conspicuous_a never_o triumph_v so_o glorious_o over_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n as_o when_o it_o revive_v wretched_a offender_n from_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n unto_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n and_o the_o grievous_a miscarriage_n of_o good_a man_n be_v often_o so_o order_v as_o to_o turn_v to_o their_o mighty_a advantage_n for_o these_o have_v a_o natural_a tendency_n to_o awaken_v their_o care_n they_o make_v they_o more_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o weakness_n and_o danger_n and_o more_o vigilant_a to_o prevent_v it_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v than_o otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v be_v if_o their_o own_o experience_n have_v not_o teach_v they_o upon_o what_o slippery_a ground_n they_o stand_v they_o dispose_v they_o to_o be_v more_o tender_a and_o compassionate_a to_o their_o brethren_n more_o gentle_a and_o spare_v in_o their_o censure_n more_o ready_a to_o forgive_v what_o be_v do_v amiss_o more_o diligent_a to_o contribute_v their_o endeavour_n for_o the_o rescue_v and_o restore_v such_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n when_o they_o reflect_v how_o easy_a it_o be_v to_o be_v overtake_v and_o how_o prone_a all_o even_o the_o best_a man_n be_v to_o offend_v and_o they_o kindle_v in_o such_o penitent_n a_o vigorous_a and_o active_a zeal_n to_o make_v amends_o for_o the_o scandal_n of_o a_o bad_a example_n by_o a_o strict_a holiness_n and_o bright_a virtue_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v so_o little_a reason_n be_v there_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v deliver_v from_o all_o temptation_n or_o be_v secure_v from_o sin_v when_o we_o be_v tempt_v when_o the_o consequence_n both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o may_v be_v and_o often_o be_v so_o manage_v by_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o providence_n as_o not_o only_o not_o to_o destroy_v or_o impair_v the_o piety_n of_o private_a man_n but_z with_o the_o increase_n of_o that_o to_o become_v instrument_n of_o great_a good_a more_o effectual_a to_o our_o own_o salvation_n more_o 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soul_n the_o first_o be_v that_o in_o heb._n vi._n 4_o 5_o 6._o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o they_o shall_v fall_v away_o to_o renew_v they_o again_o unto_o repentance_n the_o other_o heb._n x._o 26_o 27._o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o that_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n now_o for_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o these_o passage_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o first_o that_o the_o scripture_n often_o express_v that_o by_o impossible_a which_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a or_o which_o be_v impossible_a for_o humane_a strength_n only_o but_o not_o so_o to_o nature_n assist_v by_o divine_a grace_n and_o thus_o our_o bless_a saviour_n explain_v himself_o concern_v rich_a 26._o rich_a matth._n xix_o 26._o man_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n by_o say_v that_o though_o this_o be_v impossible_a with_o regard_n to_o the_o corruption_n and_o temptation_n of_o such_o person_n and_o any_o power_n of_o their_o own_o to_o resist_v and_o vanquish_v they_o yet_o 27._o yet_o luke_n xviii_o 27._o the_o thing_n that_o be_v impossible_a with_o man_n be_v possible_a with_o god_n he_o may_v by_o the_o prevail_a influencce_n of_o his_o grace_n wean_v their_o heart_n from_o the_o world_n and_o effectual_o dispose_v they_o to_o accept_v such_o term_n of_o salvation_n as_o of_o themselves_o they_o will_v never_o incline_v or_o submit_v to_o and_o thus_o though_o man_n who_o reject_v and_o quench_v the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o wilful_a sin_n can_v renew_v themselves_o yet_o god_n can_v give_v they_o the_o heart_n and_o power_n of_o 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of_o god_n afresh_o trample_v he_o under_o foot_n count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o unholy_a thing_n and_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o these_o man_n to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v impossible_a to_o renew_v while_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o apostasy_n because_o they_o have_v cast_v off_o their_o only_a remedy_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o pardon_n all_o that_o believe_v be_v justify_v say_v st._n paul_n but_o this_o faith_n they_o have_v renounce_v and_o disclaim_v and_o consequent_o be_v not_o within_o the_o covenant_n nor_o under_o the_o influence_n of_o grace_n or_o the_o possibility_n of_o benefit_n from_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o that_o blood_n which_o they_o esteem_v common_a and_o no_o sacrifice_n at_o all_o but_o the_o case_n be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o they_o who_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o sinful_a course_n and_o yet_o have_v not_o throw_v off_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n they_o may_v see_v their_o folly_n and_o acknowledge_v the_o merit_n of_o their_o saviour_n atonement_n they_o may_v comply_v with_o the_o good_a motion_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o they_o too_o long_o have_v quench_v and_o resist_v though_o they_o have_v not_o formal_o disavow_v and_o do_v public_a despite_n to_o he_o there_o be_v a_o mighty_a difference_n between_o walk_v unworthy_a of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o be_v formal_a and_o open_a adversary_n to_o it_o between_o a_o conversation_n unbecoming_a the_o gospel_n and_o principle_n that_o profess_o overthrow_v the_o gospel_n and_o consequent_o those_o passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o strike_v at_o the_o one_o of_o these_o and_o declare_v it_o incapable_a of_o forgiveness_n need_v not_o must_v not_o be_v so_o apply_v to_o the_o other_o as_o to_o exclude_v from_o all_o hope_n and_o comfort_n a_o case_n so_o very_o distant_a from_o the_o former_a thus_o much_o however_o must_v be_v
any_o other_o science_n such_o particular_o as_o learned_a man_n differ_v in_o their_o judgement_n about_o some_o difficult_a point_n of_o it_o this_o be_v but_o too_o plain_a a_o discovery_n that_o something_o else_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o scale_n beside_o the_o real_a merit_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o that_o such_o people_n cavil_v at_o religion_n not_o because_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v it_o be_v not_o true_a but_o because_o they_o wish_v it_o be_v not_o and_o apprehend_v it_o for_o their_o ease_n and_o interest_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v true_a 3._o last_o i_o can_v upon_o this_o occasion_n forbid_v myself_o address_v to_o you_o the_o member_n of_o our_o establish_a church_n in_o particular_a most_o earnest_o beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v the_o privilege_n you_o enjoy_v and_o to_o make_v a_o right_a improvement_n of_o they_o you_o have_v not_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n lock_v up_o from_o you_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n nor_o be_v prohibit_v to_o use_v it_o free_o you_o be_v permit_v entreat_v command_v to_o peruse_v it_o diligent_o and_o we_o be_v very_o sure_a the_o more_o you_o do_v so_o the_o more_o ready_a you_o will_v be_v to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o and_o the_o less_o liable_a to_o be_v drive_v about_o by_o every_o blast_n of_o doctrine_n let_v i_o only_o beg_v that_o along_o with_o this_o diligence_n you_o will_v bring_v meekness_n and_o modesty_n a_o honest_a disposition_n and_o godly_a fear_n that_o you_o will_v reflect_v very_o serious_o upon_o the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n have_v thus_o impart_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n which_o be_v not_o to_o entertain_v so_o much_o as_o to_o edify_v man_n to_o make_v they_o wise_a indeed_o but_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o consequent_o that_o keep_v constant_o this_o end_n in_o view_n and_o avoid_v intricate_a and_o unseasonable_a question_n which_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o do_v but_o engender_v strife_n and_o perplex_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o unwary_a stick_v close_o to_o those_o plain_a profitable_a passage_n which_o may_v stand_v you_o in_o good_a stead_n at_o the_o last_o great_a day_n of_o account_n such_o as_o may_v excite_v your_o piety_n inflame_v your_o devotion_n reform_v your_o manner_n and_o render_v you_o useful_a and_o exemplary_a in_o your_o respective_a station_n and_o capacity_n such_o as_o may_v bring_v advantage_n to_o the_o public_a by_o reduce_v and_o mortify_v all_o those_o unruly_a passion_n and_o affection_n which_o obstruct_v peace_n and_o order_n charity_n and_o justice_n for_o be_v very_o confident_a that_o he_o who_o live_v best_a do_v in_o the_o christian_a sense_n know_v most_o and_o every_o one_o of_o competent_a part_n and_o industry_n may_v know_v enough_o for_o these_o purpose_n 8._o purpose_n micah_n vi_o 8._o god_n 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 this_o be_v a_o short_a and_o a_o plain_a lesson_n and_o yet_o even_o this_o well_o learn_v will_v not_o fail_v to_o bring_v we_o all_o to_o heaven_n i_o shut_v up_o all_o with_o two_o memorable_a passage_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n to_o this_o purpose_n the_o former_a in_o the_o xxixth_o of_o deuteronomy_n at_o the_o last_o verse_n secret_a thing_n belong_v unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n but_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v reveal_v belong_v unto_o we_o and_o unto_o our_o child_n for_o ever_o that_o we_o may_v do_v all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n the_o latter_a in_o ecclus._n iii_o 21_o etc._n etc._n seek_v not_o out_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v too_o hard_o for_o thou_o neither_o search_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o thy_o strength_n but_o what_o be_v command_v thou_o think_v thereupon_o with_o reverence_n for_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a for_o thou_o to_o see_v with_o thy_o eye_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o secret_a be_v not_o curious_a in_o unnecessary_a matter_n for_o more_o thing_n be_v show_v unto_o thou_o than_o man_n understand_v for_o many_o be_v deceive_v by_o their_o own_o vain_a opinion_n and_o a_o evil_a suspicion_n have_v overthrow_v their_o judgement_n without_o eye_n thou_o shall_v want_v light_n profess_v not_o therefore_o the_o knowledge_n that_o thou_o have_v not_o this_o wholesome_a advice_n god_n give_v we_o all_o the_o grace_n to_o follow_v that_o we_o may_v receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o obey_v it_o in_o the_o love_n thereof_o for_o jesus_n christ_n his_o sake_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o holy_a spirit_n three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n sermon_n ii_o the_o holiness_n require_v in_o a_o christian_n conversation_n ephes_n v._o 11._o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n great_a part_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o particular_o this_o chapter_n be_v employ_v in_o urge_v the_o advantage_n these_o ephesian_n have_v receive_v by_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o the_o improvement_n it_o be_v expect_v they_o shall_v make_v of_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n advise_v they_o 10._o they_o verse_n 8_o 9_o 10._o to_o walk_v as_o child_n of_o light_n to_o prove_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o order_n to_o their_o do_v so_o to_o shake_v hand_n with_o their_o old_a corruption_n and_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n in_o treat_v of_o these_o word_n i_o design_v to_o speak_v to_o these_o four_o follow_v particular_n i._o i_o will_v show_v what_o those_o thing_n be_v which_o the_o apostle_n here_o command_v we_o to_o avoid_v under_o this_o detestable_a title_n the_o work_n of_o darkness_n ii_o what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o they_o iii_o i_o shall_v press_v the_o reason_n for_o avoid_v those_o work_n which_o the_o text_n have_v couch_v by_o call_v they_o unfruitful_a and_o then_o iv_o i_o shall_v apply_v myself_o from_o the_o whole_a to_o the_o persuade_v every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o act_v like_o man_n due_o convince_v of_o the_o former_a head_n and_o the_o engagement_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o with_o regard_n to_o they_o i._o i_o shall_v show_v what_o those_o thing_n be_v which_o the_o apostle_n here_o command_v we_o to_o avoid_v under_o the_o detestable_a title_n the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o here_o it_o be_v fit_a i_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o all_o sin_n indeed_o of_o what_o nature_n or_o quality_n soever_o be_v such_o work_n and_o that_o we_o be_v absolute_o forbid_v any_o kindness_n for_o and_o intimacy_n with_o they_o all_o for_o whether_o by_o darkness_n we_o understand_v ignorance_n and_o error_n or_o whether_o those_o region_n of_o horror_n inhabit_v by_o devil_n and_o damn_a spirit_n the_o title_n will_v very_o proper_o belong_v to_o they_o in_o both_o respect_n every_o sin_n be_v owe_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o a_o defect_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o wrong_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n every_o one_o lead_v to_o those_o dismal_a region_n of_o death_n every_o one_o derive_v itself_o from_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n and_o be_v original_o his_o work_n but_o because_o even_o of_o sin_n there_o be_v difference_n to_o be_v make_v both_o as_o to_o the_o degree_n and_o as_o to_o the_o malignity_n of_o they_o since_o some_o do_v more_o manifest_o carry_v the_o character_n and_o feature_n of_o that_o old_a serpent_n who_o spawn_n they_o be_v i_o will_v just_o mention_v some_o few_o which_o seem_v by_o way_n of_o eminence_n to_o challenge_v this_o title_n now_o of_o these_o some_o be_v more_o peculiar_a to_o the_o pagan_a world_n and_o such_o as_o st._n paul_n have_v a_o immediate_a respect_n to_o in_o this_o chapter_n particular_o that_o idolatrous_a and_o pollute_v worship_n and_o all_o those_o vain_a superstition_n which_o even_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a heathen_n have_v submit_v themselves_o to_o and_o other_o of_o they_o be_v such_o as_o do_v even_o now_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o light_n and_o advantage_n of_o christianity_n endanger_v man_n soul_n and_o draw_v they_o into_o a_o resemblance_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o quality_n they_o be_v such_o especial_o be_v pride_n and_o ambition_n envy_n and_o malice_n lie_v and_o dissimulation_n faction_n and_o treachery_n and_o the_o tempt_v other_o to_o sin_n for_o under_o these_o quality_n the_o devil_n be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n and_o the_o devilish_a nature_n of_o these_o vice_n be_v sufficient_o manifest_v as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v name_v so_o that_o without_o further_o enlarge_n upon_o so_o odious_a a_o subject_n i_o shall_v think_v myself_o now_o at_o liberty_n to_o descend_v to_o my_o ii_o second_a particular_a
commander_n will_v needs_o march_v up_o as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o load_v cannon_n by_o turn_v their_o own_o tempter_n this_o be_v not_o courage_n but_o fool-hardiness_n and_o whatever_o expectation_n these_o man_n may_v cherish_v of_o god_n assistance_n in_o such_o case_n they_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o vigorous_a faith_n and_o well_o ground_a trust_n but_o of_o a_o blind_a and_o hotheaded_a presumption_n for_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n and_o our_o belief_n of_o they_o suppose_v the_o use_n of_o proper_a mean_n and_o of_o those_o mean_v the_o first_o and_o best_a be_v to_o prevent_v our_o danger_n and_o as_o no_o man_n in_o his_o sense_n will_v venture_v the_o break_n a_o leg_n or_o a_o arm_n in_o confidence_n of_o his_o surgeon_n skill_n to_o set_v it_o again_o so_o neither_o will_v any_o considerate_a christian_a lay_v himself_o open_a to_o sin_n or_o make_v needless_a approach_n towards_o it_o because_o he_o know_v that_o god_n be_v more_o powerful_a to_o preserve_v than_o the_o devil_n can_v be_v to_o destroy_v for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o power_n of_o god_n that_o be_v our_o security_n but_o the_o know_v that_o he_o will_v exert_v that_o power_n on_o our_o behalf_n and_o this_o we_o can_v know_v but_o rather_o the_o direct_a contrary_n when_o the_o temptation_n be_v our_o own_o act_n and_o deed_n for_o the_o danger_n which_o we_o choose_v have_v no_o right_n to_o his_o protection_n and_o it_o be_v a_o righteous_a thing_n with_o he_o to_o suffer_v such_o man_n as_o wanton_o set_v their_o soul_n at_o stake_n to_o eat_v the_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o their_o own_o way_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o their_o own_o foolish_a device_n 3._o three_o the_o wariness_n i_o have_v be_v advise_v to_o keep_v aloof_o from_o temptation_n may_v yet_o be_v far_o enforce_v by_o consider_v from_o this_o instance_n of_o the_o apostle_n before_o we_o how_o the_o commission_n of_o one_o sin_n draw_v we_o on_o to_o more_o and_o great_a thus_o he_o after_o one_o denial_n proceed_v to_o a_o second_o and_o a_o three_o and_o do_v not_o stick_v to_o strengthen_v they_o with_o false_a oath_n and_o horrid_a curse_n and_o thus_o in_o other_o case_n when_o man_n have_v once_o let_v go_v their_o hold_n they_o be_v carry_v as_o it_o be_v down_o the_o stream_n and_o let_v themselves_o drive_v till_o at_o last_o they_o sink_v into_o the_o gross_a impiety_n this_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o sinful_a act_n that_o they_o quick_o grow_v into_o habit_n weaken_v and_o waste_v the_o conscience_n harden_v man_n by_o custom_n and_o by_o degree_n destroy_v their_o very_a principle_n but_o especial_o when_o they_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o do_v a_o ill_a thing_n for_o the_o escape_v some_o present_a inconvenience_n if_o then_o they_o feel_v their_o danger_n continue_v or_o increase_v they_o imagine_v themselves_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o grow_v bold_a as_o they_o be_v more_o press_v and_o have_v go_v too_o far_o to_o retreat_v with_o honour_n or_o safety_n endeavour_v to_o disengage_v themselves_o by_o more_o grievous_a and_o obstinate_a degree_n of_o sin_n there_o be_v not_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n a_o more_o abandon_a wretch_n than_o he_o that_o be_v force_v to_o drudge_n on_o in_o a_o course_n of_o wickedness_n by_o the_o difficulty_n and_o the_o shame_n of_o retract_v his_o former_a error_n no_o man_n know_v what_o such_o a_o embroiled_a state_n will_v grow_v to_o or_o where_o the_o man_n will_v stop_v that_o principle_n which_o shall_v have_v preserve_v he_o be_v give_v up_o and_o when_o the_o reproach_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n be_v break_v through_o he_o lie_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o every_o fresh_a temptation_n and_o want_v only_a opportunity_n of_o become_v every_o day_n worse_o and_o more_o profligate_v and_o this_o be_v very_o observable_a as_o in_o all_o other_o case_n so_o particular_o in_o the_o case_n of_o lie_v which_o come_v near_a to_o st._n peter_n in_o my_o text._n how_o confident_o man_n will_v stand_v in_o defence_n of_o falsehood_n and_o what_o pain_n they_o often_o take_v to_o gain_v credit_n by_o repeat_v and_o confirm_v what_o they_o have_v say_v or_o do_v amiss_o and_o how_o quick_o this_o settle_n into_o a_o habit_n of_o falsehood_n till_o they_o seem_v at_o last_o to_o have_v lose_v and_o lay_v aside_o all_o regard_n to_o honesty_n and_o truth_n the_o check_n of_o conscience_n or_o the_o vengeance_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o yet_o the_o event_n at_o last_o be_v like_a that_o of_o st._n peter_n denial_n here_o to_o entangle_v themselves_o fast_a in_o the_o snare_n and_o the_o more_o they_o struggle_v to_o get_v quit_v of_o their_o difficulty_n the_o more_o to_o aggravate_v their_o sin_n and_o expose_v their_o reputation_n so_o that_o after_o all_o the_o wise_a and_o safe_a as_o well_o as_o the_o short_a course_n be_v to_o stick_v fast_o to_o our_o duty_n for_o truth_n and_o honesty_n will_v carry_v we_o through_o where_o all_o the_o shift_n and_o shuffle_n of_o wicked_a craft_n will_v forsake_v and_o betray_v we_o and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o servant_n and_o child_n and_o such_o as_o be_v under_o authority_n or_o indeed_o any_o who_o lie_v under_o the_o fear_n of_o danger_n or_o displeasure_n will_v observe_v this_o matter_n due_o for_o beside_o the_o great_a offence_n which_o lie_v excuse_n be_v to_o almighty_a god_n every_o master_n or_o person_n with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v can_v but_o think_v the_o fault_n and_o provocation_n double_v by_o this_o mean_n and_o no_o man_n of_o reason_n or_o common_a sense_n can_v suppose_v himself_o secure_a of_o our_o faithfulness_n to_o his_o service_n or_o interest_n if_o he_o discover_v in_o we_o a_o disposition_n upon_o every_o slight_a occasion_n to_o deal_v indirect_o that_o we_o make_v no_o bone_n of_o sacrifice_a truth_n to_o respect_n and_o be_v unfaithful_a to_o the_o witness_n within_o our_o own_o breast_n and_o our_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n in_o heaven_n 4._o four_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o cause_v the_o fault_n and_o infirmity_n of_o his_o saint_n to_o be_v record_v in_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o use_v we_o ought_v to_o make_v of_o their_o fail_n and_o temptation_n not_o to_o flatter_v ourselves_o in_o any_o manner_n of_o evil_a as_o if_o we_o may_v notwithstanding_o be_v dear_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o these_o man_n be_v so_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o eminent_a virtue_n and_o their_o as_o eminent_a repentance_n where_o they_o do_v amiss_o otherwise_o the_o threaten_v in_o ezekiel_n have_v be_v their_o portion_n 24._o ezek._n xviii_o 24._o all_o their_o former_a righteousness_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v mention_v in_o the_o day_n of_o account_n but_o in_o the_o trespass_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o they_o have_v sin_v in_o these_o they_o shall_v have_v die_v but_o this_o be_v do_v for_o a_o seasoable_a warn_v and_o to_o be_v a_o effectual_a humiliation_n to_o all_o future_a age_n by_o let_v we_o see_v that_o the_o most_o perfect_a of_o man_n be_v still_o but_o man_n subject_a to_o mighty_a blemish_n and_o imperfection_n and_o that_o the_o high_a and_o most_o purify_a state_n we_o can_v possible_o arrive_v at_o in_o this_o world_n be_v no_o security_n from_o danger_n this_o shall_v make_v we_o very_o tender_a how_o we_o judge_v and_o despise_v our_o brethren_n who_o fault_n how_o severe_o soever_o we_o may_v think_v fit_a to_o censure_v it_o be_v high_o probable_a will_v be_v our_o own_o be_v their_o circumstance_n and_o their_o temptation_n we_o this_o also_o confute_v the_o imagination_n of_o some_o who_o teach_v that_o they_o who_o have_v true_a faith_n and_o true_a grace_n can_v never_o fall_v from_o it_o a_o opinion_n extreme_o false_a and_o groundless_a for_o what_o be_v true_a faith_n and_o true_a grace_n if_o that_o confession_n of_o st._n peter_n do_v not_o show_v it_o which_o our_o lord_n so_o high_o commend_v declare_v he_o will_v build_v his_o church_n upon_o and_o pronounce_v he_o bless_v for_o and_o what_o be_v fall_v from_o such_o grace_n and_o faith_n if_o the_o obstinate_a repeat_v deny_v and_o abjure_v of_o christ_n be_v not_o these_o instance_n therefore_o of_o such_o worthy_n miscarry_v so_o gross_o ring_v in_o our_o ear_n those_o admonition_n of_o st._n paul_n 1._o rom._n xi_o 20._o 1_o cor._n x._o 12._o gal._n vi_o 1._o be_v not_o high-minded_a but_o fear_n and_o let_v he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v and_o if_o a_o man_n be_v overtake_v in_o a_o fault_n restore_v such_o a_o one_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n consider_v thyself_o lest_o thou_o also_o be_v tempt_v they_o forbid_v we_o to_o promise_v ourselves_o safety_n and_o freedom_n from_o temptation_n in_o
because_o it_o keep_v man_n sensible_a of_o their_o disease_n and_o want_n and_o best_a qualify_v to_o receive_v a_o cure_n for_o they_o whereas_o pride_n on_o the_o contrary_a not_o only_o make_v man_n fool_n but_o keep_v they_o so_o it_o fill_v they_o full_a of_o themselves_o alone_o and_o never_o look_v but_o through_o the_o magnify_v part_n of_o the_o perspective_n it_o render_v they_o deaf_a to_o all_o manner_n of_o admonition_n because_o it_o never_o suffer_v they_o to_o suppose_v they_o want_v any_o and_o instead_o of_o grow_v wise_a and_o better_a they_o be_v only_o exasperate_v and_o harden_v the_o more_o in_o their_o folly_n in_o short_a take_v faith_n in_o its_o utmost_a latitude_n and_o you_o will_v find_v in_o every_o instance_n the_o same_o event_n with_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v describe_v in_o the_o parable_n 9_o parable_n luke_n 18._o 9_o of_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o the_o publican_n he_o that_o descend_v into_o his_o own_o breast_n and_o sad_o reflect_v on_o his_o unworthiness_n and_o deficiency_n that_o lament_n and_o condemn_v himself_o with_o a_o god_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n or_o as_o in_o the_o text_n cry_v out_o with_o tear_n lord_n help_v my_o unbelief_n be_v likely_a enough_o to_o go_v down_o to_o his_o house_n justify_v 9_o justify_v psal_n 25._o 9_o the_o meek_a will_n god_n guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o humble_a will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n but_o when_o once_o a_o man_n be_v come_v to_o a_o god_n i_o thank_v thou_o that_o i_o be_o not_o as_o other_o man_n be_v when_o he_o be_v blind_a to_o his_o own_o fail_n and_o rip_v up_o those_o of_o other_o to_o shelter_v and_o excuse_v his_o own_o this_o man_n unbelief_n be_v not_o through_o weakness_n but_o through_o perverseness_n and_o choice_n he_o continue_v ignorant_a and_o wicked_a because_o he_o will_v not_o learn_v and_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o continue_v so_o he_o must_v because_o he_o think_v himself_o too_o wise_a and_o too_o good_a to_o be_v teach_v and_o admonish_v his_o desperate_a condition_n be_v well_o observe_v by_o solomon_n 12._o solomon_n prov._n 26._o 12._o see_v thou_o a_o man_n wise_a he_o may_v have_v say_v holy_a too_o in_o his_o own_o conceit_n there_o be_v more_o hope_n of_o a_o fool_n or_o of_o a_o profligate_n sinner_n than_o of_o he_o the_o one_o labour_n under_o a_o more_o rage_a and_o a_o more_o scandalous_a distemper_n indeed_o but_o the_o other_o be_v poison_v secret_o and_o so_o fond_a of_o his_o disease_n that_o he_o hate_v his_o antidote_n and_o obstruct_v all_o the_o method_n of_o recovery_n but_o three_o the_o weakness_n of_o faith_n and_o defect_n in_o practice_n be_v know_v to_o be_v consistent_a with_o safety_n or_o otherwise_o by_o the_o use_n or_o the_o neglect_n of_o proper_a mean_n to_o strengthen_v it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o we_o have_v not_o wilful_o contribute_v to_o our_o past_a fail_n nor_o yet_o that_o we_o lament_v or_o be_v serious_o concern_v for_o our_o present_n unless_o to_o both_o these_o we_o add_v vigilance_n and_o care_n to_o prevent_v those_o that_o we_o be_v subject_a to_o for_o the_o future_a he_o that_o feel_v himself_o perplex_v with_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n in_o religion_n must_v ask_v wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o labour_n after_o it_o with_o meekness_n and_o diligence_n he_o that_o find_v his_o faith_n weak_a in_o influence_v his_o practice_n must_v take_v all_o opportunity_n of_o fasten_v good_a principle_n on_o his_o mind_n and_o continual_o quicken_v and_o rouse_v himself_o up_o by_o holy_a motion_n and_o remembrance_n and_o drive_v the_o impression_n deep_o that_o they_o may_v be_v ever_o present_a and_o ever_o vigorous_a to_o draw_v out_o into_o use_n and_o ward_v off_o every_o temptation_n that_o beset_v he_o the_o man_n that_o languish_v in_o his_o devotion_n must_v raise_v and_o inflame_v his_o zeal_n by_o all_o necessary_a preparation_n to_o prayer_n by_o sequester_v himself_o from_o business_n and_o care_n as_o much_o as_o convenient_o he_o may_v fix_v his_o mind_n with_o reverent_a apprehension_n of_o the_o majesty_n he_o kneel_v before_o and_o the_o infinite_a importance_n of_o the_o blessing_n he_o pray_v for_o he_o that_o repent_v and_o think_v his_o regret_n for_o past_a offence_n less_o afflict_v than_o it_o ought_v must_v work_v himself_o into_o as_o deep_a remorse_n as_o possible_o he_o can_v and_o express_v his_o sincerity_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o soul_n by_o sorrow_v in_o proportion_n for_o his_o sin_n as_o nature_n determine_v he_o to_o do_v upon_o other_o occasion_n of_o grief_n and_o sadness_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o case_n mention_v heretofore_o for_o though_o god_n make_v allowance_n for_o nature_n and_o unavoidable_a infirmity_n yet_o he_o expect_v we_o shall_v not_o improve_v these_o into_o wilful_a transgression_n and_o habit_n of_o vice_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o we_o withstand_v and_o strive_v against_o they_o and_o proceed_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v towards_o the_o correct_v and_o cure_v of_o they_o he_o do_v not_o expect_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v equal_o know_v or_o equal_o considerate_a or_o equal_o devout_a or_o contrite_a but_o he_o require_v that_o every_o one_o shall_v know_v as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v and_o make_v his_o belief_n as_o practical_a and_o effectual_a as_o he_o can_v and_o pray_v as_o fervent_o and_o do_v good_a as_o delightful_o and_o mourn_v for_o his_o wickedness_n as_o affectionate_o as_o he_o be_v able_a for_o this_o be_v the_o only_a mark_n of_o our_o integrity_n and_o that_o which_o will_v take_v off_o all_o the_o mischief_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n not_o to_o make_v our_o misfortune_n a_o pretence_n for_o real_a fault_n nor_o from_o the_o necessary_a imperfection_n to_o which_o we_o all_o be_v liable_a to_o take_v occasion_n of_o transgress_v perverse_o and_o cover_v our_o own_o carelessness_n and_o wilful_a neglect_v and_o to_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o must_v add_v a_o four_o sign_n which_o be_v frequent_a and_o earnest_a application_n for_o strength_n and_o grace_n to_o he_o who_o be_v able_a to_o support_v and_o perfect_v we_o to_o our_o lord_n therefore_o we_o shall_v come_v and_o if_o we_o be_v sincere_a we_o shall_v come_v like_o he_o in_o the_o text_n with_o strong_a cry_n and_o vehement_a contention_n of_o heart_n and_o voice_n we_o shall_v beg_v his_o assistance_n against_o our_o fail_n and_o his_o comfort_n against_o our_o sorrow_n and_o sad_a misgiving_n of_o heart_n that_o he_o will_v protect_v we_o in_o our_o danger_n and_o temptation_n and_o give_v we_o a_o right_a judgement_n of_o his_o deal_n with_o we_o that_o he_o will_v scatter_v our_o doubt_n and_o distraction_n and_o dispel_v those_o cloud_n which_o intercept_v the_o joyful_a light_n of_o his_o countenance_n from_o we_o and_o in_o all_o these_o and_o in_o all_o other_o instance_n of_o a_o weak_a faith_n lord_n we_o believe_v thou_o can_v and_o therefore_o we_o pray_v that_o thou_o of_o thy_o goodness_n will_v help_v our_o unbelief_n establish_v strengthen_v settle_v we_o in_o thy_o truth_n yea_o we_o beseech_v thou_o good_a lord_n that_o it_o may_v please_v thou_o to_o strengthen_v such_o as_o do_v stand_v and_o to_o comfort_n and_o help_v the_o weakhearted_n and_o to_o raise_v up_o they_o that_o fall_v and_o final_o to_o beat_v down_o satan_n under_o our_o foot_n amen_n sermon_n xv._o christ_n resignation_n to_o his_o father_n will._n st._n luke_n xxii_o 42._o father_n if_o thou_o be_v willing_a remove_v this_o cup_n from_o i_o nevertheless_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n passion_n be_v relate_v by_o the_o evangelist_n in_o so_o particular_a so_o move_v a_o manner_n as_o must_v needs_o argue_v those_o man_n extreme_o stupid_a and_o insensible_a upon_o who_o they_o do_v not_o make_v a_o very_a lively_a and_o vigorous_a impression_n now_o the_o purpose_v this_o account_n be_v design_v to_o serve_v be_v principal_o these_o two_o to_o excite_v our_o thankfulness_n and_o love_n to_o he_o who_o submit_v to_o undergo_v such_o bitter_a thing_n for_o we_o and_o to_o work_v we_o up_o to_o a_o irreconcilable_a aversion_n against_o sin_n the_o wretched_a cause_n of_o all_o his_o suffering_n and_o what_o can_v kindle_v our_o love_n and_o inflame_v our_o heart_n with_o zeal_n and_o gratitude_n if_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o agony_n and_o pain_n the_o torture_n of_o his_o body_n and_o the_o amazement_n and_o exceed_a sorrow_n of_o his_o soul_n will_v not_o to_o which_o he_o voluntary_o expose_v himself_o by_o accept_v the_o punishment_n of_o our_o offence_n what_o can_v present_v we_o with_o a_o more_o frightful_a image_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o horror_n of_o a_o self-condemning_a conscience_n than_o those_o sweat_v of_o blood_n that_o heaviness_n