more_o reserve_v and_o cautious_a sinner_n who_o perhaps_o may_v carry_v it_o very_o demure_o in_o many_o respect_n but_o maintain_v some_o bosom_n sin_n which_o be_v as_o dear_a to_o they_o as_o their_o right_a eye_n and_o as_o necessary_a as_o their_o right_a hand_n and_o this_o they_o hope_v god_n will_v indulge_v they_o oh_o it_o be_v a_o little_a one_o and_o their_o soul_n shall_v live_v i_o say_v i_o shall_v in_o civility_n have_v provide_v these_o a_o form_n by_o themselves_o and_o not_o set_v they_o with_o the_o open_a and_o scandalous_a sinner_n but_o that_o i_o observe_v god_n make_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o his_o servant_n you_o be_v say_v the_o apostle_n to_o who_o you_o obey_v and_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n whether_o a_o man_n have_v many_o master_n or_o one_o he_o be_v equal_o a_o slave_n that_o be_v lead_v captive_a either_o way_n and_o so_o 8._o james_n in_o that_o most_o remarkable_a passage_n chap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 10._o whosoever_o shall_v keep_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o offend_v in_o one_o point_n be_v guilty_a of_o all_o of_o which_o seem_a paradox_n he_o give_v account_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n for_o he_o that_o say_v do_v not_o commit_v adultery_n say_v also_o do_v not_o kill_v etc._n etc._n i._n e._n the_o reverence_n of_o every_o branch_n of_o god_n law_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n and_o right_a to_o prescribe_v to_o we_o which_o he_o impeache_n whosoever_o dispense_v with_o himself_o in_o the_o habitual_a breach_n of_o any_o one_o of_o his_o command_n for_o whatever_o particular_a he_o choose_v to_o transgress_v in_o he_o derogate_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a beside_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o all_o sin_n can_v stand_v together_o some_o sin_n be_v as_o repugnant_a and_o contradictory_n to_o each_o other_o as_o all_o be_v to_o virtue_n and_o moreover_o non_fw-la omnis_fw-la fert_fw-la omne_fw-la tellus_fw-la it_o may_v be_v not_o the_o humour_n or_o interest_n or_o not_o suitable_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o some_o man_n to_o act_v some_o sin_n when_o yet_o it_o be_v neither_o love_n of_o virtue_n nor_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n which_o make_v he_o abstain_v from_o it_o these_o therefore_o be_v just_o join_v together_o namely_o all_o such_o as_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o one_o or_o more_o notorious_a sin_n 3._o a_o three_o rank_n be_v such_o as_o though_o they_o live_v not_o in_o the_o habit_n yet_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o act_n of_o some_o very_a great_a and_o flagitious_a crime_n for_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n very_o deadly_a even_o in_o single_a act_n as_o either_o contain_v a_o complication_n of_o many_o wickedness_n together_o as_o sacrilege_n adultery_n sedition_n or_o such_o as_o can_v never_o be_v revoke_v nor_o amends_o be_v make_v for_o they_o as_o take_v away_o a_o man_n life_n or_o never_o repeat_v nor_o repent_v of_o as_o to_o murder_v a_o man_n self_n and_o several_a other_o now_o these_o be_v of_o so_o deadly_a a_o nature_n every_o man_n that_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o virtue_n or_o care_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n ought_v ever_o to_o be_v sufficient_o guard_v against_o they_o and_o at_o utter_a defiance_n of_o they_o and_o he_o that_o can_v be_v so_o careless_a as_o to_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o any_o such_o betray_v the_o great_a atheism_n and_o security_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o miscarriage_n of_o david_n in_o the_o business_n of_o bathshebah_n and_o vriah_n lay_v such_o a_o horrible_a blot_n upon_o he_o and_o need_v all_o that_o repentance_n whereof_o we_o have_v the_o footstep_n in_o the_o 51._o psalm_n 4._o the_o four_o and_o last_o rank_n be_v they_o that_o avoid_v both_o the_o habit_n and_o the_o act_n of_o great_a sin_n yet_o allow_v themselves_o in_o the_o frequent_a commission_n of_o lesser_a and_o persevere_v in_o they_o without_o repentance_n by_o lesser_a sin_n i_o mean_v both_o such_o as_o i_o reckon_v up_o before_o under_o the_o name_n of_o infirmity_n and_o more_o particular_o such_o as_o these_o follow_v when_o a_o man_n dare_v not_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o beastly_a sensuality_n yet_o will_v too_o much_o humour_n and_o caress_n his_o body_n in_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o pleasure_n or_o will_v not_o steal_v and_o cozen_v but_o will_v be_v covetous_a and_o have_v his_o heart_n too_o much_o upon_o the_o world_n that_o dare_v not_o cast_v off_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o will_v indulge_v himself_o to_o be_v remiss_a and_o flat_a in_o they_o and_o several_a of_o this_o nature_n too_o easy_a to_o be_v observe_v now_o these_o kind_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a in_o that_o partly_o our_o conscience_n not_o be_v present_o startle_v at_o they_o as_o at_o great_a crime_n we_o more_o easy_o admit_v they_o or_o they_o insensible_o steal_v upon_o we_o from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o become_v frequent_a and_o so_o arise_v to_o a_o great_a number_n and_o seem_v to_o equal_v that_o way_n what_o they_o have_v not_o in_o weight_n these_o therefore_o if_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o pass_v unregarded_a grow_v to_o a_o great_a danger_n since_o no_o danger_n be_v little_a when_o once_o it_o be_v esteem_v so_o and_o beside_o though_o these_o may_v pass_v for_o inadvertency_n when_o they_o be_v once_o or_o rare_o commit_v yet_o it_o must_v be_v a_o vicious_a neglect_n of_o ourselves_o when_o they_o be_v frequent_a and_o ordinary_a forasmuch_o as_o all_o sincere_a virtue_n be_v awaken_v to_o great_a diligence_n by_o every_o sensible_a declension_n to_o which_o add_v especial_o that_o whatsoever_o sin_n and_o how_o little_a soever_o it_o be_v be_v not_o repent_v of_o when_o it_o be_v come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n be_v by_o that_o mean_v become_v a_o voluntary_a transgression_n increase_v its_o guilt_n ex_fw-la post_fw-la pacto_fw-la these_o be_v the_o principal_a station_n of_o sin_n or_o the_o several_a way_n upon_o which_o a_o man_n be_v denominate_v a_o sinner_n in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o wise_a man_n but_o to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v render_v this_o important_a point_n as_o clear_a as_o we_o can_v and_o now_o also_o come_v more_o direct_o to_o the_o parable_n before_o we_o we_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o psalmist_n david_n distribution_n of_o sinner_n into_o a_o threefold_a classis_fw-la psal_n 1._o vers_fw-la 1._o bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o ungodly_a nor_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n nor_o sit_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o
in_o sin_n beyond_o their_o interest_n nay_o their_o very_a vicious_a inclmation_n and_o even_o the_o capacity_n of_o their_o circumstance_n and_o constitution_n as_o if_o he_o design_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o only_o treasure_n up_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n but_o be_v miserable_o rack_v and_o torture_v here_o and_o torment_v before_o their_o time_n we_o count_v the_o water_n rack_v a_o very_a severe_a torture_n to_o have_v that_o element_n force_v down_o a_o man_n throat_n till_o all_o the_o vessel_n of_o his_o body_n be_v stretch_v and_o tympanize_v so_o that_o in_o stead_n of_o air_n he_o draw_v in_o water_n with_o his_o breath_n ready_a to_o stifle_v he_o and_o yet_o this_o torture_n we_o see_v the_o drunkard_n submit_v himself_o to_o at_o the_o devil_n command_n it_o be_v very_o dreadful_a to_o have_v our_o limb_n and_o nerve_n distend_v by_o pulley_n and_o such_o other_o engine_n and_o the_o lascivious_a man_n be_v sensible_a of_o something_o like_o this_o when_o he_o force_v nature_n to_o comply_v with_o his_o vicious_a fancy_n and_o a_o prevalent_a temptation_n when_o in_o some_o kind_n of_o execution_n they_o pour_v scald_a lead_v down_o the_o throat_n of_o the_o malefactor_n which_o the_o jew_n call_v the_o burn_a of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v doubtless_o very_o terrible_a but_o he_o that_o suffer_v revenge_n to_o fry_v in_o his_o bosom_n and_o eat_v out_o his_o very_a heart_n and_o bowel_n undergo_v something_o not_o very_o much_o inferior_a to_o say_v no_o more_o what_o more_o horrid_a torment_n can_v any_o tyrant_n invent_v or_o inflict_v or_o what_o more_o abominable_a ignominy_n can_v his_o malice_n expose_v any_o man_n to_o than_o the_o usual_a effect_n of_o sensuality_n do_v either_o execute_v upon_o a_o man_n person_n or_o stigmatize_v his_o name_n withal_o we_o see_v in_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n give_v place_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o whole_a or_o as_o we_o common_o speak_v private_a nature_n give_v place_n to_o public_a as_o the_o water_n ascend_v to_o prevent_v vacuity_n etc._n etc._n but_o in_o this_o little_a world_n man_n when_o the_o devil_n have_v get_v interest_n in_o he_o public_a nature_n humanity_n itself_o be_v violence_v for_o the_o lust_n of_o a_o private_a person_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n give_v we_o too_o sad_a a_o instance_n in_o the_o debauch_a heathen_a rom._n 1._o 26_o 27._o which_o passage_n i_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o explain_v this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o devil_n service_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o the_o difficult_a part_n of_o god_n service_n be_v easy_a and_o voluptuous_a i_o will_v conclude_v this_o particular_a contemserit_fw-la and_o sum_n up_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v in_o the_o word_n of_o chrysologus_fw-la behold_v say_v he_o the_o sad_a catastrophe_n of_o rash_a and_o incogitant_fw-la voluptuousness_n it_o turn_v he_o out_o into_o a_o strange_a country_n that_o may_v have_v live_v happy_a in_o his_o father_n house_n make_v a_o beggar_n of_o one_o that_o be_v rich_a change_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o son_n into_o that_o of_o a_o slave_n compel_v he_o to_o feed_v nasty_a swine_n who_o decline_v the_o service_n of_o a_o gracious_a father_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o full_a end_n of_o the_o sinner_n tragedy_n for_o 6._o the_o prodigal_n fare_n be_v as_o course_n as_o his_o employment_n be_v sordid_a he_o be_v force_v to_o feed_v upon_o husk_n some_o take_v the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a to_o signify_v bran_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o poet_n 24._o vivis_fw-la siliquis_fw-la &_o pane_fw-la secundo_fw-la but_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d proper_o signify_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o tree_n ceronia_n or_o charob_n which_o afford_v a_o course_n fare_v which_o extreme_a necessity_n sometime_o drive_v man_n to_o be_v content_a withal_o but_o let_v we_o see_v the_o moral_a of_o it_o origen_n understand_v by_o husk_n the_o delight_n of_o wanton_a poetry_n with_o which_o the_o devil_n usual_o feed_v and_o entertain_v loose_a person_n make_v they_o both_o fit_a and_o willing_a to_o his_o service_n i_o remember_v somewhere_o to_o have_v read_v and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v in_o clemens_n of_o alexandria_n that_o it_o be_v his_o opinion_n that_o pagan_a philosophy_n be_v hereby_o mean_v which_o be_v but_o the_o exterior_a cortex_fw-la or_o husk_n of_o true_a knowledge_n serve_v notwithstanding_o to_o amuse_v and_o busy_v the_o gentile_a world_n but_o i_o think_v our_o saviour_n mean_v nothing_o else_o hereby_o then_o to_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o pitiful_a entertainment_n the_o emptiness_n and_o unsatisfactoriness_n of_o all_o the_o income_n of_o sin_n that_o all_o the_o gratification_n by_o which_o the_o devil_n allure_v man_n into_o the_o base_a drudgery_n prove_v upon_o trial_n the_o appel_v of_o sodom_n perform_v nothing_o of_o what_o they_o promise_v solomon_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o a_o whorish_a woman_n will_v bring_v a_o man_n to_o a_o morsel_n of_o bread_n and_o it_o be_v true_a in_o proportion_n of_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o riot_n and_o luxury_n which_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o severe_a calamity_n to_o such_o kind_n of_o person_n because_o they_o usual_o in_o their_o prosperity_n caress_v themselves_o at_o the_o high_a rate_n imaginable_a pamper_v themselves_o and_o their_o lust_n together_o must_v needs_o feel_v the_o change_n from_o one_o extreme_a to_o the_o other_o to_o be_v exceed_o sharp_a and_o painful_a but_o let_v we_o see_v this_o a_o little_a more_o particular_o in_o order_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n saint_n john_n have_v sum_v up_o all_o the_o return_n of_o sin_n in_o these_o word_n 1_o jo._n 2._o 16._o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n or_o in_o other_o word_n bodily_a pleasure_n worldly_a profit_n and_o vain_a glory_n and_o all_o these_o when_o due_o consider_v will_v prove_v but_o husk_n such_o as_o our_o voluptuous_a prodigal_n now_o the_o devil_n vassal_n be_v constrain_v to_o feed_v upon_o first_o for_o bodily_a pleasure_n that_o be_v notorious_o the_o entertainment_n of_o beast_n rather_o than_o of_o man_n for_o it_o be_v they_o that_o have_v the_o quick_a sense_n and_o relish_v of_o it_o man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o himself_o when_o he_o yield_v to_o it_o and_o therefore_o seek_v recess_n and_o the_o dark_a as_o be_v aware_a that_o he_o condescend_v below_o himself_o when_o he_o stoop_v to_o it_o therefore_o certain_o god_n intend_v it_o as_o fodder_n for_o beast_n not_o food_n for_o man_n sauce_n be_v the_o most_o that_o it_o can_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v and_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reckon_v a_o man_n that_o can_v content_v himself_o with_o it_o or_o live_v as_o if_o he_o be_v make_v for_o it_o for_o beside_o that_o all_o wise_a man_n who_o have_v try_v it_o pronounce_v it_o to_o be_v but_o chaff_n and_o vanity_n even_o those_o who_o be_v so_o silly_a as_o to_o pursue_v it_o with_o the_o great_a eagerness_n and_o appetite_n find_v themselves_o empty_a and_o disappoint_v be_v constrain_v to_o hunt_v after_o variety_n and_o to_o weary_v themselves_o in_o go_v from_o one_o pleasure_n to_o another_o in_o hope_n to_o find_v that_o satisfaction_n which_o be_v never_o there_o to_o be_v have_v bodily_a pleasure_n be_v fit_o represent_v by_o the_o story_n we_o have_v of_o the_o feast_n and_o junketting_n of_o witch_n and_o fiend_n in_o which_o after_o great_a appearance_n of_o delicacy_n wherewithal_o the_o guest_n seem_v to_o satiate_v themselves_o they_o notwithstanding_o find_v themselves_o as_o empty_a as_o before_o the_o banquet_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v of_o another_o make_v and_o of_o a_o great_a capacity_n then_o to_o be_v fill_v with_o such_o trash_n it_o be_v only_o intellectual_a pleasure_n the_o content_n of_o wisdom_n the_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n the_o reflection_n upon_o have_v do_v some_o good_a which_o be_v the_o repast_n of_o a_o man_n and_o these_o be_v solid_a and_o last_a there_o be_v more_o true_a and_o manly_a delight_n in_o any_o one_o such_o instance_n then_o in_o all_o the_o caress_n of_o the_o epicure_n and_o then_o for_o profit_n it_o be_v very_o inconsiderable_a gain_n that_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o sin_n if_o account_n be_v just_o cast_v up_o for_o all_o those_o sin_n which_o have_v either_o any_o gusto_n of_o pleasure_n or_o air_n of_o credit_n attend_v they_o be_v usual_o costly_a and_o expensive_a and_o for_o those_o profitable_a sin_n of_o injustice_n covetousness_n oppression_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v usual_o encumber_v with_o so_o much_o anxiety_n follow_v with_o such_o guilt_n brand_v with_o so_o much_o reproach_n that_o there_o need_v a_o new_a arithmetic_n to_o be_v devise_v to_o make_v out_o the_o profit_n of_o they_o above_o all_o
most_o frequent_a and_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o such_o conversion_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o have_v manasses_n who_o be_v a_o idolater_n 21._o a_o witch_n and_o do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n above_o all_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o amorites_n who_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o most_o profligate_v people_n in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o become_v at_o last_o a_o true_a penitent_a a_o holy_a and_o a_o virtuous_a person_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o omit_v st._n paul_n who_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o from_o a_o blasphemer_n a_o persecutor_n and_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n he_o become_v a_o exemplary_a christian_a and_o a_o zealous_a apostle_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o before_o he_o destroy_v we_o have_v great_a number_n of_o the_o most_o obstinate_a and_o wicked_a jew_n convert_v and_o no_o less_o of_o roman_n corinthian_n ephesian_n and_o of_o all_o other_o city_n and_o country_n who_o have_v grow_v old_a and_o harden_v in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n but_o become_v new_a and_o holy_a man_n particular_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o of_o the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o have_v be_v fornicator_n idolater_n adulterer_n effeminate_a thief_n covetous_a drunkard_n and_o yet_o be_v wash_v be_v sanctify_v be_v justify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 9_o 10_o 11._o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o impossible_a say_v the_o sinner_n but_o i_o may_v also_o recover_v myself_o out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n i_o find_v it_o in_o my_o power_n to_o choose_v evil_a why_o may_v i_o not_o hope_v to_o be_v able_a to_o choose_v good_a nothing_o determine_v or_o necessitate_v i_o heretofore_o to_o sin_n why_o may_v i_o not_o then_o cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o custom_n and_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n apply_v myself_o to_o my_o duty_n this_o be_v a_o second_o consideration_n which_o inflame_v the_o penitent_a to_o a_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n which_o when_o he_o have_v in_o earnest_n enter_v upon_o he_o find_v 3._o as_o his_o three_o inducement_n not_o only_o to_o be_v possible_a but_o also_o easy_a at_o least_o far_o beyond_o what_o he_o heretofore_o imagine_v it_o be_v perhaps_o not_o a_o extenuate_a but_o a_o just_a reflection_n which_o the_o historian_n make_v upon_o all_o the_o famous_a exploit_n of_o alexander_n the_o great_a in_o asia_n and_o in_o the_o indies_n which_o have_v swell_v his_o name_n to_o such_o a_o bulk_n primus_fw-la ausus_fw-la est_fw-la vana_fw-la contemnere_fw-la that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o his_o more_o than_o humane_a courage_n or_o conduct_v which_o give_v he_o those_o success_n but_o that_o he_o have_v the_o luck_n or_o the_o sagacity_n to_o see_v through_o and_o despise_v the_o pageantry_n and_o empty_a show_n of_o force_n and_o formidableness_n which_o those_o soft_a and_o luxurious_a nation_n be_v only_o furnish_v with_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n he_o that_o can_v but_o once_o despise_v those_o ludibria_fw-la oculorum_fw-la those_o scare-crow_n and_o fantastical_a idea_n which_o man_n own_a fear_n and_o cowardice_n represent_v to_o they_o he_o will_v present_o find_v the_o business_n of_o religion_n easy_a and_o expedite_a and_o that_o it_o be_v but_o resolve_v generous_o and_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v the_o way_n of_o virtue_n though_o through_o the_o folly_n of_o man_n it_o be_v a_o unfrequented_a path_n yet_o be_v it_o no_o sad_a and_o uncomfortable_a way_n no_o man_n abridge_n himself_o the_o delight_n of_o life_n by_o become_v virtuous_a no_o just_a contentment_n be_v deny_v he_o no_o power_n or_o so_o much_o as_o passion_n he_o have_v that_o be_v altogether_o deny_v its_o proper_a satisfaction_n there_o be_v no_o inhuman_a austerity_n require_v of_o we_o no_o contradiction_n to_o our_o reason_n or_o violence_n to_o our_o nature_n impose_v upon_o we_o god_n be_v no_o hard_a pharaoh_n that_o seek_v to_o break_v we_o with_o bitter_a bondage_n require_v the_o tale_n of_o brick_n without_o straw_n he_o do_v not_o bid_v we_o continue_v in_o the_o fire_n and_o not_o burn_v or_o require_v we_o to_o converse_v with_o the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n and_o escape_v the_o pollution_n but_o only_o to_o moderate_v our_o desire_n to_o mind_n ourselves_o to_o set_v our_o intention_n right_a and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o resolve_v to_o do_v what_o we_o can_v both_o to_o avoid_v the_o occasion_n and_o to_o escape_v the_o infection_n and_o as_o for_o that_o great_a bugbear_n custom_n why_o may_v we_o not_o break_v the_o fetter_n of_o our_o own_o make_n and_o dissolve_v a_o habit_n of_o our_o own_o beginning_n sin_n itself_o be_v weak_a and_o timorous_a and_o bashful_a at_o first_o but_o it_o get_v strength_n by_o time_n and_o by_o degree_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n it_o be_v to_o be_v supplant_v oppose_v beginning_n of_o good_a to_o beginning_n of_o evil_a and_o a_o habit_n will_v be_v obtain_v and_o we_o shall_v confront_v one_o custom_n with_o another_o he_o that_o go_v forth_o weep_v bear_v precious_a seed_n shall_v doubtless_o come_v again_o rejoice_v and_o bring_v his_o sheaf_n with_o he_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n be_v therefore_o easy_a because_o it_o be_v recommend_v by_o our_o own_o reason_n though_o sense_n oppose_v it_o for_o the_o present_a let_v we_o be_v true_a to_o the_o former_a and_o the_o latter_a must_v and_o will_v give_v way_n a_o law_n enact_v by_o our_o own_o consent_n use_v to_o find_v a_o ready_a and_o cheerful_a compliance_n that_o which_o be_v vote_v within_o we_o and_o carry_v by_o the_o free_a suffrage_n of_o our_o mind_n sure_o can_v never_o be_v account_v harsh_a and_o difficult_a and_o such_o be_v all_o the_o law_n of_o virtue_n the_o rule_v thereof_o be_v convenient_a for_o the_o community_n suitable_a to_o our_o own_o nature_n and_o as_o fit_v for_o we_o to_o consent_v to_o as_o for_o god_n to_o enact_v all_o the_o opposition_n which_o the_o devil_n or_o the_o flesh_n can_v make_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o our_o mind_n will_v quick_o cease_v if_o we_o stand_v firm_a to_o ourselves_o reason_n be_v as_o able_a to_o restrain_v sense_n as_o that_o be_v to_o bewitch_v and_o fascinate_v our_o mind_n or_o at_o least_o if_o we_o stop_v our_o ear_n we_o shall_v avoid_v all_o its_o charm_n charm_v it_o never_o so_o cunning_o beside_o all_o the_o importunity_n of_o the_o flesh_n will_v from_o such_o time_n as_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v deny_v grow_v sensible_o weak_a and_o weak_a and_o for_o the_o devil_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o much_o incourage_v his_o attempt_n as_o our_o irresolution_n and_o feeble_a opposition_n he_o be_v both_o a_o more_o proud_a and_o a_o more_o cunning_a enemy_n then_o to_o endure_v too_o many_o repulse_n without_o hope_n of_o success_n he_o know_v well_o enough_o he_o can_v force_v we_o and_o if_o he_o can_v corrupt_v we_o will_v not_o long_a labour_n in_o vain_a this_o the_o apostle_n st._n james_n assure_v we_o of_o resist_v the_o devil_n and_o he_o will_v flee_v from_o you_o st._n james_n 4._o 7._o above_o all_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o set_v in_o with_o we_o and_o make_v all_o easy_a to_o we_o if_o we_o cease_v to_o resist_v and_o quench_v his_o motion_n how_o that_o work_v in_o and_o upon_o we_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o discover_v for_o as_o the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v and_o we_o hear_v the_o sound_n thereof_o but_o know_v not_o whence_o it_o come_v 3._o nor_o whither_o it_o go_v so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n 8._o notwithstanding_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o 13._o and_o that_o that_o spirit_n have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o we_o without_o do_v any_o violence_n to_o we_o and_o that_o its_o aid_n be_v incomparable_o great_a than_o the_o devil_n opposition_n 4._o for_o great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o we_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n 13._o and_o this_o be_v our_o great_a encouragement_n to_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a because_o god_n work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n the_o mischief_n of_o all_o be_v therefore_o our_o want_n of_o resolution_n that_o we_o do_v but_o dally_v and_o trifle_v in_o this_o great_a business_n and_o hence_o all_o the_o difficulty_n arise_v quo_fw-la minùs_fw-la timoris_fw-la eo_fw-la minùs_fw-la fermè_fw-la periculi_fw-la coward_n run_v the_o great_a danger_n in_o war_n and_o irresolute_a man_n find_v the_o most_o opposition_n and_o the_o great_a difficulty_n in_o a_o course_n of_o virtue_n do_v we_o but_o collect_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v quick_o find_v the_o face_n of_o thing_n alter_v and_o all_o discouragement_n vanish_v all_o
something_o on_o man_n part_n though_o very_o little_a and_o that_o they_o call_v attrition_n by_o which_o they_o mean_v some_o slight_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n which_o they_o say_v together_o with_o the_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n or_o confession_n will_v reconcile_v a_o man_n to_o god_n without_o so_o much_o as_o contrition_n or_o true_a and_o hearty_a sorrow_n for_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n trent_n this_o be_v the_o express_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 4._o and_o be_v very_a like_o the_o common_a doctrine_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o confession_n and_o sacrifice_n be_v sufficient_a for_o repentance_n and_o reconciliation_n hebr._n as_o if_o sin_n have_v no_o great_a evil_n in_o itself_o or_o no_o great_a contrariety_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n only_o for_o form_n or_o order_n sake_n he_o think_v fit_a that_o some_o shame_n or_o mulct_n shall_v be_v put_v upon_o it_o and_o so_o a_o few_o tear_n or_o something_o of_o no_o great_a moment_n shall_v quit_v all_o the_o old_a score_n and_o purchase_v a_o new_a licence_n to_o sin_n again_o 3._o another_o opinion_n go_v further_a yet_o require_v not_o only_o external_a expression_n and_o the_o form_n and_o solemnity_n of_o repentance_n but_o real_a and_o hearty_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n that_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v real_o trouble_v and_o in_o great_a anguish_n for_o his_o sin_n and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v all_o be_v well_o from_o such_o trouble_n of_o conscience_n they_o date_n their_o conversion_n and_o this_o they_o be_v always_o reflect_v upon_o as_o a_o security_n not_o only_o against_o the_o sin_n commit_v before_o it_o but_o that_o from_o that_o time_n god_n see_v no_o more_o sin_n in_o they_o as_o if_o like_a as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o pool_n of_o bethesda_n when_o the_o angel_n have_v move_v the_o water_n all_o that_o step_v in_o be_v heal_v these_o man_n ordinary_o please_v themselves_o with_o melancholy_a complaint_n of_o themselves_o cry_v out_o of_o a_o naughty_a heart_n a_o hard_a heart_n etc._n etc._n and_o think_v this_o will_v do_v their_o business_n as_o if_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o patient_n be_v grow_v sensible_a of_o his_o case_n he_o be_v cure_v and_o to_o feel_v the_o smart_n be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o have_v the_o sore_o heal_v last_o a_o four_o sort_n go_v further_o yet_o and_o require_v not_o only_a contrition_n but_o resolution_n of_o obedience_n but_o content_v themselves_o and_o encourage_v man_n to_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o confidence_n though_o this_o resolution_n be_v never_o put_v in_o execution_n thus_o a_o great_a many_o saint_n be_v canonize_v from_o the_o gallow_n and_o the_o clinic_n or_o deathbed_n repentance_n be_v great_o countenance_v man_n commence_v saint_n per_fw-la saltum_fw-la as_o they_o say_v as_o the_o roman_n make_v gentleman_n momento_n turbinis_fw-la exit_fw-la marcus_n dama_n in_o the_o turn_n of_o a_o hand_n a_o lewd_a and_o flagitious_a person_n start_v up_o a_o great_a saint_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o opinion_n be_v they_o suppose_v that_o which_o be_v undoubted_o true_a that_o god_n know_v man_n heart_n but_o then_o they_o infer_v that_o which_o be_v very_o dangerous_a that_o therefore_o so_o that_o be_v turn_v right_a it_o be_v no_o matter_n with_o he_o whether_o there_o proceed_v any_o fruit_n worthy_a of_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n to_o all_o these_o i_o may_v further_o add_v those_o that_o reckon_v the_o change_n of_o opinion_n be_v of_o a_o admire_a sect_n come_v over_o with_o great_a zeal_n to_o a_o new_a party_n a_o demure_a garb_n a_o austere_a temper_n or_o at_o most_o some_o partial_a reformation_n to_o be_v sufficient_a sign_n of_o regeneration_n which_o fancy_n agree_v too_o well_o to_o the_o humour_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o man_n of_o this_o age_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o proceed_v further_o in_o reckon_v up_o these_o mistake_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o apply_v a_o particular_a confutation_n to_o doctrine_n so_o very_o absurd_a at_o the_o first_o view_n but_o i_o will_v now_o as_o i_o promise_v demonstrate_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n i_o have_v assert_v which_o will_v be_v a_o effectual_a detection_n of_o the_o fallacy_n of_o all_o these_o other_o now_o recire_v and_o this_o i_o will_v do_v by_o these_o four_o argument_n §_o ii_o first_o if_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v require_v of_o those_o that_o have_v live_v wicked_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o absolution_n and_o reconciliation_n to_o himself_o that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o sorry_a for_o their_o sin_n and_o resolve_v upon_o a_o new_a course_n but_o express_o call_v for_o actual_a performance_n of_o such_o resolution_n and_o real_a reformation_n then_o those_o must_v be_v strange_o bold_a and_o presumptuous_a man_n that_o will_v conceive_v hope_n of_o pardon_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n but_o that_o this_o which_o we_o assert_v and_o nothing_o less_o be_v the_o declare_a condition_n of_o mercy_n these_o follow_a passage_n among_o innumerable_a other_o do_v abundant_o evince_v the_o first_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chap._n i._o verse_n 11_o 13_o etc._n etc._n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrice_n unto_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n i_o be_o full_a of_o the_o burnt-offering_n of_o ram_n and_o the_o fat_a of_o feed_a beast_n and_o i_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o bullock_n or_o of_o lamb_n or_o of_o he-goat_n bring_v no_o more_o vain_a oblation_n incense_n be_v abomination_n to_o i_o the_o new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n the_o call_n of_o assembly_n i_o can_v away_o with_o it_o be_v iniquity_n even_o the_o solemn_a meeting_n and_o when_o you_o spread_v forth_o your_o hand_n i_o will_v hide_v my_o eye_n from_o you_o yea_o when_o you_o make_v many_o prayer_n i_o will_v not_o hear_v your_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o blood_n wash_v you_o make_v you_o clean_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n from_o before_o my_o eye_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o seek_v judgement_n relieve_v the_o oppress_v judge_v the_o fatherless_a plead_v for_o the_o widow_n come_v now_o and_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o say_v the_o lord_n though_o your_o sin_n be_v as_o scarlet_a they_o shall_v be_v as_o white_a as_o snow_n etc._n etc._n of_o like_a import_n be_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n chap._n 18._o verse_n 21_o 22_o 28._o but_o if_o the_o wicked_a will_v turn_v from_o all_o his_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v and_o keep_v all_o my_o statute_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o right_a he_o shall_v sure_o live_v he_o shall_v not_o die_v all_o the_o transgression_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v they_o shall_v not_o be_v mention_v unto_o he_o because_o he_o consider_v and_o turn_v away_o from_o all_o his_o transgression_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v he_o shall_v sure_o live_v he_o shall_v not_o die_v so_o also_o micah_n 6._o 6_o 7_o 8._o wherewithal_o shall_v i_o come_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o bow_v myself_o before_o the_o high_a god_n shall_v i_o come_v before_o he_o with_o the_o burnt-offering_n with_o calf_n of_o a_o year_n old_a will_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v with_o thousand_o of_o ram_n or_o with_o ten_o thousand_o river_n of_o oil_n shall_v i_o give_v my_o first-born_a for_o my_o transgression_n the_o fruit_n of_o my_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o soul_n he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n in_o all_o which_o place_n god_n put_v a_o slight_a upon_o all_o the_o most_o solemn_a expression_n of_o penitence_n when_o they_o be_v dis-joined_n from_o actual_a amendment_n of_o life_n and_o touch_v sacrifice_n it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o though_o that_o be_v a_o rite_n of_o god_n own_o allowance_n for_o the_o expiation_n of_o sin_n and_o have_v also_o conjoin_v with_o it_o the_o guilty_a person_n confession_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o that_o particular_o as_o maimonides_n assure_v we_o and_o consider_v the_o usual_a cost_n of_o the_o oblation_n be_v a_o mulct_n upon_o the_o sinner_n and_o some_o kind_n of_o reparation_n to_o god_n yet_o this_o be_v declare_v of_o no_o efficacy_n without_o reformation_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o in_o the_o new_a the_o case_n be_v plain_a if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o thus_o john_n the_o baptist_n preach_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o submit_v to_o the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n but_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n worthy_a of_o repentance_n matt._n 3._o 8._o and_o such_o be_v the_o discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o matth._n 7._o 21._o not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v
to_o receive_v he_o till_o he_o soon_o perceive_v who_o it_o be_v but_o then_o seize_v with_o shame_n he_o make_v from_o he_o with_o all_o the_o speed_n he_o can_v the_o apostle_n forget_v his_o age_n and_o gravity_n follow_v he_o with_o all_o his_o might_n cry_v out_o my_o son_n my_o son_n do_v thou_o fly_v thy_o father_n thy_o age_a unarmed_a father_n fear_v i_o not_o i_o come_v not_o arm_v to_o destroy_v thou_o but_o desirous_a to_o save_v thou_o i_o will_v pray_v for_o thou_o i_o will_v intercede_v with_o christ_n jesus_n on_o thy_o behalf_n i_o be_o ready_a to_o lay_v down_o my_o life_n to_o save_v thy_o soul_n the_o revolt_a youth_n hear_v this_o make_v a_o stand_n and_o then_o with_o eye_n cast_v down_o and_o weapon_n lay_v aside_o begin_v to_o tremble_v and_o at_o last_o weep_v bitter_o be_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o historian_n rebaptise_v in_o his_o own_o tear_n then_o s._n john_n embrace_v he_o pray_v for_o he_o fast_n with_o he_o instruct_v he_o and_o leave_v he_o not_o till_o he_o have_v not_o only_o restore_v he_o to_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n but_o settle_v he_o in_o the_o public_a ministry_n thereof_o the_o story_n be_v very_o admirable_a in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o as_o wherein_o among_o other_o thing_n we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o first_o place_n how_o quick_o bad_a company_n insinuate_v its_o contagion_n and_o corrupt_v youthful_a mind_n and_o that_o neither_o fine_a part_n nor_o the_o best_a education_n be_v sufficient_a security_n for_o a_o virtuous_a course_n unless_o apollo_n water_n as_o well_o as_o paul_n plant_n and_o god_n also_o give_v the_o increase_n again_o it_o be_v worth_a observe_n how_o easy_a and_o sudden_a the_o transition_n be_v from_o a_o luxurious_a to_o a_o lawless_a life_n this_o young_a man_n begin_v his_o risk_n in_o riot_n and_o end_v it_o in_o robbery_n although_o this_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n for_o beside_o that_o intemperance_n make_v man_n bold_a and_o rash_a and_o fit_a for_o any_o desperate_a enterprise_n they_o that_o be_v come_v to_o that_o that_o they_o care_v not_o what_o they_o spend_v be_v usual_o force_v not_o to_o regard_v how_o they_o get_v it_o we_o note_v also_o from_o this_o story_n that_o great_a wit_n and_o curious_a temper_n be_v like_o razor_n mettle_n quick_o turn_v and_o if_o they_o miscarry_v they_o become_v the_o most_o notorious_a debauchee_n but_o if_o they_o be_v well_o set_v and_o hold_v right_a become_v most_o eminent_o useful_a moreover_o we_o may_v here_o also_o take_v notice_n how_o a_o sense_n of_o guilt_n and_o dis-ingenuity_n baffle_v a_o man_n spirit_n deject_v his_o courage_n disarm_v and_o subdue_v he_o whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n conscience_n of_o sincerity_n and_o good_a design_n spirit_n and_o actuate_v a_o man_n above_o his_o age_n temper_n and_o common_a capacity_n but_o that_o which_o i_o principal_o remark_n in_o the_o story_n be_v the_o paternal_a affection_n in_o the_o age_a apostle_n towards_o this_o dissolute_a and_o lose_v young_a man_n how_o fresh_a the_o concern_v for_o he_o be_v in_o his_o thought_n when_o he_o come_v into_o those_o part_n again_o where_o he_o leave_v he_o with_o what_o strictness_n he_o require_v the_o depositum_fw-la of_o the_o bishop_n how_o he_o forget_v himself_o to_o recover_v he_o what_o charm_v there_o be_v in_o the_o countenance_n voice_n motion_n of_o the_o age_a father_n how_o strange_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o be_v young_a hector_n run_v away_o from_o a_o old_a apostle_n a_o arm_a captain_n not_o dare_v to_o stand_v before_o unarm_v and_o infirm_a old_a age_n to_o observe_v the_o spirit_n the_o passion_n the_o flame_a love_n of_o a_o good_a man_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o desperate_a sinner_n and_o in_o all_o this_o to_o see_v a_o lively_a resemblance_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o man_n for_o god_n do_v not_o only_o as_o i_o have_v say_v before_o receive_v man_n upon_o their_o return_n but_o move_v towards_o they_o invite_v nay_o draw_v they_o to_o himself_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o positive_o harden_v sinner_n that_o he_o take_v off_o their_o hardness_n he_o allure_v they_o by_o his_o promise_n prevent_v they_o by_o his_o grace_n way-lays_a they_o by_o his_o providence_n call_v upon_o they_o by_o his_o word_n melt_v they_o by_o his_o kindness_n work_v upon_o they_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o this_o spirit_n take_v all_o advantageous_a season_n watch_v the_o mollia_fw-la tempora_fw-la fandi_fw-la suggest_v thought_n to_o their_o mind_n hold_v their_o mind_n close_a and_o intent_n give_v they_o a_o prospect_n of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o by_o several_a other_o way_n without_o violence_n to_o their_o faculty_n help_v forward_o their_o return_n to_o god_n §_o v._o 4._o last_o as_o the_o earthly_a father_n for_o joy_n of_o his_o son_n return_v forget_v all_o his_o anger_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o pass_v by_o his_o ingratitude_n and_o dissolution_n of_o manner_n and_o treat_v he_o with_o infinite_a demonstration_n of_o kindness_n fall_v on_o his_o neck_n and_o kiss_v he_o so_o do_v our_o heavenly_a father_n cast_v all_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o penitent_a '_o behind_o his_o back_n blot_v they_o out_o of_o his_o book_n make_v no_o severe_a reflection_n no_o bitter_a expostulation_n no_o upbraid_n but_o pass_v a_o act_n of_o perfect_a amnesty_n and_o oblivion_n justin_n martyr_n in_o his_o work_n against_o trypho_n bring_v in_o our_o saviour_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o sense_n be_v that_o god_n take_v man_n as_o they_o be_v and_o consider_v not_o how_o evil_a they_o have_v be_v so_o that_o now_o they_o become_v sincere_o good_a this_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n frequent_o proclaim_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o god_n chap._n 18._o especial_o vers_fw-la 22._o all_o his_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v shall_v not_o be_v once_o mention_v against_o he_o but_o in_o his_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v he_o shall_v live_v for_o as_o if_o man_n apostatise_v from_o hopeful_a and_o virtuous_a beginning_n it_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o avail_v they_o that_o they_o set_v out_o well_o and_o begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n whenas_o they_o end_v in_o the_o flesh_n upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v a_o very_a vain_a thing_n for_o they_o to_o go_v about_o to_o comfort_v themselves_o against_o their_o present_a looseness_n by_o remember_v the_o time_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o the_o great_a passion_n they_o have_v sometime_o have_v for_o religion_n but_o which_o now_o they_o have_v apostatise_v from_o 4._o have_v lose_v their_o first_o love_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o that_o be_v a_o sinner_n but_o now_o be_v not_o i._n e._n be_v now_o sincere_o return_v from_o his_o licentiousness_n to_o his_o duty_n shall_v never_o have_v his_o former_a disobedience_n impute_v to_o he_o by_o god_n this_o truth_n philo_n represent_v handsome_o in_o his_o allegorical_a way_n abrahamo_fw-la when_o gloss_v upon_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v of_o enoch_n after_o his_o translation_n he_o be_v not_o find_v because_o god_n have_v translate_v he_o he_o paraphrase_n on_o this_o manner_n god_n say_v he_o have_v change_v he_o from_o a_o evil_n to_o a_o virtuous_a man_n the_o trace_n of_o his_o former_a wickedness_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v find_v then_o if_o no_o such_o thing_n have_v ever_o be_v commit_v but_o this_o gracious_a procedure_n of_o god_n with_o penitent_a sinner_n deserve_v to_o be_v more_o full_o and_o particular_o unfold_v and_o if_o we_o diligent_o consider_v what_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o of_o the_o greatness_n of_o god_n pardon_v mercy_n we_o shall_v observe_v these_o three_o remarkable_a circumstance_n all_o pregnant_a of_o unspeakable_a consolation_n 1._o he_o pardon_v great_a and_o many_o sin_n not_o only_o light_a provocation_n 2._o he_o forgive_v repeat_v folly_n and_o relapsed_a sinner_n 3._o his_o pardon_n be_v full_a and_o absolute_a 1._o first_o among_o man_n there_o be_v some_o sin_n that_o be_v scarce_o if_o at_o all_o think_v to_o be_v pardonable_a as_o where_o there_o be_v malice_n and_o treachery_n involve_v in_o the_o fact_n or_o where_o there_o be_v contumely_n add_v to_o the_o injury_n and_o sometime_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o person_n injure_v so_o inhance_v the_o offence_n as_o that_o it_o be_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o pardon_v as_o for_o instance_n in_o treason_n against_o the_o supreme_a power_n but_o most_o certain_o there_o be_v all_o these_o and_o many_o more_o aggravation_n in_o most_o voluntary_a sin_n commit_v against_o god_n and_o yet_o he_o pardon_v exod._n 34._o 7._o he_o pardon_v iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n i._n e._n sin_n of_o all_o kind_n and_o degree_n whatsoever_o except_v only_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v
tell_v we_o shall_v never_o be_v forgive_v and_o that_o sin_n itself_o whatsoever_o it_o consist_v in_o be_v only_o upon_o this_o account_n unpardonable_a because_o it_o have_v a_o final_o impenitent_a temper_n join_v with_o it_o otherwise_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o such_o a_o sinner_n shall_v repent_v there_o will_v be_v no_o doubt_n of_o his_o pardon_n but_o bate_v that_o peculiar_a case_n there_o be_v no_o sin_n but_o god_n have_v pardon_v and_o will_v pardon_v i_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o say_v which_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n that_o ever_o be_v commit_v by_o mankind_n but_o i_o will_v instance_n in_o two_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v very_o great_a which_o yet_o have_v obtain_v pardon_n and_o they_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o crucify_a our_o saviour_n in_o the_o former_a of_o these_o there_o be_v the_o breach_n of_o a_o know_a law_n and_o that_o so_o new_o give_v as_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v forget_v and_o it_o be_v also_o a_o easy_a and_o reasonable_a law_n god_n have_v allow_v they_o all_o the_o tree_n in_o the_o garden_n and_o lay_v a_o interdict_v only_o upon_o that_o one_o and_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o have_v deny_v themselves_o that_o for_o god_n sake_n especial_o consider_v they_o come_v new_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n and_o see_v so_o fresh_o the_o display_v of_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v so_o many_o and_o great_a instance_n of_o his_o goodness_n towards_o themselves_o beside_o they_o have_v as_o yet_o no_o vitiate_a faculty_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o one_o example_n of_o sin_n before_o they_o but_o that_o of_o the_o devil_n which_o they_o have_v see_v to_o be_v most_o severe_o vindicate_v it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o be_v first_o in_o the_o transgression_n and_o a_o bold_a thing_n to_o venture_v to_o provoke_v god_n and_o to_o be_v the_o first_o instance_n of_o sin_n to_o all_o posterity_n they_o have_v the_o concern_v of_o all_o mankind_n upon_o they_o as_o who_o they_o know_v must_v stand_v or_o fall_v with_o they_o and_o have_v frequent_a token_n of_o god_n presence_n with_o they_o to_o sin_n under_o his_o eye_n and_o to_o hearken_v to_o the_o suggestion_n of_o a_o vile_a beast_n the_o serpent_n against_o god_n be_v prodigious_o strange_a and_o yet_o they_o do_v it_o and_o god_n be_v please_v to_o pardon_v they_o in_o the_o latter_a of_o the_o instance_n namely_o the_o jew_n crucify_a our_o saviour_n beside_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o person_n against_o who_o they_o sin_v put_v to_o death_n the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n there_o be_v design_v malice_n perjury_n and_o subornation_n contumely_n towards_o a_o holy_a person_n ingratitude_n towards_o one_o that_o have_v do_v they_o all_o the_o good_a they_o be_v capable_a of_o there_o be_v contradiction_n to_o the_o plain_a evidence_n of_o miracle_n of_o all_o kind_n and_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n notwithstanding_o all_o which_o the_o same_o st._n peter_n who_o act_v 2._o 23._o have_v charge_v they_o home_o in_o these_o word_n you_o man_n of_o israel_n have_v with_o wicked_a hand_n crucify_v and_o slay_v jesus_n of_o nazareth_n a_o man_n approve_v of_o god_n among_o you_o by_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n and_o sign_n which_o god_n by_o he_o do_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o you_o as_o you_o yourselves_o know_v etc._n etc._n yet_o in_o the_o 38._o verse_n he_o exhort_v the_o same_o man_n to_o repentance_n and_o to_o be_v baptize_v that_o they_o may_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o singular_a favour_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o these_o and_o several_a other_o instance_n of_o great_a sin_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v add_v we_o may_v cast_v in_o for_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o vastness_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n that_o he_o pardon_v not_o only_o single_a act_n of_o sin_n how_o heinous_a soever_o but_o long_a course_n and_o habit_n of_o sin_n and_o those_o of_o several_a nature_n and_o kind_n as_o in_o manasses_n and_o in_o the_o publican_n and_o harlot_n but_o that_o we_o may_v rise_v high_o yet_o in_o admiration_n of_o the_o divine_a clemency_n we_o observe_v 2._o in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o he_o pardon_v also_o relapse_v sinner_n they_o have_v a_o say_n non_fw-la licèt_fw-la in_o bello_fw-la he_o peccare_fw-la that_o the_o first_o fault_n in_o war_n be_v severe_o vindicate_v because_o there_o all_o error_n be_v fatal_a and_o searce_o leave_v a_o capacity_n of_o be_v repeat_v and_o there_o be_v some_o relation_n so_o near_o and_o intimate_v and_o their_o ligament_n so_o nice_a and_o curious_a that_o a_o breach_n in_o they_o can_v never_o be_v repair_v to_o knit_v again_o but_o the_o relation_n of_o a_o father_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o a_o god_n leave_v always_o room_n for_o pardon_n nay_o further_o they_o say_v say_v the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n if_o a_o man_n put_v away_o his_o wife_n and_o she_o go_v from_o he_o and_o become_v another_o man_n shall_v he_o return_v to_o she_o again_o but_o thou_o o_o israel_n have_v play_v the_o harlot_n with_o many_o lover_n yet_o return_v again_o unto_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n jer._n 2._o 1_o 2._o §_o vi_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o navatians_n carry_v a_o great_a breadth_n with_o it_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n which_o deny_v repentance_n to_o those_o that_o sin_v after_o baptism_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n it_o be_v think_v many_o holy_a man_n in_o those_o day_n defer_v their_o baptism_n as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v that_o they_o may_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n but_o go_v from_o that_o wash_n unspotted_a out_o of_o the_o world_n the_o opinion_n seem_v to_o proceed_v from_o extraordinary_a purity_n and_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o say_v prevail_v much_o and_o have_v a_o great_a reputation_n in_o those_o time_n and_o it_o seem_v it_o take_v its_o rise_n from_o a_o mistake_n of_o a_o passage_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n chap._n 6._o 4._o however_o it_o be_v damn_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o holy_a father_n of_o the_o church_n and_o particular_o st._n basil_n and_o gr._n nazianzen_n call_v it_o a_o damnable_a doctrine_n and_o destructive_a of_o soul_n in_o that_o it_o discourage_v and_o keep_v man_n off_o from_o repentance_n which_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o admit_v of_o if_o it_o be_v sincere_a and_o such_o as_o we_o have_v before_o describe_v it_o be_v true_a which_o clemens_n of_o alexandria_n have_v say_v etc._n that_o to_o make_v a_o common_a practice_n of_o sin_v and_o then_o pretend_v repentance_n as_o if_o we_o will_v give_v god_n and_o the_o devil_n their_o turn_n be_v a_o argument_n both_o of_o a_o impenitent_a and_o unbelieving_a temper_n for_o as_o he_o say_v afterward_o 〈◊〉_d these_o frequent_a repentance_n as_o it_o be_v of_o course_n betray_v rather_o a_o intention_n of_o sin_v again_o than_o any_o design_n of_o leave_v it_o and_o therefore_o find_v no_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o it_o be_v also_o certain_a that_o a_o man_n that_o have_v frequent_o relapse_v have_v thereby_o exceed_o multiply_v his_o guilt_n must_v needs_o feel_v very_o bitter_a pang_n and_o sharp_a remorse_n when_o he_o do_v return_v and_o will_v be_v ever_o after_o very_o apt_a to_o question_v his_o own_o sincerity_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o like_a as_o it_o be_v with_o bone_n which_o have_v be_v often_o out_o and_o set_v again_o they_o will_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o slip_v awry_o so_o this_o person_n will_v be_v just_o look_v upon_o as_o in_o great_a danger_n and_o therefore_o have_v a_o necessity_n of_o extraordinary_a watchfulness_n over_o himself_o but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o if_o such_o a_o man_n after_o several_a fall_n and_o slip_n shall_v stand_v right_a and_o firm_a at_o last_o and_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o now_o penitent_a state_n by_o the_o follow_a course_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n there_o be_v no_o question_n to_o be_v make_v of_o his_o acceptance_n with_o a_o merciful_a god_n for_o god_n do_v not_o proceed_v with_o man_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o we_o do_v our_o passion_n be_v stir_v many_o time_n and_o the_o provocation_n be_v too_o great_a for_o we_o to_o be_v able_a to_o concoct_v but_o he_o be_v pure_a mind_n and_o reason_n have_v no_o boil_a passion_n no_o revenge_n seek_v only_o the_o good_a of_o his_o creature_n and_o so_o they_o become_v at_o last_o capable_a of_o his_o favour_n and_o blessing_n he_o be_v content_v and_o have_v his_o end_n beside_o he_o that_o have_v make_v it_o our_o duty_n 4._o that_o as_o often_o as_o our_o brother_n offend_v against_o we_o and_o repent_v so_o often_o we_o shall_v forgive_v
as_o that_o no_o old_a score_n remain_v upon_o record_n against_o the_o penitent_a it_o may_v raise_v in_o we_o great_a admiration_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n beget_v the_o most_o amiable_a notion_n of_o he_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o provoke_v we_o to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n so_o our_o saviour_n conclude_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o where_o most_o be_v forgive_v there_o must_v undoubted_o lie_v the_o great_a obligation_n of_o love_n and_o gratitude_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 5._o 7._o that_o scarce_o for_o a_o righteous_a man_n will_v one_o die_v but_o for_o a_o good_a man_n some_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v all_o god_n attribute_n of_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n be_v very_o amiable_a and_o lovely_a but_o this_o of_o his_o goodness_n in_o forgive_a sin_n come_v most_o home_n to_o we_o in_o that_o he_o do_v not_o rigid_o insist_v on_o his_o own_o right_n but_o comply_v with_o our_o necessity_n and_o relieve_v our_o misery_n to_o give_v and_o bestow_v benefit_n upon_o we_o be_v goodness_n but_o to_o forgive_v be_v great_a because_o here_o he_o dive_v himself_o of_o his_o own_o right_n recede_v from_o his_o own_o claim_n and_o that_o for_o our_o unspeakable_a benefit_n in_o short_a he_o seem_v not_o to_o consider_v himself_o but_o we_o only_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o mercy_n he_o be_v as_o good_a as_o good_a can_v be_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o shall_v love_v he_o as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o one_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o acceptable_a way_n of_o express_v that_o be_v that_o which_o 3_o three_o i_o make_v a_o three_o inference_n viz._n that_o we_o imitate_v this_o goodness_n and_o mercifullness_n of_o he_o this_o be_v press_v upon_o we_o by_o our_o saviour_n be_v you_o merciful_a as_o your_o father_n in_o heaven_n be_v merciful_a it_o be_v say_v of_o cato_n that_o the_o strict_a sanctity_n of_o his_o own_o life_n make_v he_o a_o severe_a and_o rigid_a magistrate_n he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o pardon_v in_o other_o man_n what_o he_o will_v not_o permit_v in_o himself_o if_o god_n who_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o immaculate_a be_v shall_v severe_o animadvert_v our_o fail_n we_o can_v not_o blame_v he_o though_o we_o be_v undo_v by_o it_o nay_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o great_a wonder_n to_o we_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o he_o do_v not_o do_v so_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o majesty_n the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o his_o law_n and_o such_o other_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n as_o we_o have_v former_o represent_v but_o it_o be_v the_o most_o absurd_a thing_n in_o nature_n that_o we_o who_o be_v great_a offender_n ourselves_o that_o have_v infinite_a need_n of_o mercy_n at_o god_n hand_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v cruel_a and_o vindictive_a towards_o each_o other_o that_o god_n shall_v cover_v our_o folly_n and_o we_o blazon_v those_o of_o other_o man_n shall_v he_o pardon_v we_o worm_n and_o we_o be_v remorseless_a towards_o our_o brethren_n do_v he_o consider_v humane_a infirmity_n bind_v up_o the_o wound_n of_o the_o contrite_a so_o as_o to_o leave_v no_o scar_n or_o blemish_v behind_o of_o all_o their_o former_a miscarriage_n and_o do_v we_o rake_v in_o the_o wound_n proclaim_v the_o folly_n uncover_v the_o nakedness_n and_o shame_n of_o our_o neighbour_n be_v it_o tolerable_a for_o we_o to_o equal_v ourselves_o with_o god_n or_o be_v offence_n great_a against_o we_o then_o against_o he_o shall_v we_o dare_v to_o do_v what_o we_o dare_v not_o wish_v shall_v be_v do_v to_o we_o do_v not_o we_o pray_v enter_v not_o into_o judgement_n with_o thy_o servant_n etc._n etc._n and_o confess_v that_o if_o god_n be_v extreme_a to_o mark_v what_o we_o have_v do_v amiss_o that_o none_o can_v abide_v it_o and_o do_v we_o scrupulous_o weigh_v severe_o aggravate_v and_o rigorous_o animadvert_v the_o sin_n of_o other_o against_o ourselves_o do_v god_n forgive_v we_o by_o talent_n and_o we_o unmerciful_o exact_v the_o utmost_a farthing_n indeed_o we_o may_v observe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o genius_n and_o custom_n of_o evil_a man_n to_o remember_v invidious_o the_o fault_n which_o penitent_a man_n have_v forsake_v to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v revenge_v themselves_o upon_o they_o for_o that_o change_n which_o condemn_v their_o own_o obstinate_a perseverance_n in_o such_o course_n or_o as_o hope_v to_o excuse_v or_o justify_v their_o constant_a naughtiness_n by_o remark_v the_o temporary_a compliance_n of_o those_o other_o with_o they_o who_o contrary_a course_n now_o shame_n and_o reproach_n they_o but_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o with_o all_o good_a man_n they_o partly_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o humanity_n partly_o to_o encourage_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o partly_o also_o to_o confirm_v and_o secure_v such_o as_o have_v repent_v from_o all_o temptation_n to_o apostasy_n draw_v a_o curtain_n over_o their_o former_a misdemeanour_n and_o forget_v what_o they_o have_v forsake_v and_o god_n have_v forgive_v therefore_o if_o we_o will_v either_o take_v pattern_n by_o god_n or_o they_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v so_o too_o last_o but_o above_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n pardon_n and_o the_o egregious_a circumstance_n thereof_o shall_v be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o all_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n when_o we_o remember_v how_o gracious_a a_o father_n we_o grieve_v by_o a_o wilful_a destroy_n of_o ourselves_o how_o much_o he_o pity_v we_o and_o belong_v for_o our_o return_n what_o a_o serene_a countenance_n hearty_a welcome_n full_a pardon_n gracious_a reception_n and_o how_o innumerable_a and_o inestimable_a blessing_n we_o shall_v have_v pour_v out_o upon_o we_o at_o our_o so_o do_v and_o this_o bring_v i_o again_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o penitent_a son_n entertainment_n to_o which_o therefore_o i_o now_o proceed_v chap._n ii_o of_o sanctification_n the_o content_n §_o i._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o best_a robe_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a phrase_n of_o scripture_n to_o set_v out_o the_o ornament_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o those_o of_o the_o body_n §_o ii_o sanctification_n in_o different_a respect_n both_o go_v before_o and_o follow_v after_o justification_n §_o iii_o three_o remarkable_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o measure_n of_o sanctification_n which_o god_n require_v and_o that_o which_o he_o accept_v for_o the_o present_a or_o the_o different_a stature_n of_o grace_n before_o justification_n and_o after_o it_o §_o iv._o the_o way_n by_o which_o god_n work_v man_n up_o to_o those_o high_a measure_n of_o sanctification_n which_o he_o require_v as_o 1._o by_o mighty_a obligation_n work_v upon_o their_o gratitude_n and_o ingenuity_n 2._o by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n 3._o by_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n §_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o never_o fail_a spring_n of_o kindness_n and_o good_a will_n in_o parent_n towards_o their_o child_n which_o flow_v with_o that_o life_n and_o vigour_n that_o nothing_o be_v able_a to_o dam_v it_o up_o or_o interrupt_v it_o so_o but_o that_o if_o it_o be_v obstruct_v one_o way_n it_o break_v out_o and_o discover_v itself_o another_o if_o the_o child_n prove_v singular_o good_a and_o virtuous_a then_o paternal_a affection_n bear_v a_o mighty_a stream_n overflow_v all_o its_o bank_n the_o parent_n feel_v a_o unspeakable_a delight_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o their_o child_n be_v then_o the_o crown_n of_o their_o age_n their_o joy_n and_o triumph_n if_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v but_o tolerable_a they_o be_v ready_a to_o interpret_v all_o to_o the_o best_a and_o prone_a to_o heap_v blessing_n and_o kindness_n upon_o they_o and_o if_o they_o degenerate_a and_o prove_v very_o bad_a and_o undutiful_a this_o though_o it_o check_v the_o tide_n yet_o can_v divert_v the_o current_n for_o at_o worst_a they_o can_v cease_v to_o pity_v they_o there_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n a_o everlasting_a propension_n in_o almighty_a god_n to_o do_v good_a to_o man_n insomuch_o that_o when_o they_o be_v very_o bad_a he_o pity_v they_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v good_a he_o love_v and_o bless_v they_o but_o when_o they_o become_v generous_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a he_o take_v complacency_n in_o they_o and_o all_o these_o different_a degree_n of_o divine_a favour_n we_o have_v lively_o represent_v to_o we_o in_o the_o parable_n before_o we_o but_o we_o be_v now_o upon_o the_o second_o of_o they_o namely_o the_o great_a and_o singular_a blessing_n which_o the_o father_n frank_o bestow_v upon_o his_o son_n now_o that_o he_o have_v repent_v of_o his_o extravagancy_n and_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o and_o under_o this_o rank_n we_o may_v reckon_v these_o three_o special_a instance_n first_o whereas_o the_o father_n observe_v his_o son_n to_o return_v in_o a_o