can_v sin_v because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o these_o word_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o inquire_v first_o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o commit_v sin_n second_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n three_o in_o what_o sense_n he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n can_v commit_v sin_n first_o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o commit_v sin_n i_o answer_v that_o this_o phrase_n in_o the_o write_n of_o this_o our_o apostle_n have_v a_o special_a energy_n and_o do_v not_o denote_v the_o simple_a do_v of_o any_o sinful_a action_n though_o it_o be_v out_o of_o ignorance_n incogitance_n or_o frailty_n nor_o do_v it_o only_o denote_v a_o habitual_a course_n and_o custom_n of_o sin_v wilful_o but_o primary_o the_o do_v of_o any_o sinful_a action_n whatsoever_o deliberate_o wilful_o and_o presumptuous_o for_o as_o for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v commit_v no_o sin_n at_o all_o see_v the_o best_a of_o god_n child_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v surprise_v into_o evil_a action_n through_o their_o weakness_n ignorance_n or_o inadvertency_n of_o all_o which_o there_o be_v some_o remain_v even_o in_o the_o most_o purify_a nature_n and_o as_o for_o the_o second_o viz._n the_o habit_n of_o sin_v wilful_o though_o that_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n be_v not_o only_o to_o commit_v sin_n but_o to_o commit_v it_o in_o the_o most_o eminent_a degree_n yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o be_v the_o deliberate_a act_n of_o sin_n that_o he_o here_o primary_o intend_v for_o so_o verse_n the_o four_o he_o that_o commit_v sin_n transgress_v the_o law_n for_o sin_n be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v plain_o mean_v of_o every_o single_a act_n of_o wilful_a sin_n so_o ver_fw-la 8._o he_o that_o commit_v sin_n be_v of_o the_o devil_n that_o be_v he_o be_v therein_o a_o imitator_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o be_v true_a of_o every_o deliberate_a act_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o habit_n of_o sin_n so_o here_o in_o the_o text_n he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n that_o be_v understand_v he_o still_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n he_o do_v not_o commit_v any_o wilful_a and_o deliberate_a act_n of_o sin_n 2._o our_o next_o enquiry_n be_v what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o to_o be_v bear_v of_o another_o denote_v in_o general_a our_o receive_v the_o beginning_n and_o principle_n of_o our_o life_n and_o motion_n from_o he_o and_o consequent_o to_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n be_v to_o receive_v from_o he_o through_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n the_o beginning_n and_o principle_n of_o our_o spiritual_a life_n and_o motion_n viz._n a_o considerate_a universal_a prevail_a resolution_n to_o obey_v god_n proceed_v from_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n when_o therefore_o god_n by_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n have_v wrought_v our_o mind_n into_o such_o a_o resolution_n then_o be_v we_o true_o bear_v of_o he_o as_o have_v herein_o receive_v from_o he_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o new_a life_n and_o motion_n and_o this_o the_o apostle_n express_v by_o be_v transform_v by_o the_o renew_n of_o our_o mind_n rom._n 12._o 2._o i_o e._n have_v a_o new_a practical_a judgement_n and_o resolution_n of_o soul_n beget_v in_o we_o and_o this_o he_o elsewhere_o call_v the_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v 3._o 5._o upon_o which_o account_n we_o may_v very_o well_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v from_o his_o bless_a spirit_n that_o we_o derive_v this_o renew_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o our_o spiritual_a life_n and_o motion_n our_o last_o enquiry_n be_v in_o what_o sense_n this_o assertion_n of_o the_o apostle_n hold_v viz._n that_o he_o who_o be_v thus_o bear_v of_o god_n can_v sin_v to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o expression_n he_o can_v relate_v to_o the_o state_n he_o be_v now_o in_o he_o can_v as_o he_o be_v one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o while_o he_o do_v continue_v so_o for_o so_o the_o phrase_n be_v frequent_o use_v in_o scripture_n so_o rom._n 8._o 7._o the_o carnal_a mind_n can_v be_v subject_a to_o god_n not_o but_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v now_o carnal_a may_v hereafter_o be_v subject_a unto_o god_n viz._n when_o it_o be_v renew_v and_o change_v but_o it_o can_v be_v so_o while_o it_o continue_v carnal_a and_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n he_o tell_v we_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n that_o it_o can_v please_v god_n so_o matth._n 7._o 18._o a_o good_a tree_n can_v bring_v forth_o evil_a fruit_n neither_o can_v a_o corrupt_a tree_n bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n which_o can_v import_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o whilst_o the_o good_a tree_n continue_v good_a it_o can_v bring_v forth_o evil_a fruit_n nor_o the_o corrupt_a tree_n bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n whilst_o it_o continue_v corrupt_a not_o but_o that_o one_o may_v hereafter_o become_v evil_a and_o bring_v forth_o evil_a fruit_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o may_v become_v a_o good_a tree_n and_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n so_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o he_o can_v sin_v be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o it_o be_v so_o utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o state_n of_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n to_o sin_v wilful_o and_o deliberate_o that_o when_o ever_o he_o do_v so_o he_o actual_o fall_v from_o that_o bless_a state_n and_o for_o the_o time_n cease_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o hence_o the_o reason_n assign_v why_o a_o man_n can_v sin_v wilful_o and_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v for_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o that_o be_v because_o that_o principle_n of_o new_a life_n and_o motion_n which_o the_o divine_a spirit_n have_v produce_v in_o he_o and_o which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o universal_a prevail_a resolution_n of_o obey_v god_n remain_v within_o his_o breast_n and_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v universal_o and_o prevalent_o resolve_v to_o obey_v god_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o sin_n wilful_o be_v a_o contradiction_n in_o term_n because_o whenever_o he_o sin_v wilful_o he_o be_v prevalent_o resolve_v to_o disobey_v he_o and_o therefore_o see_v in_o every_o wilful_a sin_n we_o be_v prevalent_o resolve_v to_o disobey_v god_n while_o we_o be_v so_o our_o resolution_n to_o obey_v he_o which_o be_v the_o seed_n and_o principle_n of_o our_o divine_a life_n must_v necessary_o be_v extinguish_v and_o consequent_o till_o such_o time_n as_o by_o our_o repentance_n we_o have_v revive_v and_o recover_v it_o we_o must_v cease_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n he_o therefore_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n can_v sin_v wilful_o because_o while_o he_o continue_v in_o this_o state_n his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o which_o be_v no_o more_o reconcilable_a to_o our_o sin_v wilful_o than_o contrary_n be_v in_o the_o same_o degree_n and_o therefore_o he_o add_v he_o can_v sin_v because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n that_o be_v his_o state_n be_v such_o as_o will_v no_o more_o admit_v he_o wilful_o to_o disobey_v god_n than_o to_o be_v dead_a and_o alive_a in_o the_o same_o moment_n but_o in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o argument_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a yet_o further_o to_o inquire_v what_o those_o wilful_a sin_n be_v which_o the_o apostle_n here_o declare_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o a_o good_a state_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o our_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n the_o resolution_n of_o which_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o enable_v man_n to_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n of_o their_o own_o state_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a and_o in_o order_n hereunto_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o premise_v the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o that_o by_o wilful_a sin_n i_o mean_v the_o act_n as_o well_o as_o the_o habit_n of_o sin_n 2._o that_o by_o wilful_a habit_n of_o sin_n i_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v contract_v by_o wilful_a act_n and_o be_v wilful_o retain_v and_o indulge_v 3._o that_o by_o wilful_a act_n of_o sin_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v all_o evil_a action_n which_o have_v any_o degree_n of_o will_n in_o they_o but_o only_o such_o as_o be_v deliberate_o choose_v 4._o that_o the_o same_o action_n may_v be_v sin_n of_o weakness_n and_o sin_n of_o wilfulness_n in_o the_o same_o or_o different_a person_n under_o different_a circumstance_n 1._o that_o by_o wilful_a sin_n i_o mean_v the_o wilful_a act_n as_o well_o as_o habit_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v no_o sin_n can_v be_v consistent_a with_o our_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n for_o which_o the_o gospel_n bind_v we_o over_o to_o
eternal_a condemnation_n for_o while_o we_o thus_o stand_v bind_v we_o be_v child_n of_o wrath_n and_o so_o can_v be_v child_n of_o god_n at_o the_o same_o time_n now_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n condemn_v we_o for_o all_o wilful_a sin_n whatsoever_o whether_o they_o be_v single_a act_n or_o habit_n and_o every_o single_a wilful_a act_n be_v as_o much_o a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n which_o threaten_v condemnation_n as_o any_o wilful_a habit_n whatsoever_o the_o law_n which_o forbid_v wilful_a lie_v under_o the_o penalty_n of_o eternal_a death_n do_v as_o well_o forbid_v the_o single_a act_n as_o the_o habit_n of_o wilful_a lie_v and_o therefore_o must_v forbid_v they_o both_o under_o the_o same_o penalty_n and_o indeed_o if_o it_o do_v not_o there_o be_v some_o of_o the_o most_o heinous_a sin_n will_v escape_v for_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n which_o when_o men_n have_v once_o commit_v they_o never_o have_v opportunity_n to_o repeat_v be_v prevent_v either_o for_o want_v of_o a_o new_a occasion_n or_o by_o just_a sentence_n of_o law_n such_o as_o rape_n and_o theft_n and_o murder_n and_o other_o which_o can_v never_o pass_v beyond_o a_o single_a act_n such_o as_o parricide_n and_o self-murder_n and_o so_o can_v never_o grow_v into_o a_o habit_n and_o yet_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o man_n can_v doubt_v but_o that_o even_o the_o single_a act_n of_o these_o sin_n suppose_v they_o wilful_a do_v put_v a_o man_n into_o a_o state_n of_o condemnation_n i_o know_v it_o be_v usual_o say_v that_o such_o horrible_a sin_n as_o these_o indeed_o do_v so_o because_o the_o mischief_n of_o they_o be_v so_o great_a and_o the_o malice_n so_o heinous_a that_o it_o render_v they_o equivalent_a to_o a_o habit_n of_o any_o other_o sin_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n condemn_v these_o sin_n not_o as_o they_o be_v great_a than_o other_o but_o as_o they_o be_v transgression_n for_o which_o it_o threaten_v condemnation_n indeed_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o sin_n do_v increase_v the_o condemnation_n but_o yet_o the_o law_n which_o condemn_v we_o for_o a_o lesser_a sin_n do_v as_o certain_o condemn_v we_o as_o that_o which_o condemn_v we_o for_o a_o great_a as_o for_o instance_n the_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o condemn_v we_o for_o drunkenness_n adultery_n lie_v and_o malice_n as_o for_o murder_n and_o as_o every_o wilful_a act_n of_o unjust_a kill_v be_v murder_n so_o every_o wilful_a act_n of_o adultery_n and_o malice_n be_v adultery_n and_o malice_n and_o therefore_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n condemn_v to_o far_o great_a pain_n for_o the_o one_o than_o for_o the_o other_o yet_o still_o it_o condemn_v we_o for_o both_o for_o that_o law_n which_o forbid_v any_o wilful_a sin_n indifferent_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o condemnation_n forbid_v every_o act_n of_o it_o under_o the_o same_o penalty_n because_o every_o act_n of_o it_o be_v the_o sin_n so_o forbid_v and_o therefore_o we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o condemn_v we_o for_o parricide_n and_o self-murder_n because_o these_o be_v only_o single_a act_n of_o murder_n as_o that_o it_o do_v not_o condemn_v we_o for_o any_o other_o single_a act_n of_o any_o other_o wilful_a sin_n for_o every_o single_a act_n of_o wilful_a intemperance_n and_o incontinency_n be_v as_o true_o sin_v against_o the_o law_n which_o forbid_v they_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o eternal_a condemnation_n as_o those_o single_a act_n of_o murder_n be_v against_o the_o law_n which_o forbid_v murder_n under_o the_o same_o penalty_n and_o consequent_o do_v as_o well_o put_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o condemnation_n and_o to_o be_v sure_a while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o state_n we_o can_v pretend_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n 2._o i_o premise_v that_o by_o wilful_a habit_n of_o sin_n be_v mean_v such_o as_o be_v contract_v by_o wilful_a act_n and_o be_v wilful_o retain_v and_o indulge_v for_o if_o you_o take_v habit_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o large_a sense_n as_o they_o signify_v a_o forward_a propensity_n promptness_n and_o readiness_n to_o do_v evil_a there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o there_o may_v be_v sinful_a habit_n in_o man_n which_o never_o be_v contract_v by_o wilful_a act_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a there_o may_v be_v sinful_a habit_n contract_v by_o wilful_a act_n which_o though_o not_o utter_o extirpate_v may_v yet_o cease_v to_o be_v wilful_a as_o for_o instance_n a_o man_n may_v be_v prompt_v to_o unreasonable_a anger_n or_o excessive_a lust_n even_o from_o the_o natural_a temper_n and_o constitution_n of_o his_o body_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o any_o wilful_a act_n of_o his_o own_o and_o though_o he_o may_v be_v much_o more_o dispose_v to_o be_v angry_a or_o lustful_a than_o another_o of_o a_o cool_a constitution_n yet_o he_o may_v be_v much_o far_o remove_v from_o any_o wilful_a habit_n of_o anger_n and_o lust_n because_o the_o latter_a perhaps_o contract_v they_o by_o his_o own_o wilful_a act_n and_o by_o his_o repeat_v practice_n of_o they_o do_v still_o cherish_v and_o indulge_v they_o whereas_o the_o former_a have_v no_o more_o hand_n in_o contract_v they_o than_o he_o have_v in_o the_o mould_v of_o of_o his_o own_o constitution_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o cherish_v they_o by_o any_o wilful_a act_n of_o his_o own_o that_o it_o be_v the_o main_a endeavour_n of_o his_o life_n to_o oppose_v and_o vanquish_v they_o and_o so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n a_o man_n that_o by_o frequent_a wilful_a act_n of_o sin_n have_v contract_v wilful_a habit_n may_v afterward_o hearty_o repent_v and_o take_v up_o a_o prevail_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n and_o yet_o still_o the_o evil_a habit_n the_o promptness_n or_o propensity_n to_o his_o sin_n may_v be_v more_o or_o less_o remain_v in_o he_o but_o this_o be_v now_o so_o far_o from_o be_v wilful_a that_o the_o prevail_a bent_n and_o current_n of_o his_o will_n be_v against_o it_o and_o though_o still_o his_o evil_a inclination_n be_v ready_a to_o take_v fire_n upon_o every_o spark_n of_o temptation_n that_o fall_v upon_o they_o and_o to_o blaze_v out_o into_o evil_a action_n yet_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o resolution_n he_o so_o keep_v it_o under_o that_o it_o can_v break_v forth_o but_o upon_o a_o surprise_n and_o even_o that_o surprise_n will_v render_v he_o more_o watchful_a and_o vigilant_a to_o suppress_v it_o for_o the_o future_a but_o now_o when_o evil_a habit_n do_v not_o only_o exist_v in_o we_o but_o be_v also_o cherish_v and_o indulge_v by_o we_o and_o do_v ordinary_o influence_n and_o govern_v our_o practice_n they_o be_v then_o not_o only_o wilful_a sin_n but_o a_o fix_a and_o settle_a state_n of_o wilful_a sin_n and_o be_v pregnant_a with_o a_o distinct_a gild_n and_o venom_n from_o those_o act_n of_o wilful_a sin_n that_o beget_v they_o and_o hence_o in_o scripture_n you_o find_v they_o mark_v with_o the_o black_a character_n they_o be_v call_v the_o root_n of_o bitterness_n the_o evil_a heart_n the_o concupiscence_n wrought_v by_o sin_n the_o law_n in_o the_o member_n which_o those_o who_o be_v carnal_a and_o sell_v under_o sin_n do_v obey_v the_o carnal_a mind_n the_o flesh_n in_o which_o dwell_v no_o good_a and_o enmity_n to_o god_n by_o all_o which_o they_o be_v sufficient_o pronounce_v inconsistent_a with_o our_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n 3._o i_o must_v premise_v that_o by_o wilful_a act_n of_o sin_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v all_o wilful_a action_n which_o have_v any_o degree_n of_o will_n in_o they_o but_o only_o such_o as_o be_v deliberate_o choose_v and_o consent_v to_o every_o sin_n be_v so_o far_o voluntary_a as_o that_o when_o we_o choose_v it_o we_o be_v free_a to_o refuse_v it_o otherwise_o it_o be_v necessary_a and_o what_o be_v necessary_a be_v no_o fault_n nor_o can_v be_v just_o liable_a to_o reward_n or_o punishment_n those_o evil_a action_n therefore_o which_o for_o distinction_n sake_n be_v call_v sin_n of_o infirmity_n be_v no_o far_o sin_n than_o as_o they_o be_v choose_v and_o have_v some_o intermixture_n of_o will_n in_o they_o for_o if_o they_o have_v none_o they_o have_v only_o the_o matter_n of_o sin_n in_o they_o but_o not_o the_o form_n but_o we_o be_v seldom_o so_o surprise_v with_o any_o temptation_n to_o evil_a but_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o deliberate_v upon_o it_o and_o thereupon_o to_o resolve_v against_o it_o and_o many_o time_n by_o our_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n we_o do_v prevent_v those_o evil_n which_o when_o we_o be_v more_o remiss_a do_v steal_v upon_o we_o unaware_o and_o we_o that_o can_v prevent_v they_o this_o moment_n can_v prevent_v they_o the_o next_o too_o and_o so_o the_o next_o and_o so_o for_o ever_o but_o then_o consider_v the_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o our_o nature_n how_o
we_o as_o we_o will_v escape_v that_o dismal_a ruin_n which_o for_o several_a year_n have_v hang_v over_o our_o head_n and_o have_v be_v pour_v itself_o upon_o the_o head_n of_o several_a neighbour_a country_n and_o nation_n betake_v ourselves_o to_o a_o deep_a humiliation_n for_o and_o hearty_a repentance_n of_o our_o sin_n which_o threaten_v we_o more_o than_o all_o the_o power_n of_o our_o most_o powerful_a enemy_n we_o be_v now_o engage_v in_o a_o war_n against_o a_o great_a prince_n who_o have_v not_o only_o by_o a_o most_o savage_a and_o barbarous_a persecution_n of_o his_o own_o subject_n proclaim_v himself_o a_o mortal_a enemy_n to_o our_o religion_n but_o also_o by_o his_o perfidious_a violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n his_o infraction_n of_o the_o most_o sacred_a tie_n and_o obligation_n and_o his_o unparalleled_a cruelty_n towards_o all_o that_o have_v fall_v within_o the_o reach_n of_o his_o power_n have_v render_v himself_o the_o common_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n 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nation_n under_o the_o cope_n of_o heaven_n that_o have_v great_a advantage_n of_o curb_v it_o in_o its_o career_n than_o our_o own_o if_o our_o own_o sin_n and_o intestine_a division_n do_v not_o spoil_v all_o wherefore_o as_o we_o hope_v to_o succeed_v in_o this_o our_o necessary_a defence_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o our_o native_a country_n let_v we_o every_o one_o in_o our_o place_n endeavour_v by_o lay_v aside_o all_o our_o malice_n and_o revenge_n our_o pride_n and_o faction_n to_o cement_v those_o unhappy_a breach_n that_o be_v among_o ourselves_o and_o all_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o a_o serious_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n for_o our_o own_o sin_n that_o thereby_o we_o may_v reconcile_v ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o engage_v his_o almighty_a power_n to_o fight_v for_o we_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o proposition_n contain_v in_o these_o word_n repent_v and_o turn_v yourselves_o from_o all_o your_o transgression_n so_o iniquity_n shall_v not_o be_v your_o ruin_n that_o the_o iniquity_n of_o any_o people_n or_o nation_n tend_v direct_o to_o their_o ruin_n and_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o viz._n that_o true_a repentance_n and_o amendment_n be_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o prevent_v that_o ruin_n which_o our_o iniquity_n do_v so_o natural_o bring_v upon_o we_o this_o it_o be_v upon_o a_o twofold_a influence_n it_o have_v 1._o upon_o god_n 2._o upon_o ourselves_o 1._o it_o have_v a_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o god_n who_o be_v the_o sovereign_a arbitrator_n of_o the_o fate_n of_o nation_n and_o do_v dispose_v of_o their_o ruin_n and_o happiness_n as_o he_o please_v for_o he_o be_v the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n and_o supreme_a moderator_n of_o all_o issue_n and_o event_n there_o be_v no_o particular_a kingdom_n or_o nation_n that_o be_v exempt_a from_o his_o jurisdiction_n and_o disposal_n and_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n alone_o to_o determine_v of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o whether_o they_o shall_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o kill_v and_o that_o make_v alive_a that_o bring_v down_o to_o the_o grave_n and_o bring_v up_o the_o lord_n that_o make_v poor_a and_o make_v rich_a that_o bring_v low_a and_o lift_v up_o 1_o sam._n two_o 6_o 7._o and_o as_o he_o thus_o dispose_v of_o the_o fate_n of_o particular_a person_n so_o he_o do_v much_o more_o of_o the_o fate_n of_o particular_a nation_n for_o it_o be_v he_o that_o increase_v the_o nation_n and_o destroy_v they_o he_o that_o enlarge_v the_o nation_n and_o streightn_v they_o job_n twelve_o 23._o and_o dan._n four_o 17._o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o most_o high_a rule_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o man_n and_o give_v it_o to_o whosoever_o he_o will_n and_o in_o 2_o king_n nineteeen_o 15._o hezekiah_n thus_o address_v to_o he_o thou_o be_v the_o god_n even_o thou_o alone_o of_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o if_o the_o government_n and_o disposal_n of_o nation_n be_v in_o god_n hand_n as_o you_o see_v it_o be_v than_o whatsoever_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o god_n to_o oblige_v and_o endear_v he_o to_o a_o nation_n must_v needs_o effectual_o conduce_v to_o its_o recovery_n and_o welfare_n because_o it_o make_v he_o its_o friend_n who_o alone_o can_v make_v it_o happy_a and_o miserable_a and_o that_o which_o indear_v god_n to_o we_o who_o alone_o have_v power_n to_o rescue_v and_o recover_v we_o must_v needs_o effectual_o conduce_v to_o our_o recovery_n now_o that_o repentance_n have_v such_o a_o influence_n upon_o god_n will_v evident_o appear_v whether_o we_o consider_v it_o 1._o as_o a_o act_n of_o natural_a justice_n and_o rectitude_n or_o 2._o as_o the_o primary_n end_v and_o design_n of_o punishment_n or_o 3._o as_o the_o best_a reparation_n we_o can_v make_v he_o for_o our_o rebellion_n against_o he_o or_o 4._o as_o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o he_o have_v voluntary_o oblige_v himself_o to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o we_o 1._o consider_v it_o as_o 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other_o act_v so_o too_o must_v needs_o be_v grateful_a to_o his_o nature_n but_o to_o repent_v be_v the_o most_o reasonable_a action_n that_o sinful_a creature_n can_v perform_v for_o if_o it_o be_v best_o and_o most_o reasonable_a not_o to_o do_v amiss_o at_o all_o then_o doubtless_o when_o we_o have_v do_v amiss_o the_o next_o most_o reasonable_a be_v to_o resolve_v to_o do_v so_o no_o more_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n why_o he_o that_o have_v sin_v shall_v sin_v no_o more_o as_o why_o he_o that_o have_v not_o shall_v not_o sin_v at_o all_o and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v at_o the_o wild_a assertion_n of_o some_o of_o our_o philosophical_a sinner_n that_o to_o repent_a be_v a_o argument_n of_o meanness_n of_o spirit_n and_o discover_v in_o we_o a_o weak_a and_o irresolute_a mind_n as_o if_o because_o i_o have_v play_v the_o fool_n i_o must_v resolve_v to_o be_v a_o fool_n for_o ever_o for_o fear_v of_o be_v account_v weak_a and_o irresolute_a as_o if_o to_o change_v a_o mean_a and_o base_a resolution_n be_v a_o piece_n of_o meanness_n and_o baseness_n indeed_o to_o enter_v into_o base_a resolution_n argue_v a_o base_a or_o inconsiderate_a spirit_n but_o to_o revoke_v they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v base_a or_o mean_a that_o it_o be_v high_o rational_a and_o generous_a there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o the_o revoke_v a_o bad_a resolution_n as_o there_o be_v against_o the_o make_n it_o and_o next_o to_o not_o yield_v to_o a_o unreasonable_a motion_n the_o high_a bravery_n in_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n be_v not_o to_o persist_v in_o it_o for_o if_o we_o be_v reasonable_a being_n our_o strength_n and_o bravery_n must_v consist_v in_o be_v constant_a to_o our_o reason_n but_o to_o be_v constant_a against_o it_o be_v to_o be_v constant_a fool_n or_o constant_a knave_n or_o