cure_v this_o any_o more_o than_o any_o other_o bodily_a disease_n and_o he_o that_o be_v afflict_v with_o they_o must_v bear_v they_o as_o he_o will_v the_o gout_n or_o stone_n or_o any_o other_o disease_n that_o be_v incident_a to_o we_o but_o since_o these_o affect_v the_o mind_n more_o and_o the_o mind_n also_o by_o its_o close_a union_n and_o re-action_n upon_o the_o body_n do_v in_o great_a measure_n raise_v and_o excite_v or_o abate_v and_o allay_v those_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o human_a virtue_n and_o a_o proper_a work_n of_o religion_n to_o take_v as_o much_o care_n as_o can_v be_v of_o those_o natural_a passion_n which_o be_v cause_v in_o 〈◊〉_d those_o different_a humour_n and_o temperament_n of_o body_n for_o all_o anger_n and_o first_o and_o the_o other_o bodily_a passion_n that_o be_v so_o troublesome_a both_o to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o arise_v from_o they_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o man_n not_o more_o incline_v to_o any_o of_o those_o passion_n by_o its_o original_a make_v and_o nature_n than_o the_o contrary_a they_o all_o arise_v from_o our_o body_n and_o our_o low_a nature_n and_o be_v the_o result_v of_o that_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v in_o brute_n we_o often_o see_v as_o well_o as_o man_n but_o the_o soul_n by_o be_v vital_o unite_v to_o the_o body_n have_v a_o preception_n and_o sensation_n of_o they_o and_o such_o thought_n be_v necessary_o cause_v in_o it_o by_o they_o now_o neither_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o the_o body_n nor_o first_o thought_n of_o the_o soul_n upon_o they_o be_v sinful_a because_o they_o be_v both_o necessary_a but_o the_o soul_n have_v a_o power_n within_o itself_o either_o to_o consent_v or_o not_o consent_v to_o these_o bodily_a motion_n and_o inclination_n which_o we_o call_v passion_n and_o this_o principle_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o call_v the_o will_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v a_o power_n to_o consent_v to_o their_o first_o rise_n or_o not_o rise_v in_o we_o that_o be_v often_o necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a and_o so_o not_o within_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o perfect_o unvoluntary_a but_o than_o whether_o it_o shall_v continue_v such_o a_o thought_n that_o be_v excite_v upon_o such_o a_o passion_n at_o least_o continue_v it_o so_o far_o as_o to_o approve_v and_o like_v it_o and_o consent_n to_o it_o and_o put_v it_o into_o act_n if_o it_o can_v and_o actual_o execute_v it_o and_o let_v it_o produce_v any_o outward_a and_o last_a effect_n this_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o herein_o lie_v the_o great_a exercise_n of_o its_o virtue_n in_o govern_v and_o subdue_a the_o passion_n and_o mortify_v the_o carnal_a lust_n and_o bodily_a inclination_n if_o it_o yield_v to_o those_o so_o as_o to_o commit_v any_o unlawful_a action_n or_o any_o sin_n in_o pursuance_n of_o they_o than_o it_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n and_o be_v carnal_a and_o carnal_o mind_v in_o st._n paul_n phrase_n rom._n 8.6_o but_o if_o through_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o help_n of_o religion_n it_o do_v mortify_v these_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n it_o shall_v live_v v._o 13._o if_o it_o suffer_v no_o sin_n to_o reign_v in_o its_o mortal_a body_n nor_o give_v way_n to_o those_o passion_n and_o lust_n so_o as_o to_o commit_v sin_n by_o they_o but_o with_o the_o great_a care_n and_o pain_n keep_v they_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n than_o it_o do_v crucisie_n the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n galat._n 5.24_o not_o that_o they_o must_v become_v quite_o dead_a and_o extinct_a so_o that_o we_o feel_v no_o motion_n of_o they_o no_o they_o may_v remain_v in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o regenerate_a man_n as_o to_o some_o inward_a motion_n of_o concupiscence_n but_o they_o be_v not_o sinful_a unless_o they_o conceive_v i.e._n be_v consent_v to_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o bring_v forth_o sin_n in_o the_o life_n james_n 1.15_o now_o religion_n be_v so_o to_o govern_v and_o keep_v under_o all_o these_o passion_n and_o bodily_a inclination_n that_o they_o run_v not_o into_o sin_n but_o it_o can_v quite_o cut_v they_o up_o and_o extirpate_v they_o it_o be_v to_o improve_v and_o perfect_a nature_n by_o grace_n but_o not_o to_o destroy_v it_o these_o passion_n therefore_o cause_v by_o those_o bodily_a humour_n and_o temper_n which_o we_o be_v natural_o incline_v to_o these_o which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o trouble_n and_o disorder_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o which_o bring_v the_o great_a uneasiness_n and_o perturbation_n to_o it_o and_o rob_v it_o of_o that_o evenness_n and_o calmness_n and_o tranquillity_n which_o be_v the_o great_a happiness_n of_o it_o these_o religion_n can_v so_o whole_o remove_v and_o take_v away_o as_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v perfect_o free_a from_o they_o and_o from_o all_o the_o motion_n and_o rise_n of_o they_o but_o it_o will_v and_o must_v so_o far_o subdue_v and_o conquer_v they_o as_o that_o they_o neither_o have_v sinful_a and_o unlawful_a effect_n upon_o other_o nor_o so_o far_o disorder_v ourselves_o as_o to_o spoil_v and_o destroy_v the_o peace_n and_o rest_v and_o quiet_v of_o our_o mind_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o they_o shall_v never_o disturb_v we_o for_o so_o they_o will_v a_o little_a as_o often_o as_o we_o feel_v they_o but_o not_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o take_v away_o the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o destroy_v the_o habit_n and_o temper_n of_o it_o if_o they_o do_v we_o can_v never_o be_v happy_a with_o they_o how_o religion_n cure_v they_o and_o to_o what_o degree_n it_o must_v overcome_v they_o i_o shall_v consider_v afterward_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o observe_v that_o religion_n do_v not_o whole_o destroy_v and_o root_v they_o up_o nor_o alter_v our_o bodily_a temper_n and_o constitution_n but_o a_o good_a man_n still_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o anger_n peevishness_n melancholy_a and_o the_o like_a and_o may_v never_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o any_o more_o than_o alter_v his_o complexion_n or_o his_o stature_n and_o make_v his_o hair_n white_a or_o black_a but_o he_o may_v have_v peace_n in_o his_o mind_n and_o rest_v in_o his_o soul_n notwithstanding_o that_o in_o the_o rational_a frame_n and_o habit_n and_o temper_v of_o it_o found_v upon_o the_o hope_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n these_o be_v troublesome_a and_o uneasy_a to_o he_o and_o will_v also_o affect_v his_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o bodily_a pain_n and_o disease_n but_o yet_o his_o rest_n and_o tranquillity_n may_v be_v consistent_a with_o both_o those_o for_o it_o be_v a_o rational_a intellectual_a sense_n and_o perception_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o depend_v upon_o principle_n and_o rule_n and_o not_o upon_o mere_a temper_n and_o mechanism_n of_o body_n for_o then_o ill_a wether_n as_o well_o as_o a_o ill_a body_n will_v alter_v and_o destroy_v it_o i_o come_v now_o to_o show_v how_o we_o may_v attain_v it_o which_o be_v the_o most_o considerable_a thing_n of_o all_o and_o when_o we_o have_v if_o we_o shall_v better_o understand_v it_o than_o by_o any_o other_o account_n of_o it_o like_o health_n we_o know_v what_o it_o be_v though_o we_o can_v so_o well_o describe_v it_o and_o like_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n we_o can_v best_o judge_v of_o it_o by_o feel_v it_o it_o be_v as_o tully_n call_v it_o sanitas_fw-la animi_fw-la the_o health_n and_o soundness_n and_o good_a temper_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o when_o the_o soul_n want_v it_o it_o be_v sick_a and_o under_o a_o disease_n in_o pain_n and_o disorder_n we_o all_o know_v how_o good_a and_o sweet_a a_o thing_n health_n and_o ease_n be_v both_o of_o body_n and_o mind_n so_o that_o there_o need_v not_o many_o word_n to_o commend_v they_o how_o to_o get_v it_o and_o preserve_v it_o and_o recover_v it_o when_o it_o be_v lose_v be_v the_o great_a question_n our_o saviour_n here_o tell_v we_o we_o may_v find_v rest_n to_o our_o soul_n and_o obtain_v this_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n i_o shall_v consider_v what_o the_o mean_n be_v and_o by_o what_o way_n religion_n do_v effect_v this_o in_o the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o religion_n teach_v we_o that_o happiness_n lie_v chief_o in_o our_o mind_n that_o that_o be_v the_o proper_a seat_n of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o lie_v not_o in_o thing_n without_o we_o but_o be_v a_o treasure_n in_o our_o own_o breast_n something_o within_o ourselves_o which_o belong_v to_o our_o soul_n and_o consist_v in_o the_o perfection_n improvement_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o this_o be_v in_o other_o word_n call_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n restore_v it_o to_o its_o lose_a happiness_n and_o free_v it_o from_o the_o
go_v in_o this_o narrow_a way_n these_o deceive_v million_o of_o soul_n who_o though_o they_o believe_v religion_n yet_o do_v not_o live_v up_o to_o it_o but_o corrupt_a and_o pervert_v it_o so_o as_o to_o take_v off_o its_o force_n and_o influence_n upon_o their_o life_n and_o make_v they_o never_o the_o better_a by_o it_o the_o other_o reserve_v which_o be_v a_o most_o desperate_a one_o be_v that_o of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n or_o a_o utter_a dis-believing_a all_o religion_n or_o at_o least_o a_o comfortable_a doubt_n and_o suspicion_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v true_a and_o this_o i_o be_o afraid_a lie_n in_o too_o many_o mind_n but_o then_o all_o mankind_n have_v be_v out_o of_o their_o wit_n in_o believe_v it_o for_o there_o have_v be_v very_o few_o either_o in_o the_o most_o wise_a or_o most_o barbarous_a part_n and_o age_n of_o the_o world_n but_o what_o have_v do_v so_o unless_o then_o we_o have_v be_v all_o cheat_v with_o book_n of_o revelation_n and_o history_n of_o miracle_n do_v by_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a and_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n afterward_o which_o be_v better_a attest_v than_o any_o action_n or_o any_o book_n beside_o that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n 1600_o year_n ago_o so_o that_o we_o may_v as_o well_o call_v in_o question_n all_o the_o greek_a and_o the_o roman_a story_n as_o the_o jewish_a and_o the_o christian_a and_o when_o we_o have_v run_v into_o such_o a_o frenzy_n of_o scepticism_n as_o to_o do_v that_o and_o without_o have_v any_o positive_a proof_n against_o religion_n and_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o another_o world_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o have_v that_o and_o the_o great_a atheist_n will_v not_o pretend_v to_o have_v any_o evidence_n certainty_n and_o demonstration_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v true_a notwithstanding_o all_o his_o doubt_n after_o all_o this_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o wise_a contrivance_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o heaven_n above_o and_o the_o earth_n and_o animal_n below_o be_v a_o stand_a evidence_n as_o great_a as_o can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n in_o general_a and_o a_o man_n reason_n must_v be_v wretched_o blind_v with_o his_o vice_n who_o do_v not_o see_v it_o or_o who_o wink_v so_o hard_a that_o he_o will_v not_o discern_v it_o these_o wretched_a reserve_v be_v therefore_o take_v away_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o press_v the_o duty_n of_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n and_o narrow_a way_n and_o propose_v the_o motive_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o this_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o difficulty_n i_o mention_v 1._o religion_n be_v a_o business_n of_o such_o importance_n that_o whatever_o strait_n and_o hardship_n there_o be_v in_o it_o we_o must_v not_o stick_v at_o those_o but_o resolve_v however_o to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o for_o our_o life_n our_o happiness_n our_o all_o our_o eternal_a state_n lie_v at_o stake_n and_o depend_v upon_o it_o our_o saviour_n only_o tell_v we_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o wide_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o broad_a be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o destruction_n and_o this_o be_v sufficient_a if_o life_n and_o death_n be_v set_v before_o we_o whatever_o be_v the_o way_n to_o they_o we_o shall_v look_v at_o the_o great_a end_n issue_n and_o consequence_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o mark_n a_o wise_a man_n always_o aim_v at_o and_o whatever_o mean_n be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o attain_v the_o one_o and_o avoid_v the_o other_o we_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o without_o any_o long_a counsel_n or_o deliberation_n for_o no_o man_n demur_n and_o consider_v whether_o he_o shall_v choose_v happiness_n and_o escape_n misery_n nature_n and_o instinct_n prevent_v our_o reason_n here_o and_o we_o be_v make_v with_o a_o inward_a spring_n which_o run_v of_o itself_o to_o the_o one_o and_o fly_v from_o the_o other_o whenever_o we_o true_o apprehend_v they_o and_o therefore_o do_v we_o consider_v what_o that_o life_n be_v that_o eternal_a life_n of_o happiness_n which_o virtue_n lead_v to_o which_o be_v to_o live_v in_o the_o perfect_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o great_a good_a and_o the_o pure_a pleasure_n free_a from_o all_o alloy_v and_o all_o approach_v of_o the_o least_o evil_a and_o trouble_n to_o live_v for_o ever_o with_o god_n and_o angel_n in_o rapturous_a bliss_n and_o heavenly_a delight_n and_o joy_v unspeakable_a to_o be_v possess_v of_o a_o crown_n a_o kingdom_n of_o substantial_a glory_n and_o all_o such_o good_a and_o desirable_a thing_n that_o this_o world_n afford_v but_o a_o faint_a shadow_n and_o imperfect_a resemblance_n of_o we_o shall_v find_v this_o be_v a_o life_n worth_n be_v fond_a of_o and_o seek_v after_o compare_v to_o which_o this_o our_o present_a short_a life_n mix_v with_o so_o much_o real_a care_n and_o trouble_v and_o so_o little_a imaginary_a pleasure_n be_v but_o a_o sort_n of_o death_n but_o walk_v in_o a_o vain_a shadow_n and_o dream_v of_o happiness_n and_o hardly_o worth_a a_o wise_a man_n choose_v be_v it_o not_o for_o a_o better_a life_n which_o be_v only_o worth_a the_o name_n of_o live_v where_o we_o be_v bear_v into_o another_o world_n and_o virtue_n shall_v give_v we_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n this_o be_v a_o reward_n that_o will_v sufficient_o recompense_n our_o short_a labour_n here_o and_o be_v religion_n never_o so_o difficult_a yet_o the_o worth_n and_o greatness_n of_o that_o be_v our_o hope_n and_o desire_v of_o it_o proportionable_a to_o it_o will_v inspire_v we_o with_o new_a vigour_n and_o resolution_n and_o convey_v strength_n and_o power_n enough_o to_o carry_v we_o through_o they_o all_o for_o what_o will_v not_o a_o great_a reward_n make_v man_n do_v whither_o will_v they_o not_o travel_v where_o will_v they_o not_o fight_v what_o danger_n will_v they_o flinch_v from_o what_o labour_n will_v they_o refuse_v when_o a_o certain_a and_o great_a reward_n be_v offer_v to_o '_o they_o and_o have_v we_o but_o as_o good_a thought_n of_o heaven_n as_o the_o soldier_n have_v of_o honour_n and_o victory_n the_o merchant_n of_o gold_n and_o gain_n and_o the_o husbandman_n of_o a_o good_a harvest_n we_o shall_v never_o think_v much_o of_o all_o the_o pain_n and_o difficulty_n that_o be_v in_o religion_n be_v they_o a_o great_a many_o more_o than_o they_o be_v as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o man_n have_v but_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o that_o destruction_n to_o which_o the_o wide_a gate_n and_o the_o broad_a way_n of_o wickedness_n lead_v they_o and_o the_o sad_a and_o dreadful_a condition_n their_o vice_n will_v bring_v they_o to_o in_o another_o world_n do_v they_o consider_v what_o exquisite_a and_o amaze_a misery_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v wrap_v up_o in_o those_o word_n of_o hell_n and_o damnation_n no_o vice_n though_o never_o so_o charm_v will_v make_v they_o endure_v it_o for_o one_o day_n no_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n will_v make_v they_o bear_v it_o for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n as_o this_o life_n be_v and_o nothing_o will_v ever_o tempt_v they_o not_o only_o not_o to_o suffer_v it_o for_o ever_o but_o to_o run_v the_o hazard_n and_o venture_v of_o it_o be_v there_o not_o a_o thousand_o time_n the_o reason_n to_o fear_v it_o that_o we_o have_v by_o religion_n and_o be_v it_o but_o mere_o probable_a or_o but_o just_a possible_a which_o atheism_n itself_o can_v never_o deny_v yet_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v expose_v himself_o to_o such_o a_o dreadful_a and_o irretrievable_a danger_n for_o the_o poor_a and_o pitiful_a temptation_n that_o be_v in_o the_o great_a sin_n but_o 2._o beside_o the_o consideration_n of_o another_o world_n religion_n with_o all_o its_o straitness_n and_o hardship_n do_v not_o abridge_v we_o of_o any_o comfortable_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n nor_o deprive_v we_o of_o any_o of_o the_o true_a pleasure_n and_o good_a thing_n here_o which_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v desire_v or_o which_o our_o nature_n be_v make_v for_o for_o they_o may_v be_v all_o enjoy_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o virtue_n and_o allowance_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o with_o more_o convenience_n and_o advantage_n than_o in_o a_o course_n of_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n religion_n do_v not_o deprive_v we_o of_o any_o good_a proper_a to_o our_o state_n and_o nature_n nor_o tie_v we_o up_o from_o any_o of_o the_o comfort_n or_o pleasure_n of_o life_n with_o a_o peevish_a severity_n and_o moroseness_n with_o a_o touch_n not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o but_o only_o restrain_v we_o from_o what_o will_v be_v evil_a and_o pernicious_a to_o we_o if_o it_o be_v allow_v we_o keep_v we_o from_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n and_o from_o those_o excess_n and_o extravagancy_n that_o be_v destructive_a to_o
ourselves_o and_o mischievous_a to_o the_o world_n it_o do_v not_o destroy_v any_o of_o our_o natural_a pleasure_n but_o refine_v and_o purify_v they_o and_o draw_v they_o off_o from_o the_o filth_n and_o sediment_n which_o lie_v always_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o those_o that_o be_v sinful_a and_o so_o it_o make_v they_o clear_a and_o sweet_a and_o free_v they_o from_o all_o that_o nauseousness_n and_o bitterness_n that_o vice_n general_o mix_v with_o they_o virtue_n do_v neither_o decay_n nor_o disease_n our_o body_n trouble_v or_o torment_v our_o mind_n consume_v or_o squander_v away_o our_o estate_n nor_o ruin_n and_o shipwreck_n our_o fortune_n nor_o bring_v any_o such_o mischief_n upon_o we_o in_o this_o world_n as_o man_n sin_n often_o do_v but_o as_o keep_v the_o bound_n of_o it_o will_v lead_v we_o to_o eternal_a life_n so_o it_o will_v general_o promote_v and_o improve_v the_o great_a happiness_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o 3._o religion_n be_v as_o easy_a as_o god_n can_v possible_o make_v it_o and_o none_o of_o its_o straitness_n and_o severity_n be_v arbitrary_o impose_v upon_o we_o but_o from_o the_o reason_n and_o necessity_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o absolute_a fitness_n goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o whatever_o it_o command_v and_o its_o real_a tendency_n to_o our_o great_a perfection_n and_o happiness_n for_o religion_n be_v not_o a_o arbitrary_a and_o positive_a thing_n make_v so_o by_o the_o mere_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n which_o may_v have_v lessen_v our_o burden_n and_o abate_v of_o our_o duty_n in_o many_o case_n have_v he_o please_v and_o not_o impose_v such_o hard_a task_n and_o such_o strait_a and_o severe_a virtue_n upon_o we_o but_o have_v leave_v we_o more_o loose_a and_o not_o tie_v we_o up_o so_o strict_o as_o he_o have_v do_v this_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n and_o a_o wretched_a misunderstand_a of_o religion_n for_o that_o as_o to_o the_o moral_a part_n of_o it_o be_v found_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o be_v eternal_a and_o unalterable_a and_o in_o the_o as_o eternal_a and_o unalterable_a reason_n of_o thing_n and_o those_o respect_n and_o relation_n which_o they_o necessary_o have_v to_o one_o another_o so_o that_o as_o god_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o circle_n or_o a_o triangle_n nor_o make_v two_o and_o two_o not_o to_o be_v four_o so_o neither_o can_v he_o the_o nature_n of_o vice_n and_o virtue_n nor_o make_v good_a to_o be_v evil_a or_o evil_a good_n moral_a virtue_n be_v as_o much_o found_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n as_o mathematical_a truth_n or_o metaphysical_a verity_n and_o the_o property_n of_o they_o be_v as_o certain_a and_o fix_v as_o those_o of_o line_n or_o number_n such_o action_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o society_n and_o particular_a person_n as_o such_o office_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o body_n be_v to_o maintain_v its_o life_n and_o health_n so_o that_o breathe_v be_v not_o more_o necessary_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o one_o than_o justice_n fidelity_n and_o other_o virtue_n be_v to_o the_o other_o and_o shall_v god_n have_v let_v we_o loose_v from_o any_o of_o those_o virtue_n even_o the_o strict_a of_o they_o which_o the_o libertine_n be_v most_o apt_a to_o complain_v against_o such_o as_o those_o which_o restrain_v their_o natural_a passion_n of_o lust_n and_o anger_n he_o will_v have_v let_v in_o a_o thousand_o mischief_n and_o evil_n into_o the_o world_n and_o have_v road_v we_o as_o brutish_a and_o uncivilized_a and_o as_o miserable_a as_o the_o very_a beast_n themselves_o and_o as_o uncapable_a of_o society_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o good_a order_n and_o government_n but_o 4._o as_o all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v good_a and_o as_o easy_a as_o he_o can_v make_v they_o so_o they_o be_v make_v more_o easy_a by_o that_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n whereby_o he_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v they_o and_o whereby_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n be_v much_o lighten_v and_o abate_v for_o every_o thing_n be_v say_v to_o be_v light_n or_o heavy_a in_o proportion_n to_o the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o another_o and_o according_a as_o our_o strength_n be_v increase_v by_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n so_o be_v religion_n and_o virtue_n make_v more_o easy_a to_o we_o so_o much_o then_o of_o inward_a strength_n and_o power_n as_o be_v convey_v to_o our_o mind_n by_o god_n grace_n which_o be_v a_o physical_a and_o secret_a energy_n like_o that_o of_o inward_a life_n strengthen_v we_o mighty_o in_o the_o inward_a man_n regenerate_v quicken_a renew_v raise_v enliven_a we_o as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v so_o much_o light_a be_v the_o burden_n of_o religion_n that_o god_n lay_v upon_o we_o for_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o take_v off_o so_o much_o from_o that_o or_o to_o add_v so_o much_o new_a strength_n to_o he_o that_o be_v to_o bear_v it_o and_o therefore_o however_o hard_a and_o difficult_a religion_n be_v to_o the_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o human_a nature_n to_o our_o single_a power_n which_o will_v of_o itself_o fall_v and_o sink_v under_o it_o yet_o when_o we_o have_v the_o assistance_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o aid_n and_o supply_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o help_v and_o cooperate_v with_o we_o than_o we_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n which_o strengthen_v we_o and_o through_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o and_o we_o can_v in_o reason_n complain_v for_o want_v of_o power_n when_o we_o may_v have_v it_o and_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o give_v we_o whatever_o power_n we_o want_v even_o to_o conquer_v the_o strong_a propensity_n and_o most_o irresistible_a temptation_n and_o this_o will_v take_v great_o off_o from_o the_o badness_n of_o the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o life_n when_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n like_o a_o good_a angel_n to_o lead_v we_o through_o it_o always_o to_o comfort_n and_o help_v and_o encourage_v we_o in_o it_o so_o that_o it_o will_v be_v much_o more_o tolerable_a though_o it_o be_v through_o never_o so_o dark_a and_o unpleasant_a a_o wilderness_n when_o like_o the_o jew_n we_o have_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o power_n to_o conduct_v we_o all_o along_o to_o the_o happy_a land_n 5._o though_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o complain_v of_o the_o difficulty_n in_o religion_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o great_a end_n whatever_o which_o we_o can_v attain_v without_o as_o much_o pain_n and_o labour_n and_o go_v through_o as_o many_o difficulty_n and_o hardship_n as_o we_o do_v in_o religion_n no_o man_n can_v arrive_v to_o learning_n or_o to_o any_o liberal_a art_n or_o science_n in_o any_o perfection_n no_o man_n can_v rise_v to_o honour_n and_o preferment_n can_v get_v a_o estate_n or_o the_o like_a without_o use_v as_o much_o diligence_n as_o much_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n as_o in_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n without_o deny_v himself_o as_o many_o liberty_n spend_v as_o much_o time_n and_o keep_v himself_o to_o as_o strict_a rule_n and_o measure_n as_o be_v in_o religion_n nay_o i_o dare_v say_v many_o a_o man_n take_v more_o pain_n and_o meet_v with_o more_o difficulty_n to_o get_v a_o sorry_a livelihood_n in_o this_o world_n than_o will_v ordinary_o carry_v a_o man_n to_o heaven_n and_o make_v he_o live_v happy_o for_o ever_o what_o shall_v we_o then_o charge_v god_n so_o foolish_o as_o if_o he_o have_v use_v we_o hardly_o in_o religion_n and_o make_v the_o way_n to_o happiness_n straight_o and_o narrow_a and_o difficult_a when_o we_o as_o ordinary_o and_o more_o willing_o take_v as_o much_o pain_n and_o go_v through_o as_o many_o difficulty_n in_o all_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v because_o we_o have_v not_o such_o a_o value_n and_o esteem_v of_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n as_o we_o have_v of_o other_o worldly_a one_o that_o we_o complain_v of_o the_o hardness_n and_o difficulty_n of_o that_o above_o the_o other_o do_v we_o think_v heaven_n as_o desirable_a as_o a_o estate_n and_o virtue_n as_o great_a a_o good_a as_o honour_n which_o be_v but_o the_o shadow_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v pursue_v it_o as_o vigorous_o and_o overlook_v and_o contemn_v all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n to_o it_o and_o there_o be_v this_o advantage_n in_o seek_v and_o pursue_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n above_o any_o of_o those_o in_o this_o world_n not_o only_o as_o they_o be_v far_o great_a and_o infinite_o more_o valuable_a and_o important_a but_o that_o the_o one_o be_v certain_o to_o be_v attain_v if_o we_o use_v our_o utmost_a care_n and_o diligence_n whereas_o we_o may_v sail_v and_o be_v disappoint_v of_o the_o other_o after_o use_v all_o mean_n in_o order_n
to_o it_o we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o gain_v a_o estate_n or_o compass_v such_o a_o worldly_a design_n let_v we_o do_v what_o we_o can_v in_o it_o but_o no_o man_n shall_v miss_v of_o heaven_n but_o through_o his_o own_o fault_n and_o by_o his_o own_o negligence_n and_o carelessness_n 6._o many_o sinner_n take_v more_o pain_n and_o trouble_n and_o run_v through_o more_o difficulty_n to_o compass_v their_o vicious_a design_n and_o commit_v their_o sin_n than_o a_o good_a man_n do_v in_o gain_v heaven_n and_o practise_v the_o hard_a virtue_n and_o duty_n of_o his_o religion_n for_o thus_o how_o restless_a and_o unwearied_a and_o indefatigable_a be_v the_o covetous_a and_o ambitious_a the_o revengeful_a and_o maliticious_a or_o the_o lustful_a and_o debauch_a to_o attain_v their_o end_n and_o gratify_v their_o extravagant_a desire_n and_o inclination_n how_o do_v their_o several_a lust_n put_v they_o upon_o the_o hard_a drudgery_n and_o make_v they_o toil_n and_o labour_n watch_n and_o attend_v project_n and_o contrive_v and_o be_v at_o more_o pain_n and_o trouble_n to_o undo_v themselves_o for_o ever_o than_o will_v save_v their_o soul_n and_o make_v they_o happy_a for_o ever_o the_o devil_n be_v much_o the_o hard_a master_n of_o the_o two_o and_o put_v his_o slave_n to_o more_o vile_a and_o uneasy_a work_n in_o the_o servitude_n of_o sin_n than_o god_n do_v his_o child_n and_o servant_n in_o the_o do_v the_o hard_a part_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o many_o have_v be_v great_a martyr_n in_o the_o devil_n service_n and_o go_v through_o more_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o lust_n than_o other_o martyr_n have_v do_v for_o heir_n religion_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o heaven_n though_o vice_n seem_v more_o natural_a as_o fall_v in_o with_o some_o propensity_n and_o inclination_n that_o be_v within_o we_o yet_o how_o must_v a_o man_n at_o first_o offer_v great_a violence_n to_o himself_o and_o to_o the_o tender_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n before_o he_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o commit_v a_o great_a sin_n with_o what_o reluctancy_n and_o self-denial_n as_o great_a as_o any_o that_o virtue_n put_v upon_o we_o do_v he_o part_v with_o his_o first_o innocence_n and_o enter_v upon_o a_o debauch_n till_o by_o degree_n he_o grow_v a_o less_o modest_a and_o more_o courageous_a sinner_n and_o be_v lead_v on_o at_o last_o to_o commit_v it_o with_o greediness_n and_o it_o become_v natural_a to_o he_o and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o great_a difficulty_n for_o he_o to_o leave_v it_o but_o it_o be_v only_o the_o custom_n and_o habit_n make_v it_o so_o and_o not_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n or_o in_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o let_v the_o custom_n be_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n and_o let_v a_o man_n be_v as_o long_o use_v to_o virtue_n as_o he_o be_v to_o vice_n and_o he_o shall_v find_v that_o as_o natural_a and_o agreeable_a and_o as_o hard_a to_o be_v overcome_v as_o the_o other_o so_o that_o as_o the_o scripture_n represent_v it_o it_o be_v as_o hard_a for_o he_o that_o have_v be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a to_o learn_v to_o do_v good_a as_o for_o the_o aethiopian_a to_o change_v his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n '_o jer._n 13.23_o so_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n i._n e._n a_o very_a good_a man_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n and_o he_o can_v sin_v because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n 1_o john_n 3.9_o but_o last_o and_o to_o conclude_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o prejudice_n to_o virtue_n that_o there_o be_v but_o a_o few_o that_o enter_v the_o strait_a gate_n and_o find_v the_o way_n to_o life_n and_o many_o that_o go_v in_o at_o the_o wide_a gate_n and_o the_o broad_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o destruction_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v by_o we_o as_o a_o discouragement_n to_o virtue_n or_o as_o any_o good_a reason_n to_o be_v wicked_a for_o company_n though_o i_o doubt_v it_o be_v a_o very_a common_a and_o prevail_a one_o and_o draw_v a_o great_a many_o into_o the_o broad_a way_n because_o they_o see_v such_o great_a number_n in_o it_o and_o they_o do_v not_o care_v to_o be_v singular_a nor_o to_o be_v reproach_v for_o be_v so_o but_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v what_o they_o see_v so_o many_o other_o do_v and_o hope_v to_o escape_v as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n and_o that_o they_o run_v but_o the_o same_o risk_a and_o hazard_v that_o they_o see_v so_o many_o thousand_o do_v beside_o and_o so_o they_o resolve_v to_o venture_v as_o well_o as_o other_o let_v the_o preacher_n say_v what_o they_o please_v now_o this_o however_o common_a and_o powerful_a it_o be_v yet_o be_v the_o most_o unreasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o be_v any_o man_n in_o another_o case_n willing_a to_o be_v sick_a or_o to_o die_v for_o company_n or_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o example_n will_v any_o be_v so_o easy_a or_o so_o complaisant_a as_o to_o pledge_v another_o in_o a_o cup_n of_o poison_n or_o will_v he_o not_o stop_v the_o mad_a frolic_a when_o he_o see_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o company_n drop_v down_o dead_a before_o he_o be_v any_o man_n unwilling_a to_o avoid_v the_o plague_n if_o he_o can_v because_o there_o be_v ageneral_n infection_n and_o because_o so_o many_o of_o his_o neighbour_n or_o acquaintance_n have_v die_v of_o it_o will_v any_o refuse_v the_o save_v his_o life_n and_o escape_v if_o he_o can_v upon_o a_o plank_n because_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o company_n be_v sink_v and_o drown_v do_v man_n think_v it_o as_o much_o worth_a their_o while_n to_o save_v their_o soul_n as_o their_o life_n how_o many_o soever_o lose_v they_o have_v they_o as_o just_a and_o terrible_a apprehension_n of_o their_o own_o damnation_n as_o they_o have_v of_o their_o die_v the_o temptation_n of_o example_n and_o company_n will_v be_v quick_o take_v off_o and_o signify_v nothing_o for_o alas_o what_o comfort_n will_v it_o be_v in_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n to_o hear_v so_o many_o other_o roar_v and_o howl_v in_o they_o their_o hideous_a cry_n and_o torture_n and_o lamentation_n will_v rather_o increase_v than_o lessen_v they_o and_o make_v it_o only_o a_o more_o sad_a and_o dismal_a scene_n of_o terror_n like_o that_o of_o a_o whole_a city_n or_o country_n swallow_v up_o by_o a_o earthquake_n or_o overflow_v with_o the_o eruption_n of_o a_o burn_a mountain_n and_o the_o liquid_a stream_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n no_o man_n who_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v happy_a but_o will_v wish_v to_o be_v so_o though_o he_o be_v alone_o and_o no_o man_n who_o know_v that_o virtue_n alone_o be_v the_o way_n to_o life_n and_o happiness_n but_o must_v choose_v to_o be_v virtuous_a though_o he_o see_v never_o so_o many_o other_o wicked_a let_v they_o reproach_n and_o laugh_v at_o he_o as_o long_o as_o they_o please_v for_o a_o man_n singular_a and_o by_o himself_o let_v they_o count_v his_o life_n folly_n for_o be_v so_o strict_a and_o precise_a if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o virtue_n for_o not_o drink_v to_o the_o utmost_a pitch_n nor_o dare_v to_o swear_v the_o least_o oath_n nor_o venture_v upon_o a_o debauch_n or_o any_o common_a or_o any_o modish_a or_o fashionable_a vice_n the_o reproach_n and_o scandal_n of_o which_o be_v take_v off_o by_o the_o great_a party_n and_o number_n it_o have_v of_o its_o side_n but_o live_v up_o strict_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n there_o lay_v down_o without_o any_o such_o abatement_n as_o the_o loose_a opinion_n or_o loose_a practice_n of_o other_o be_v willing_a to_o put_v upon_o they_o since_o god_n will_v not_o alter_v his_o method_n or_o judgement_n by_o any_o of_o those_o let_v they_o i_o say_v condemn_v on_o deride_v he_o never_o so_o much_o for_o this_o and_o call_v he_o precise_a fool_n or_o formal_a saint_n and_o the_o like_a yet_o no_o man_n that_o know_v the_o good_a of_o virtue_n will_v be_v laugh_v out_o of_o it_o by_o a_o nickname_n or_o be_v ashamed_a of_o be_v singular_a in_o that_o any_o more_o than_o in_o any_o other_o excellency_n of_o learning_n knowledge_n or_o wisdom_n above_o other_o and_o i_o suppose_v none_o of_o those_o who_o be_v so_o much_o against_o singularity_n but_o will_v be_v willing_a to_o be_v rich_a or_o to_o be_v well_o and_o at_o ease_n though_o never_o so_o many_o other_o be_v poor_a or_o sick_a and_o in_o pain_n and_o why_o then_o not_o to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o happy_a though_o never_o so_o many_o other_o be_v vicious_a and_o miserable_a the_o four_o sermon_n matth_n vi_o 19_o 20._o lay_v not_o up_o for_o yourselves_o treasure_n upon_o earth_n where_o moth_n and_o rust_n do_v corrupt_a and_o where_o thief_n break_v
he_o i_o say_v upon_o his_o return_n with_o more_o expression_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n and_o rejoice_v than_o he_o ever_o do_v the_o other_o who_o have_v never_o offend_v he_o this_o seem_v not_o a_o just_a and_o a_o fair_a usage_n to_o the_o elder_a brother_n as_o much_o fail_n in_o justice_n to_o he_o as_o exceed_v in_o kindness_n to_o the_o other_o too_o little_o reward_v the_o constant_a duty_n of_o the_o one_o and_o too_o much_o encourage_v the_o lewdness_n and_o prodigality_n of_o the_o other_o so_o that_o not_o without_o good_a reason_n he_o seem_v to_o take_v it_o ill_o and_o to_o be_v angry_a at_o this_o unreasonable_a deal_n of_o his_o father_n parable_n be_v very_o good_a way_n of_o instruction_n and_o very_o lively_a representation_n of_o thing_n or_o truth_n by_o way_n of_o picture_n or_o scene_n and_o dramatical_a history_n now_o though_o all_o the_o part_n must_v be_v suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o one_o another_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o main_a aim_n plot_n and_o design_n that_o run_v through_o the_o whole_a which_o be_v chief_o design_v by_o it_o and_o be_v the_o great_a scope_n of_o it_o and_o other_o thing_n be_v but_o as_o the_o circumstance_n and_o ornament_n the_o dress_n and_o habit_n this_o be_v the_o air_n the_o stroke_n that_o give_v life_n and_o likeness_n to_o the_o whole_a the_o parable_n of_o this_o chapter_n concern_v the_o lose_a sheep_n the_o lose_a piece_n of_o silver_n and_o the_o return_v prodigal_n be_v design_v to_o show_v how_o acceptable_a and_o well_o please_v to_o god_n the_o repentance_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v and_o that_o he_o shall_v certain_o be_v receive_v very_o kind_o upon_o it_o and_o to_o represent_v this_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n in_o a_o way_n suitable_a and_o affect_v to_o we_o god_n who_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v angry_a and_o provoke_v at_o sinner_n be_v here_o say_v to_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v at_o their_o return_n and_o repentance_n the_o joyful_a father_n kiss_v and_o embrace_v his_o return_a son_n put_v the_o best_a robe_n on_o he_o and_o kill_v the_o satted_a calf_n for_o he_o and_o receive_v he_o with_o all_o the_o expression_n of_o mirth_n and_o rejoice_v this_o be_v to_o represent_v the_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o god_n to_o a_o sinner_n upon_o his_o repentance_n but_o we_o must_v not_o apply_v parable_n too_o far_o for_o they_o touch_v not_o in_o all_o their_o part_n but_o only_o like_o globe_n here_o and_o there_o in_o a_o point_n these_o parable_n seem_v at_o first_o sight_n to_o teach_v and_o denote_v that_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o great_a sinner_n in_o some_o part_n of_o his_o life_n be_v more_o please_v to_o god_n than_o the_o constant_a obedience_n of_o a_o good_a man_n all_o his_o life_n which_o undoubted_o can_v never_o be_v true_a and_o therefore_o the_o parable_n can_v never_o mean_v that_o but_o only_o by_o comparative_a and_o condeseend_a representation_n to_o show_v that_o god_n be_v very_o well_o please_v and_o will_v certain_o accept_v a_o sinner_n upon_o his_o true_a repentance_n that_o expression_n must_v not_o be_v understand_v strict_o and_o rigorous_o there_o be_v joy_n in_o heaven_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v more_o than_o over_o ninety_o nine_o just_a person_n that_o need_v no_o repentante_n v._o 7._o the_o angel_n those_o lover_n of_o virtue_n can_v but_o rejoice_v as_o much_o and_o more_o at_o man_n live_v always_o by_o the_o law_n of_o heaven_n as_o at_o their_o sometime_o repent_v for_o break_v they_o and_o god_n like_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a father_n can_v but_o be_v better_o please_v that_o his_o child_n be_v always_o dutiful_a and_o virtuous_a and_o obedient_a than_o that_o they_o be_v any_o time_n otherwise_o this_o be_v plain_a and_o undeniable_a at_o first_o sight_n indeed_o upon_o a_o vicious_a son_n be_v be_v reclaim_v a_o parent_n may_v have_v a_o quick_a passion_n and_o resentment_n as_o upon_o a_o child_n recovery_n after_o a_o hopeless_a sickness_n in_o which_o he_o be_v give_v over_o his_o be_v restore_v to_o life_n as_o it_o be_v gives_z a_o great_a joy_n to_o the_o parent_n than_o if_o he_o have_v be_v never_o ill_a but_o this_o be_v but_o the_o work_n of_o different_n humane_a animal_n passion_n in_o we_o and_o the_o ebb_a and_o flow_v of_o our_o spirit_n upon_o apprehension_n of_o some_o good_a or_o evil_n that_o great_o affect_v we_o none_o of_o this_o be_v true_o in_o god_n but_o only_o the_o several_a act_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o wise_a resolve_n of_o his_o will_n and_o mean_v and_o denote_v by_o they_o it_o be_v all_o human_a and_o a_o condescension_n to_o the_o passion_n and_o humour_n of_o man_n to_o rejoice_v more_o at_o the_o find_v one_o lose_v sheep_n or_o one_o lose_a piece_n of_o silver_n than_o at_o a_o great_a many_o that_o be_v always_o safe_a so_o for_o a_o lose_v chisess_v â—â—â—â—â—ing_v home_o than_o for_o a_o great_a many_o that_o cover_n be_v in_o danger_n this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v strict_o but_o only_o as_o it_o be_v to_o teacâ—â—_n and_o represent_v this_o positive_a truth_n that_o the_o return_v and_o repentance_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v very_o acceptable_a and_o well_o please_v to_o god_n and_o that_o he_o will_v certain_o be_v receive_v by_o he_o thus_o in_o other_o parable_n when_o christ_n to_o show_v the_o power_n of_o earnest_n and_o constant_a prayer_n represent_v it_o by_o a_o widow_n importune_v a_o unjust_a judge_n luke_n 18._o chap._n and_o by_o a_o friend_n be_v prevail_v to_o make_v another_o rise_n and_o give_v he_o what_o he_o want_v not_o because_o he_o be_v his_o friend_n but_o because_o of_o his_o importunity_n luke_n 11.8_o this_o which_o be_v usual_a with_o man_n must_v not_o be_v strict_o apply_v to_o god_n as_o if_o his_o blessing_n flow_v not_o so_o much_o from_o his_o own_o goodness_n as_o that_o they_o be_v extort_a by_o importunity_n so_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o unjust_a steward_n luke_n 16._o and_o in_o other_o there_o be_v not_o to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d nice_a application_n of_o every_o part_n but_o only_o of_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o primary_n design_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v thereslex_a image_n represent_v the_o thing_n intend_v without_o those_o collatoral_a ray_n that_o be_v but_o adventitious_a and_o adhering_a to_o it_o among_o the_o many_o mistake_n about_o repentance_n which_o be_v not_o a_o few_o for_o we_o have_v make_v a_o shift_n to_o corrupt_v most_o of_o the_o positive_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o what_o be_v moral_a and_o natural_a nothing_o will_v secure_v it_o from_o be_v turn_v into_o mere_a superstition_n to_o serve_v the_o lust_n and_o looseness_n and_o yet_o stupefy_v the_o fear_n and_o delude_v the_o hope_n of_o man_n sinful_o incline_v one_o i_o say_v of_o the_o great_a mistake_n be_v to_o think_v a_o constant_a obedience_n be_v not_o to_o be_v prefer_v to_o the_o true_a repentance_n or_o that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v more_o please_v with_o and_o more_o high_o reward_v the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o the_o contrary_a to_o which_o be_v here_o plain_o suppose_v and_o assert_v son_n thou_o be_v always_o with_o i_o and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v be_v thou_o where_o plain_o the_o father_n who_o rejoice_v so_o much_o at_o the_o return_v prodigal_n yet_o allow_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o he_o and_o his_o innocent_a son_n who_o have_v always_o serve_v he_o and_o never_o at_o any_o time_n transgress_v his_o commandment_n to_o make_v out_o and_o illustrate_v this_o i_o shall_v offer_v the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o i_o hope_v in_o the_o world_n who_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v need_v no_o repentance_n luke_n 15.7_o i_o e._n no_o such_o repentance_n as_o be_v to_o alter_v their_o whole_a state_n and_o spiritual_a condition_n and_o to_o change_v the_o whole_a habit_n and_o temper_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o from_o bad_a man_n to_o make_v they_o good_a one_o for_o they_o who_o by_o mean_n of_o a_o good_a education_n have_v be_v always_o bring_v up_o virtuous_o and_o religious_o and_o preserve_v from_o any_o great_a and_o wilful_a sin_n who_o never_o err_v from_o the_o path_n of_o virtue_n nor_o step_v into_o those_o of_o sin_n and_o death_n these_o have_v a_o title_n to_o the_o character_n of_o zacharias_n and_o elizabeth_n luke_n 1.6_o that_o they_o be_v 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 and_o these_o who_o never_o defile_v themselves_o need_v not_o to_o be_v wash_v and_o cleanse_v as_o those_o who_o have_v make_v themselves_o filthy_a and_o impure_a they_o deserve_v not_o the_o character_n give_v to_o the_o vile_a and_o wretched_a sinner_n in_o scripture_n nor_o need_v such_o exhortation_n to_o repentance_n as_o
need_v it_o or_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o though_o the_o goodness_n of_o it_o be_v never_o so_o great_a yet_o it_o be_v but_o in_o order_n to_o a_o end_n which_o be_v to_o recover_v health_n that_o be_v lose_v and_o to_o restore_v we_o to_o that_o soundness_n that_o we_o want_v it_o be_v the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a grace_n and_o favour_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o great_a purchase_n of_o christ_n blood_n to_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o repentance_n grant_v to_o sinner_n in_o so_o large_a and_o full_a a_o manner_n so_o as_o to_o be_v restore_v to_o god_n favour_n and_o reconcile_v to_o he_o upon_o their_o return_n as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o offend_v he_o to_o have_v all_o the_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n of_o their_o past_a sin_n whole_o take_v off_o as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o commit_v they_o to_o be_v recti_fw-la in_o curia_fw-la pardon_v and_o in_o as_o good_a state_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v always_o innocent_a this_o shall_v mighty_o encourage_v and_o prevail_v upon_o sinner_n to_o repent_v and_o leave_v their_o sin_n when_o they_o be_v sure_a of_o this_o as_o they_o be_v by_o the_o gospel_n when_o though_o their_o sin_n be_v as_o scarlet_n they_o shall_v be_v white_a as_o snow_n though_o they_o be_v red_a like_o crimson_n they_o shall_v be_v as_o wool_n as_o the_o evangelical_n prophet_n speak_v isai_n 1.18_o i_o e._n though_o they_o be_v sin_n of_o the_o deep_a die_n or_o high_a nature_n yet_o they_o shall_v be_v whole_o do_v away_o and_o forgive_v upon_o true_a repentance_n from_o which_o no_o person_n be_v exclude_v how_o must_v this_o encourage_v the_o great_a sinner_n if_o they_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o religion_n or_o another_o world_n leave_v upon_o they_o to_o come_v off_o from_o their_o sin_n how_o comfortable_a must_v it_o be_v to_o a_o poor_a wretch_n lie_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o guilt_n and_o the_o fear_n and_o horror_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o dread_n of_o god_n judgement_n and_o of_o eternal_a misery_n to_o have_v these_o glad_a tiding_n proclaim_v to_o he_o how_o will_v this_o revive_v his_o despond_v soul_n and_o cheer_v his_o sink_a spirit_n and_o like_o a_o pardon_n bring_v to_o a_o condemn_a malefactor_n in_o the_o cart_n or_o upon_o the_o gibbet_n restore_v he_o to_o life_n and_o to_o unspeakable_a joy_n and_o gladness_n now_o this_o be_v offer_v to_o every_o sinner_n by_o the_o gospel_n if_o he_o repent_v and_o turn_v from_o his_o sin_n however_o great_a they_o have_v be_v and_o lead_v a_o new_a life_n and_o become_v a_o new_a man_n and_o a_o new_a creature_n before_o he_o die_v what_o can_v be_v desire_v more_o by_o any_o reasonable_a creature_n or_o what_o more_o can_v god_n offer_v will_v any_o desire_n to_o live_v and_o go_v on_o in_o his_o sin_n and_o yet_o be_v forgive_v this_o be_v for_o god_n to_o give_v up_o his_o law_n his_o government_n and_o to_o grant_v a_o liberty_n to_o his_o creature_n to_o be_v rebellious_a and_o disobedient_a and_o have_v no_o check_n or_o control_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v the_o utmost_a a_o good_a god_n can_v grant_v or_o a_o wicked_a man_n can_v desire_v to_o be_v pardon_v upon_o his_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n but_o his_o repent_v and_o amend_v be_v with_o sorrow_n for_o what_o be_v past_a do_v his_o duty_n for_o the_o future_a as_o he_o ought_v always_o to_o have_v do_v it_o perform_v that_o obedience_n which_o he_o ought_v always_o to_o have_v perform_v and_o now_o this_o be_v the_o best_a thing_n next_o to_o the_o have_v do_v it_o and_o perform_v it_o always_o but_o it_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v think_v to_o be_v so_o good_a as_o that_o repent_v be_v like_o a_o man_n set_v up_o again_o that_o be_v once_o break_v and_o compound_v with_o his_o creditor_n and_o pay_v a_o part_n he_o owe_v they_o instead_o of_o the_o whole_a god_n be_v please_v to_o accept_v of_o the_o break_a and_o after-obedience_n of_o a_o sinner_n for_o some_o part_n of_o his_o life_n instead_o of_o that_o entire_a and_o unbroken_a one_o which_o be_v due_a from_o he_o all_o his_o life_n it_o be_v god_n great_a grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o do_v this_o and_o what_o he_o be_v no_o way_n oblige_v to_o for_o he_o may_v have_v damn_v we_o for_o every_o wilful_a sin_n and_o never_o have_v pardon_v we_o though_o we_o have_v afterward_o repent_v of_o it_o this_o be_v mere_a free_a grace_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o god_n be_v no_o way_n oblige_v to_o it_o either_o in_o justice_n or_o by_o his_o natural_a goodness_n but_o he_o may_v have_v deny_v it_o to_o mankind_n as_o he_o have_v do_v to_o other_o of_o his_o creature_n the_o devil_n and_o the_o fall_v angel_n but_o still_o the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o grant_v we_o this_o favour_n and_o this_o mighty_a privilege_n by_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o encourage_v we_o to_o obedience_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o leave_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o true_a holiness_n and_o goodness_n of_o life_n when_o we_o have_v be_v faulty_a and_o defective_a in_o these_o before_o it_o be_v not_o to_o encourage_v we_o in_o our_o sin_n or_o give_v we_o any_o licence_n or_o dispensation_n to_o commit_v they_o because_o we_o may_v repent_v of_o they_o this_o be_v a_o horrid_a abuse_n and_o pervert_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o wantonness_n and_o looseness_n but_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o all_o this_o be_v to_o make_v those_o good_a man_n who_o have_v be_v sinner_n to_o make_v those_o obedient_a who_o have_v be_v disobedient_a either_o in_o general_a or_o any_o instance_n now_o therefore_o it_o be_v much_o better_a to_o have_v be_v always_o thus_o to_o have_v be_v always_o good_a and_o always_o obedient_a through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n this_o be_v the_o best_a thing_n and_o the_o very_a same_o end_n more_o full_o and_o perfect_o attain_v this_o be_v design_v by_o repentance_n as_o health_n be_v the_o design_n of_o take_v physic_n and_o to_o be_v well_o and_o sound_n of_o use_v remedy_n and_o medicine_n and_o those_o who_o be_v always_o healthful_a and_o always_o sound_a and_o always_o well_o be_v in_o a_o much_o better_a condition_n than_o those_o who_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o cure_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o certain_a and_o infallible_a 2._o i_o speak_v this_o all_o the_o while_n of_o repentance_n from_o great_a and_o wilful_a sin_n from_o a_o habit_n of_o they_o in_o our_o life_n or_o at_o least_o a_o voluntary_a practice_n of_o they_o at_o some_o time_n or_o other_o and_o this_o repentance_n i_o hope_v there_o be_v many_o that_o need_v not_o who_o be_v never_o ill_a person_n all_o their_o life_n nor_o ever_o guilty_a of_o any_o such_o one_o great_a and_o mortal_a sin_n as_o shall_v put_v they_o into_o a_o ill_a and_o damnable_a state_n and_o exclude_v they_o out_o of_o heaven_n have_v they_o die_v i_o speak_v not_o now_o of_o the_o ill_a state_n of_o all_o mankind_n by_o the_o fall_n or_o by_o our_o original_a corruption_n and_o depravation_n for_o that_o be_v take_v off_o by_o christ_n the_o second_o adam_n and_o we_o be_v put_v into_o a_o good_a state_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o our_o baptism_n so_o that_o no_o man_n be_v in_o any_o danger_n of_o damnation_n but_o upon_o his_o commit_v some_o wilful_a and_o know_v sin_n such_o as_o the_o scripture_n declare_v be_v damnable_a and_o exclude_v from_o heaven_n he_o therefore_o that_o have_v be_v free_a from_o those_o though_o not_o free_a from_o all_o sin_n which_o no_o man_n be_v or_o can_v be_v all_o his_o life_n no_o not_o in_o his_o best_a state_n but_o some_o infirmity_n some_o imperfection_n some_o sin_n of_o frailty_n or_o ignorance_n or_o surprise_n will_v beset_v he_o he_o i_o say_v that_o have_v live_v free_a from_o all_o wilful_a know_a sin_n and_o not_o allow_v himself_o in_o any_o voluntary_a breach_n of_o god_n law_n though_o he_o have_v not_o keep_v they_o so_o perfect_o and_o exact_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o have_v always_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o religion_n and_o his_o duty_n and_o never_o violate_v they_o in_o any_o great_a instance_n he_o be_v always_o a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o never_o forfeit_v that_o title_n he_o be_v never_o a_o prodigal_n and_o run_v away_o from_o his_o father_n house_n nor_o waste_v his_o substance_n in_o riotous_a live_n but_o like_o the_o dutiful_a and_o elder_a son_n always_o serve_v his_o father_n neither_o at_o any_o time_n transgress_v his_o commandment_n he_o never_o wander_v out_o of_o the_o path_n of_o virtue_n nor_o never_o let_v his_o step_n take_v hold_v of_o death_n he_o never_o defile_v his_o virgin_n innocence_n nor_o sully_v
and_o blemish_v his_o baptismal_a purity_n nor_o fall_v into_o nor_o wallow_v in_o any_o great_a sin_n and_o so_o need_v not_o to_o be_v wash_v and_o cleanse_v and_o purisied_a as_o a_o sinner_n in_o a_o high_a sense_n need_v and_o this_o be_v the_o happy_a the_o bless_a person_n who_o i_o prefer_v to_o the_o best_a penitent_n and_o the_o true_a convert_n as_o the_o parable_n here_o do_v 3._o this_o show_v the_o good_a of_o early_a obedience_n and_o the_o great_a happiness_n and_o advantage_n of_o a_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a education_n and_o the_o great_a obligation_n there_o be_v for_o parent_n to_o take_v care_n of_o this_o and_o the_o great_a thankfulness_n which_o those_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o their_o parent_n who_o have_v have_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o for_o nothing_o make_v virtue_n and_o religion_n so_o easy_a or_o so_o acceptable_a to_o we_o as_o to_o have_v they_o teach_v and_o instill_a into_o we_o in_o our_o tender_a yearâ—_n when_o like_o soft_a wax_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o impression_n and_o yet_o grow_v hard_a and_o retain_v they_o afterward_o when_o the_o seed_n of_o virtue_n be_v early_o plant_v in_o our_o heart_n before_o vicious_a habit_n or_o inclination_n be_v grow_v up_o in_o they_o and_o a_o sense_n of_o religion_n take_v the_o first_o possession_n of_o we_o and_o anticipate_v and_o prevent_v the_o power_n of_o our_o own_o lust_n or_o of_o evil_a example_n then_o virtue_n become_v natural_a to_o we_o and_o custom_n make_v it_o both_o very_a easy_a to_o be_v practise_v and_o hard_a to_o be_v overcome_v for_o let_v the_o habit_n and_o custom_n be_v equal_a and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o there_o be_v as_o much_o difficulty_n for_o a_o virtuous_a person_n to_o become_v vicious_a as_o for_o a_o vicious_a person_n to_o be_v make_v virtuous_a it_o must_v be_v with_o great_a violence_n and_o reluctancy_n that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v bring_v to_o commit_v a_o wilful_a sin_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o to_o forsake_v it_o and_o therefore_o scripture_n represent_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o as_o if_o they_o be_v moral_o impossible_a as_o they_o who_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a can_v as_o hardly_o learn_v to_o do_v good_a as_o the_o aethiopian_a can_v change_v his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n so_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n can_v sin_n 1_o john_n 3.9_o i_o doubt_v not_o therefore_o but_o most_o of_o the_o good_a man_n that_o be_v or_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v virtuous_o and_o religious_o educate_v and_o bring_v up_o and_o but_o few_o of_o those_o in_o proportion_n who_o have_v be_v otherwise_o have_v be_v reclaim_v and_o bring_v off_o from_o the_o lewdness_n and_o debauchery_n they_o contract_v when_o they_o be_v young_a it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a and_o difficult_a thing_n to_o make_v a_o bad_a man_n a_o good_a one_o the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n what_o the_o powerful_a operation_n of_o god_n grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o and_o what_o it_o often_o can_v effect_v through_o the_o stubbornness_n of_o the_o will_n and_o indisposition_n of_o the_o subject_a hence_o those_o complaint_n and_o expostulation_n i_o will_v have_v heal_v they_o but_o they_o will_v not_o be_v heal_v jerem._n 51.9_o turn_v you_o turn_v you_o why_o will_v you_o die_v oh_o that_o my_o people_n will_v have_v hearken_v unto_o i_o and_o of_o sinner_n resist_v grieve_v and_o quench_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o god_n spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o they_o and_o the_o like_a which_o show_v the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o ill_a habit_n and_o how_o hard_o it_o be_v even_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o they_o and_o how_o much_o happy_a it_o be_v to_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o early_a obedience_n and_o determine_v by_o a_o virtuous_a education_n than_o to_o be_v afterward_o struggle_v with_o they_o 4._o this_o prevent_v the_o common_a and_o dangerous_a mistake_n about_o repentance_n whereby_o man_n make_v it_o a_o reserve_n to_o themselves_o to_o excuse_v they_o from_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a life_n and_o think_v that_o by_o mean_n of_o that_o they_o shall_v avoid_v all_o the_o mischief_n of_o their_o sin_n at_o last_o and_o be_v as_o safe_a and_o as_o secure_v of_o heaven_n and_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n though_o they_o live_v never_o so_o loose_o and_o careless_o as_o if_o their_o whole_a life_n have_v be_v spend_v in_o a_o course_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n it_o be_v but_o repent_v before_o they_o die_v and_o that_o as_o little_a before_o as_o they_o can_v if_o they_o can_v nick_v it_o right_n and_o be_v not_o cut_v off_o sudden_o and_o unexpected_o which_o be_v but_o a_o accident_n that_o happen_v only_o to_o few_o and_o the_o great_a work_n and_o business_n be_v do_v by_o a_o true_a sorrow_n and_o some_o sincere_a resolution_n and_o a_o instantaneous_a change_n of_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o most_o entire_a virtue_n and_o constant_a obedience_n of_o a_o man_n whole_a life_n if_o so_o most_o man_n sin_n and_o lust_n will_v persuade_v they_o to_o indulge_v and_o gratify_v they_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o life_n if_o they_o can_v whole_o bring_v they_o off_o from_o a_o sense_n and_o belief_n of_o religion_n they_o will_v thus_o corrupt_v religion_n and_o make_v it_o thereby_o comply_v with_o they_o and_o by_o these_o false_a notion_n of_o repentance_n raise_v hope_n to_o themselves_o of_o escape_v all_o the_o mischief_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o their_o ill_a life_n and_o save_v themselves_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o repentance_n at_o the_o last_o without_o lead_v a_o good_a life_n which_o they_o will_v therefore_o be_v glad_a to_o excuse_v themselves_o from_o as_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o so_o whole_o trust_v and_o depend_v and_o venture_v upon_o the_o other_o way_n now_o this_o be_v put_v a_o trick_n upon_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o be_v too_o hard_o for_o they_o upon_o their_o own_o term_n as_o they_o think_v though_o it_o be_v indeed_o put_v a_o trick_n upon_o themselves_o and_o miserable_o delude_v themselves_o into_o destruction_n by_o thus_o abuse_v this_o privilege_n of_o repentance_n and_o make_v this_o grant_n and_o concession_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o destroy_v the_o gospel_n itself_o and_o all_o the_o design_n of_o it_o which_o be_v to_o make_v man_n live_v well_o and_o bring_v they_o off_o from_o their_o sin_n and_o not_o at_o all_o encourage_v they_o in_o they_o whereas_o by_o thus_o pervert_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o wrong_a notion_n and_o wretched_a mistake_n about_o repentance_n the_o obligation_n to_o actual_a holiness_n and_o obedienâ—â—_n be_v take_v off_o and_o a_o man_n may_v secure_v heaven_n and_o his_o own_o salvation_n without_o those_o by_o another_o and_o much_o short_a and_o easy_a way_n which_o be_v by_o repentance_n at_o the_o last_o which_o shall_v be_v as_o safe_a to_o ourselves_o and_o as_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o as_o well_o reward_v by_o he_o as_o the_o other_o now_o i_o know_v but_o one_o way_n of_o save_v a_o man_n soul_n and_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o that_o be_v by_o a_o good_a life_n and_o by_o actual_a holiness_n and_o obedience_n repentance_n be_v the_o bring_v a_o sinner_n to_o these_o and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o do_v this_o though_o the_o sorrow_n be_v never_o so_o great_a it_o be_v not_o true_a repentance_n nor_o will_v be_v effectual_a to_o his_o salvation_n it_o be_v the_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n that_o he_o perform_v after_o his_o disobedience_n and_o wickedness_n which_o constitute_v and_o complete_v his_o repentance_n and_o entitle_v he_o to_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o acceptance_n and_o to_o the_o reward_n of_o heaven_n and_o another_o world_n and_o the_o great_a and_o perfect_a and_o more_o entire_a this_o obedience_n have_v be_v the_o more_o it_o will_v be_v accept_v and_o the_o more_o reward_v by_o a_o righteous_a and_o just_a god_n who_o will_v be_v merciful_a to_o sinner_n when_o they_o repent_v and_o turn_v to_o their_o duty_n and_o obedience_n and_o will_v accept_v and_o reward_v their_o break_a and_o imperfect_a obedience_n but_o not_o in_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n as_o the_o constant_a and_o unbroken_a and_o early_a and_o entire_a obedience_n of_o virtuous_a and_o good_a man_n all_o their_o life_n last_o this_o notion_n of_o a_o early_a virtue_n and_o constant_a obedience_n be_v prefertable_a to_o the_o true_a repentance_n stand_v upon_o the_o plain_a principle_n of_o religion_n and_o secure_v those_o evident_a doctrine_n upon_o which_o all_o practical_a religion_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o be_v build_v such_o as_o these_o that_o god_n will_v reward_v every_o one_o at_o the_o last_o day_n according_a to_o their_o work_n and_o therefore_o in_o proportion_n to_o they_o and_o
therefore_o those_o who_o have_v sow_v plenteous_o shall_v reap_v plenteous_o and_o that_o nothing_o but_o actual_a holiness_n and_o obedience_n can_v fit_v we_o to_o see_v god_n and_o enter_v into_o heaven_n and_o make_v we_o meet_v and_o qualify_v we_o for_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n these_o be_v such_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a principle_n both_o from_o reason_n and_o scripture_n that_o no_o doctrine_n which_o orpose_n they_o and_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o they_o can_v be_v true_a and_o therefore_o a_o late_a and_o die_a repentance_n that_o bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n of_o obedience_n can_v be_v sufficient_a for_o salvation_n as_o not_o come_v up_o to_o those_o condition_n which_o be_v absolute_o require_v by_o the_o gospel_n to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o heaven_n since_o none_o but_o good_a man_n who_o either_o always_o be_v so_o or_o at_o least_o who_o become_v such_o after_o they_o be_v otherwise_o can_v go_v to_o heaven_n and_o the_o more_o good_a and_o the_o more_o obedient_a and_o virtuous_a any_o man_n have_v be_v in_o his_o life_n the_o great_a and_o high_a reward_n he_o shall_v have_v in_o another_o world_n for_o as_o one_o star_n differ_v from_o another_o star_n in_o glory_n so_o also_o shall_v it_o be_v at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v where_o some_o shall_v shine_v in_o a_o high_a orb_n and_o with_o great_a lustre_n and_o have_v crown_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o brightness_n who_o have_v either_o do_v or_o suffer_v more_o for_o christ_n and_o god_n and_o religion_n than_o other_o and_o therefore_o they_o who_o have_v be_v more_o constant_o and_o more_o high_o virtuous_a all_o their_o life_n shall_v be_v more_o high_o reward_v by_o a_o just_a and_o righteous_a god_n in_o that_o heavenly_a kingdom_n where_o christ_n tell_v we_o be_v many_o mansion_n and_o where_o no_o doubt_n be_v several_a degree_n of_o happiness_n according_a to_o man_n several_a action_n and_o virtue_n though_o the_o penitent_a and_o the_o prodigal_n shall_v upon_o their_o return_n be_v receive_v into_o their_o father_n house_n and_o be_v kind_o embrace_v and_o entertain_v by_o he_o yet_o their_o portion_n shall_v not_o be_v equal_a to_o the_o son_n that_o be_v always_o dutiful_a and_o always_o obedient_a son_n thou_o be_v always_o with_o i_o and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v be_v thou_o god_n grant_v that_o all_o good_a man_n may_v so_o persevere_v in_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n and_o all_o sinner_n may_v so_o timely_o repent_v and_o be_v bring_v off_o from_o their_o sin_n that_o we_o may_v all_o in_o due_a time_n be_v receive_v into_o those_o mansion_n of_o joy_n where_o all_o sin_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o repentance_n and_o all_o virtue_n and_o obedience_n crown_v with_o glory_n and_o immortality_n through_o jesus_n christ_n the_o six_o sermon_n act_v xvi_o v._o 30._o latter_a part_n sir_n what_o must_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v this_o great_a question_n be_v ask_v by_o one_o in_o great_a trouble_n and_o concern_v when_o he_o be_v affright_v in_o the_o night_n by_o a_o sudden_a earthquake_n which_o shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o house_n or_o prison_n where_o he_o be_v v._o 27._o and_o so_o he_o be_v awaken_v into_o a_o sense_n of_o present_a danger_n and_o this_o bring_v he_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v future_a and_o great_a god_n do_v often_o rouse_v up_o man_n sleepy_a and_o senseless_a and_o lethargic_a mind_n by_o some_o present_a terror_n judgement_n or_o affliction_n which_o bring_v they_o to_o consider_v the_o concern_v of_o their_o soul_n and_o a_o another_o world_n when_o nothing_o else_o will_v this_o shake_v off_o their_o thoughtless_a security_n and_o alarm_n their_o stupid_a and_o unthinking_a mind_n to_o look_v about_o they_o and_o see_v what_o a_o dangerous_a condition_n they_o be_v in_o and_o fear_n be_v a_o very_a proper_a principle_n for_o beginning_n religion_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a passion_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o nature_n and_o then_o there_o be_v a_o good_a ground_n for_o it_o and_o it_o only_o open_v our_o eye_n to_o let_v we_o see_v a_o real_a danger_n that_o so_o we_o may_v avoid_v it_o and_o keep_v out_o of_o it_o it_o be_v very_o useful_a and_o a_o great_a branch_n of_o that_o self-preservation_n which_o be_v a_o principle_n that_o lie_v at_o the_o root_n of_o our_o very_a being_n have_v we_o no_o sense_n of_o a_o evil_a come_n upon_o we_o we_o shall_v run_v into_o it_o blindfold_o and_o leap_v down_o the_o precipice_n we_o do_v not_o see_v which_o will_v be_v never_o the_o less_o hurtful_a to_o we_o when_o fear_v indeed_o make_v a_o danger_n where_o there_o be_v none_o or_o represent_v it_o great_a than_o it_o be_v when_o it_o fright_v the_o mind_n with_o fancy_a spectre_n and_o imaginary_a mormo_n or_o make_v it_o afraid_a of_o its_o own_o shadow_n it_o be_v then_o a_o weak_a a_o mean_a a_o unmanly_a passion_n but_o when_o the_o danger_n be_v real_a and_o great_a and_o likely_a it_o be_v stupid_a blindness_n not_o to_o see_v it_o and_o rash_a madness_n for_o that_o reason_n to_o run_v upon_o it_o the_o concern_v of_o another_o world_n be_v both_o certain_a and_o important_a and_o he_o who_o mind_n have_v no_o reasonable_a fear_n or_o just_a dread_n and_o apprehension_n of_o they_o be_v like_o damocles_n with_o a_o naked_a and_o point_a sword_n hang_v over_o his_o head_n by_o a_o single_a hair_n but_o he_o sit_v secure_o and_o do_v not_o see_v it_o the_o evil_n and_o danger_n of_o a_o future_a state_n be_v very_o terrible_a and_o may_v be_v as_o far_o as_o we_o know_v very_o near_o we_o and_o they_o be_v never_o the_o less_o near_o nor_o never_o the_o less_o real_a for_o our_o not_o believe_v or_o not_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o they_o it_o be_v very_o happy_a therefore_o if_o our_o fear_n awaken_v we_o to_o consider_v of_o they_o whilst_o we_o have_v mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o take_v care_n to_o prevent_v they_o that_o before_o we_o feel_v they_o we_o think_v of_o they_o and_o do_v not_o like_o dives_n then_o lift_v up_o our_o eye_n when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o torment_n it_o be_v then_o too_o late_o to_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o they_o when_o we_o can_v get_v out_o of_o they_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v therefore_o so_o consider_v they_o beforehand_o either_o out_o of_o a_o just_a fear_n or_o dread_n of_o they_o or_o from_o a_o wise_a care_n and_o concern_v for_o his_o own_o happiness_n that_o whether_o any_o extraordinary_a providence_n startle_v his_o mind_n or_o it_o be_v more_o free_o leave_v to_o its_o own_o thought_n yet_o it_o shall_v frequent_o and_o serious_o ask_v itself_o this_o question_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v to_o be_v save_v be_v strict_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o a_o great_a danger_n we_o be_v likely_a to_o fall_v into_o to_o be_v snatch_v like_o a_o firebrand_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n and_o like_o one_o that_o be_v sink_v to_o be_v catch_v hold_v on_o and_o preserve_v but_o it_o also_o include_v in_o it_o a_o positive_a salvation_n as_o well_o as_o a_o negative_a and_o so_o comprehend_v that_o happiness_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o misery_n we_o be_v secure_v from_o he_o who_o be_v save_v from_o death_n gain_v life_n by_o that_o mean_n and_o he_o who_o be_v save_v from_o hell_n gain_v heaven_n and_o so_o both_o be_v mean_v and_o include_v in_o the_o word_n salvation_n i_o shall_v consider_v at_o present_a the_o great_a importance_n of_o this_o question_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v and_o second_o the_o true_a answer_n and_o resolution_n to_o it_o first_o of_o the_o importance_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v certain_o the_o great_a question_n to_o we_o in_o the_o world_n how_o we_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o danger_n and_o evil_n of_o the_o next_o world_n and_o how_o we_o may_v escape_v as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o so_o secure_a to_o ourselves_o that_o eternal_a good_a and_o happiness_n which_o we_o call_v heaven_n we_o can_v none_o of_o we_o expect_v to_o live_v always_o here_o there_o must_v be_v a_o time_n and_o we_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o but_o we_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v not_o very_o long_o when_o we_o must_v take_v leave_n of_o this_o world_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o think_v what_o shall_v become_v of_o we_o when_o that_o fatal_a minute_n shall_v come_v as_o it_o certain_o will_v that_o shall_v make_v this_o body_n of_o we_o a_o cold_a lump_n and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o our_o present_a enjoyment_n when_o darkness_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n shall_v let_v down_o the_o curtain_n and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o these_o low_a scene_n
deportment_n so_o do_v the_o superstitious_a make_v show_n and_o appearance_n of_o courtship_n to_o heaven_n but_o he_o be_v out_o in_o all_o of_o they_o and_o do_v not_o what_o be_v proper_a what_o be_v real_o oblige_v and_o acceptable_a to_o it_o the_o devil_n not_o be_v able_a to_o destroy_v the_o religious_a sense_n that_o be_v in_o our_o mind_n not_o be_v able_a to_o root_v out_o that_o which_o nature_n have_v plant_v in_o every_o man_n breast_n a_o sense_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o divine_a be_v above_o we_o he_o endeavour_v to_o spoil_v and_o corrupt_v that_o as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v and_o to_o sow_v such_o cockle_n and_o tare_n among_o the_o good_a and_o natural_a seed_n of_o religion_n as_o may_v quite_o choke_v it_o and_o make_v it_o unfruitful_a as_o may_v alter_v its_o kind_n and_o make_v it_o produce_v such_o fruit_n as_o be_v not_o true_a and_o genuine_a but_o quite_o of_o another_o nature_n as_o look_n like_o religion_n and_o like_o the_o apple_n of_o sodom_n seem_v 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in_o weak_a and_o silly_a mind_n that_o may_v be_v innocent_a and_o far_o from_o be_v guilty_a of_o very_o great_a and_o notorious_a vice_n yet_o i_o believe_v the_o first_o and_o most_o general_a cause_n of_o superstition_n in_o the_o world_n be_v vice_n and_o wickedness_n the_o devil_n have_v first_o draw_v man_n to_o that_o and_o then_o have_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o manner_n of_o error_n and_o falsehood_n he_o have_v first_o debauch_v their_o moral_n and_o then_o their_o understanding_n he_o have_v first_o wrought_v upon_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n by_o abominable_a lust_n and_o vice_n and_o then_o he_o have_v quick_o corrupt_v their_o judgement_n and_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o manner_n of_o mistake_n in_o religion_n the_o superstition_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n arise_v i_o doubt_v not_o from_o that_o horrible_a corruption_n of_o manner_n that_o be_v among_o they_o they_o will_v never_o have_v set_v up_o such_o a_o religion_n as_o they_o do_v make_v up_o of_o nothing_o almost_o but_o obscenity_n and_o filthiness_n cruelty_n and_o blood_n apishness_n and_o folly_n have_v not_o they_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n represent_v the_o heathen_a world_n rom._n 1._o vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o fill_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o unrighteousness_n implacable_a and_o unmerciful_a in_o their_o own_o temper_n and_o give_v up_o to_o the_o most_o beastly_a lust_n and_o unnatural_a lewdness_n these_o vice_n in_o themselves_o natural_o lead_v they_o to_o such_o a_o false_a religion_n and_o such_o superstitious_a abomination_n as_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o but_o as_o their_o manner_n decay_v so_o do_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o right_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o as_o vice_n get_v ground_n so_o do_v superstition_n and_o they_o always_o grow_v up_o and_o increase_v and_o like_o hypocrates_n his_o twin_n live_v and_o die_v together_o what_o hide_a cause_n thus_o link_v they_o together_o and_o how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v such_o inseparable_a companion_n may_v seem_v strange_a when_o superstition_n own_v and_o acknowledge_v a_o god_n have_v a_o great_a sense_n of_o he_o upon_o the_o mind_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o sense_n of_o a_o god_n when_o it_o have_v not_o have_v such_o a_o due_a effect_n as_o it_o ought_v upon_o it_o so_o as_o to_o preserve_v it_o virtuous_a and_o innocent_a but_o lust_n and_o wickedness_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n have_v overcome_v it_o this_o sense_n of_o its_o own_o wickedness_n join_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o god_n do_v very_o natural_o and_o easy_o bring_v it_o to_o superstition_n if_o it_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o a_o god_n nor_o no_o belief_n of_o such_o a_o be_v at_o all_o if_o it_o can_v get_v rid_v of_o that_o which_o it_o never_o can_v then_o indeed_o there_o will_v be_v no_o ground_n of_o superstition_n and_o this_o way_n the_o atheist_n will_v free_v himself_o from_o all_o superstitious_a fear_n or_o if_o it_o be_v not_o vicious_a and_o so_o not_o sensible_a of_o its_o own_o horrid_a guilt_n and_o wickedness_n and_o its_o obnoxiousness_n to_o this_o god_n above_o neither_o then_o will_v it_o be_v superstitious_a but_o when_o it_o be_v thus_o sensible_a of_o a_o great_a and_o just_a god_n which_o be_v the_o avenger_n of_o such_o crime_n as_o it_o know_v it_o have_v be_v high_o guilty_a of_o this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n that_o bring_v it_o to_o superstition_n because_o in_o the_o 2._o second_o place_n this_o cause_v a_o dreadful_a fear_n and_o terrible_a apprehension_n of_o god_n upon_o it_o it_o be_v own_o guilt_n scare_n and_o affright_v it_o and_o draw_v terrible_a idea_n and_o image_n of_o god_n upon_o its_o mind_n so_o that_o it_o look_v upon_o he_o only_o as_o a_o malefactor_n do_v upon_o his_o severe_a judge_n his_o jailor_n or_o his_o executioner_n it_o see_v nothing_o but_o frown_n in_o his_o face_n and_o anger_n in_o his_o eye_n and_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o fancy_n all_o the_o instrumenes_n of_o torture_n and_o punishment_n ready_a to_o be_v apply_v to_o it_o and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o be_v what_o will_v it_o not_o do_v to_o pacify_v and_o appease_v this_o deity_n that_o it_o thus_o dread_v what_o a_o dreadful_a fright_n and_o passion_n must_v it_o be_v in_o when_o it_o can_v think_v of_o nothing_o that_o will_v do_v it_o how_o will_v it_o be_v try_v every_o thing_n it_o can_v think_v of_o come_v before_o his_o altar_n and_o bring_v thousand_o of_o ram_n and_o ten_o thousand_o river_n of_o oil_n if_o it_o be_v rich_a enough_o and_o give_v its_o first_o bear_v for_o its_o transgression_n and_o part_n with_o the_o fruit_n of_o its_o own_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o its_o soul_n micah_n 6.7_o and_o shed_v its_o own_o blood_n for_o to_o make_v some_o expiation_n for_o its_o guilt_n nothing_o be_v so_o mean_a and_o servile_a nothing_o so_o cruel_a and_o bloody_a so_o shameful_a and_o scandalous_a but_o a_o soul_n overwhelm_v with_o a_o superstitious_a fear_n will_v be_v attempt_v and_o try_v be_v it_o never_o so_o unagreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o never_o so_o unfit_a and_o unsuitable_a to_o please_v he_o there_o be_v just_a ground_n of_o be_v afraid_a of_o god_n when_o we_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o guilt_n and_o it_o be_v not_o this_o be_v superstition_n but_o when_o this_o fear_n put_v man_n upon_o foolish_a and_o undue_a and_o abominable_a way_n to_o appease_v he_o and_o give_v we_o such_o a_o dreadful_a idea_n and_o apprehension_n of_o he_o as_o quite_o exclude_v all_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o put_v the_o mind_n only_o into_o a_o excessive_a fright_n and_o fit_v of_o horror_n than_o it_o be_v so_o i_o can_v think_v that_o ever_o mankind_n will_v have_v form_v such_o a_o conception_n of_o god_n have_v not_o their_o
so_o blind_v and_o harden_v by_o their_o sin_n that_o they_o continue_v insidel_n so_o that_o the_o utmost_a and_o one_o will_v think_v irresistible_a evidence_n can_v not_o prevail_v upon_o they_o human_a nature_n be_v still_o the_o same_o it_o be_v then_o and_o liable_a to_o the_o same_o corruption_n and_o depravation_n and_o when_o it_o have_v suffer_v its_o lust_n and_o vice_n and_o unreasonable_a inclination_n to_o grow_v upon_o it_o and_o have_v power_n over_o it_o they_o will_v quick_o bring_v man_n to_o a_o wretched_a blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n so_o that_o the_o best_a evidence_n for_o religion_n and_o the_o strong_a argument_n and_o demonstration_n for_o the_o truth_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o shall_v not_o prevail_v upon_o they_o but_o whilst_o they_o indulge_v themselves_o and_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n this_o will_v corrupt_v their_o mind_n and_o deprave_v their_o faculty_n darken_v their_o understanding_n and_o spoil_v their_o judgement_n bring_v they_o to_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n and_o to_o gross_a and_o unreasonable_a insidelity_n and_o at_o last_o to_o a_o total_a defection_n and_o apostasy_n from_o all_o religion_n take_v heed_n therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n lest_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o you_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n in_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n v._o 22._o and_o the_o way_n to_o prevent_v that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v draw_v in_o by_o any_o sin_n nor_o deceive_v by_o any_o vice_n or_o lust_n that_o shall_v bring_v they_o to_o this_o but_o to_o take_v a_o present_a and_o immediate_a care_n to_o free_v themselves_o from_o every_o such_o sin_n and_o to_o persuade_v one_o another_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o religion_n and_o not_o to_o give_v way_n to_o any_o vice_n or_o wickedness_n delude_v they_o at_o first_o or_o grow_v afterward_o more_o upon_o they_o wherefore_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a while_n it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n lest_o any_o of_o you_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n from_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o how_o sin_n deceive_v at_o the_o beginning_n 2._o how_o it_o harden_v the_o mind_n afterward_o how_o it_o first_o cheat_n and_o horrible_o impose_v upon_o we_o and_o then_o how_o it_o bring_v the_o mind_n into_o a_o more_o wretched_a and_o deprave_a and_o harden_a state_n 1._o of_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n one_o will_v think_v that_o either_o human_a nature_n be_v not_o so_o rational_a as_o we_o pretend_v it_o be_v and_o that_o this_o be_v not_o our_o inseparable_a property_n or_o else_o that_o vice_n be_v not_o so_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a so_o pernicious_a and_o destructive_a as_o we_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v when_o we_o look_v into_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n and_o see_v vice_n every_o where_o prevail_a and_o abound_v and_o most_o man_n choose_v and_o prefer_v it_o before_o virtue_n as_o man_n be_v rational_a creature_n that_o act_v as_o from_o principle_n of_o liberty_n and_o judgement_n so_o always_o from_o a_o instinct_n of_o self_n good_a and_o self_n preservation_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o natural_a principle_n that_o prevent_v all_o reason_n and_o which_o we_o can_v never_o with_o all_o our_o choice_n and_o freedom_n act_v witting_o and_o willing_o against_o we_o can_v never_o choose_v evil_a as_o evil_n but_o under_o the_o colour_n and_o appearance_n of_o good_a but_o our_o nature_n be_v make_v with_o a_o inward_a spring_n that_o run_v of_o itself_o from_o a_o naked_a evil_n but_o always_o pursue_v what_o we_o apprehend_v be_v good_a for_o we_o what_o appear_v to_o we_o as_o conduce_v and_o tend_v to_o our_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v bring_v religion_n and_o every_o thing_n else_o to_o this_o if_o we_o will_v have_v it_o fall_v in_o with_o nature_n and_o be_v last_o and_o sure_o sixth_o in_o our_o mind_n but_o either_o vice_n be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o evil_a so_o destructive_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o good_a welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a nature_n or_o else_o our_o reason_n must_v be_v very_o much_o cheat_v and_o delude_v and_o impose_v upon_o when_o we_o be_v draw_v into_o it_o and_o we_o must_v be_v mighty_o deceive_v by_o some_o false_a reason_n or_o other_o about_o it_o in_o our_o own_o mind_n for_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o reason_v and_o argue_v judge_v and_o conclude_v however_o short_a and_o quick_a and_o precipitate_v and_o mistake_v this_o be_v in_o every_o moral_a action_n we_o do_v and_o some_o process_n there_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o thought_n even_o when_o we_o be_v lead_v never_o so_o much_o by_o our_o sense_n and_o act_v not_o upon_o thought_n or_o reason_n else_o the_o action_n will_v not_o be_v voluntary_a or_o criminal_a or_o capable_a either_o of_o guilt_n or_o blame_n as_o proceed_v from_o a_o misuse_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o choice_n our_o judgement_n and_o fieedom_n our_o understanding_n and_o reason_n must_v therefore_o judge_v amiss_o and_o be_v gross_o deceive_v and_o impose_v on_o when_o contrary_a to_o our_o good_a and_o interest_n we_o be_v draw_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o sin_n and_o seduce_v by_o its_o temptation_n and_o inveigle_v by_o the_o deceitfullness_n of_o it_o for_o though_o it_o be_v against_o our_o reason_n in_o one_o sense_n i._n e._n against_o the_o right_a use_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o carry_v our_o reason_n along_o with_o it_o at_o that_o time_n we_o commit_v it_o and_o our_o judgement_n determine_v for_o it_o at_o that_o instant_n though_o very_o rash_o and_o unadvised_o as_o we_o find_v when_o we_o come_v to_o consider_v it_o over_o again_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n lie_v therefore_o chiesly_a in_o these_o follow_a thing_n 1._o in_o have_v too_o high_a a_o opin_v on_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n of_o those_o little_a good_n pleasure_n profit_n or_o whatever_o present_a sensual_a and_o worldly_a enjoyment_n any_o of_o our_o sin_n may_v yield_v to_o we_o or_o that_o we_o can_v hope_v to_o reap_v by_o they_o these_o be_v the_o three_o lust_n the_o apostle_n mention_n of_o the_o flesh_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n or_o rather_o the_o object_n of_o those_o these_o be_v the_o gild_a bait_n the_o fair_a fruit_n the_o allure_a charm_n and_o invite_a temptation_n that_o draw_v in_o and_o inveigle_v every_o sinner_n for_o no_o man_n will_v be_v wicked_a or_o serve_v the_o devil_n for_o nought_o nor_o commit_v any_o sin_n out_o of_o pure_a malice_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o mere_a hatred_n to_o virtue_n at_o least_o not_o till_o he_o be_v arrive_v to_o a_o very_a high_a degree_n of_o diabolical_a wickedness_n no_o it_o be_v to_o purchase_v and_o attain_v some_o fancy_a good_a and_o imagine_a pleasure_n or_o advantage_n something_a grateful_a and_o desirable_a to_o the_o sense_n appetite_n and_o inclination_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o tempt_v and_o allure_v we_o now_o there_o be_v a_o small_a natural_a good_a in_o many_o of_o those_o sinful_a temptation_n for_o such_o it_o must_v be_v allow_v bodily_a pleasure_n and_o worldly_a profit_n and_o other_o enjoyment_n be_v which_o therefore_o good_a man_n may_v desire_v and_o partake_v of_o within_o such_o bound_n and_o limit_n as_o be_v allow_v by_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o those_o be_v even_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n left_a hand_n as_o the_o jew_n phrased_a they_o and_o it_o be_v a_o unnatural_a piece_n of_o stoicism_n and_o a_o hypocritical_a affectation_n to_o renounce_v they_o whole_o and_o declaim_v weak_o against_o they_o riches_n and_o honour_n and_o pleasure_n be_v lawful_a object_n of_o our_o desire_n in_o some_o degree_n and_o may_v have_v a_o proper_a good_a allow_v to_o they_o suitable_a to_o our_o present_a state_n and_o nature_n and_o their_o contrary_n may_v be_v call_v evil_n else_o it_o will_v be_v no_o virtue_n to_o deny_v they_o or_o forgo_v they_o in_o any_o case_n nor_o will_v have_v any_o reward_n at_o god_n hand_n but_o they_o be_v not_o the_o great_a good_n our_o nature_n be_v make_v for_o nor_o those_o that_o can_v make_v we_o true_o and_o complete_o happy_a though_o we_o have_v never_o so_o many_o of_o they_o nor_o be_v comparative_o any_o good_n because_o nothing_o so_o great_a as_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n as_o peace_n of_o mind_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o soul_n as_o a_o inward_a sense_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o cheerful_a hope_n of_o heaven_n these_o will_v make_v a_o man_n true_o and_o inward_o happy_a without_o or_o with_o a_o very_a little_a of_o the_o other_o and_o give_v he_o the_o true_a perfection_n and_o happiness_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o make_v he_o eternal_o bless_v when_o all_o other_o be_v perish_v and_o go_v and_o signify_v nothing_o it_o be_v a_o ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n
it_o will_v do_v even_o by_o the_o help_n of_o religion_n itself_o to_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o heaven_n upon_o its_o own_o term_n and_o concession_n but_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v thus_o mock_v or_o overreach_v no_o repentance_n will_v do_v but_o what_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o good_a life_n nor_o be_v a_o sin_n so_o easy_o repent_v of_o after_o it_o be_v commit_v especial_o upon_o such_o presumptuous_a term_n as_o may_v just_o provoke_v god_n to_o give_v it_o up_o to_o a_o harden_v and_o impenitent_a heart_n and_o to_o that_o wretched_a state_n which_o sin_n by_o be_v continue_v in_o will_v bring_v it_o to_o which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n i_o be_o to_o consider_v 2._o how_o man_n be_v harden_v by_o their_o sin_n or_o how_o sin_n harden_v their_o mind_n afterward_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o most_o wretched_a and_o deprave_a state_n and_o temper_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v show_v 1._o in_o the_o gross_a or_o in_o general_n 2._o more_o particular_o how_o and_o to_o what_o degree_n it_o harden_v they_o 3._o make_v some_o remark_n and_o observation_n from_o the_o whole_a 1._o how_o sin_n harden_v in_o general_n when_o a_o man_n have_v give_v way_n to_o it_o in_o any_o great_a and_o wilful_a instance_n and_o it_o have_v make_v a_o breach_n upon_o his_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n which_o be_v too_o weak_a to_o hold_v out_o against_o it_o it_o will_v enter_v with_o all_o its_o force_n and_o gain_v ground_n daily_o upon_o he_o and_o quick_o conquer_v and_o overcome_v he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o repulse_v it_o immediate_o and_o drive_v it_o out_o by_o repentance_n though_o he_o may_v a_o little_a struggle_n and_o rally_v against_o it_o especial_o at_o the_o first_o beginning_n when_o natural_a conscience_n will_v strive_v a_o while_n with_o his_o carnal_a lust_n and_o inclination_n yet_o if_o in_o this_o conflict_n the_o sin_n prevail_v and_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o the_o spirit_n and_o he_o continue_v to_o commit_v it_o it_o will_v at_o last_o whole_o master_v he_o and_o bring_v he_o into_o such_o bondage_n and_o vassalage_n that_o he_o shall_v lose_v the_o moral_a liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o be_v such_o a_o slave_n to_o it_o as_o to_o be_v lead_v captive_a by_o it_o at_o its_o will_n so_o that_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n he_o both_o will_v not_o and_o can_v get_v rid_v of_o it_o for_o he_o have_v then_o lose_v the_o power_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o perfect_a dominion_n of_o his_o lust_n and_o vice_n so_o that_o though_o he_o see_v the_o plain_a mischief_n of_o they_o and_o wish_n he_o can_v leave_v they_o and_o will_v do_v so_o if_o a_o faint_a wish_n and_o a_o mere_a velleity_n be_v sufficient_a yet_o he_o still_o live_v in_o they_o to_o the_o plain_a ruin_n both_o of_o his_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o his_o undo_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o another_o and_o though_o he_o see_v and_o seel_v the_o pernicious_a consequence_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o yet_o neither_o a_o decay_a body_n nor_o a_o disorder_a mind_n nor_o a_o shatter_a estate_n nor_o conscience_n nor_o credit_n nor_o his_o own_o reason_n which_o condemn_v and_o reproach_n he_o for_o they_o can_v ever_o prevail_v upon_o he_o to_o forsake_v and_o abandon_v they_o they_o have_v take_v such_o strong_a hold_n of_o he_o and_o he_o be_v so_o much_o under_o their_o power_n that_o he_o can_v for_o all_o these_o strong_a argument_n and_o consideration_n resist_v the_o next_o temptation_n or_o opportunity_n that_o invite_v to_o they_o his_o lust_n and_o sensual_a inclination_n and_o disorderly_a appetite_n be_v grow_v so_o strong_a and_o his_o reason_n and_o religion_n so_o weak_a and_o unable_a to_o resist_v they_o that_o like_o a_o mighty_a torrent_n they_o carry_v all_o before_o they_o and_o indeed_o he_o himself_o have_v break_v down_o all_o the_o bank_n that_o shall_v withstand_v they_o and_o he_o be_v carry_v down_o by_o the_o violent_a stream_n of_o his_o lust_n till_o it_o dry_v up_o of_o itself_o and_o age_n and_o infirmity_n abate_v and_o sink_v it_o and_o his_o sin_n as_o we_o common_o say_v leave_v he_o and_o even_o then_o when_o he_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n in_o some_o sense_n yet_o the_o ghost_n of_o his_o depart_a vice_n still_o haunt_v he_o and_o the_o phantom_n or_o fancy_n the_o spirit_n if_o i_o may_v so_o call_v they_o of_o his_o lewdness_n and_o debauchery_n still_o hover_v over_o the_o grave_a and_o the_o carcase_n as_o it_o be_v of_o a_o old_a sinner_n and_o will_v not_o quite_o depart_v from_o he_o this_o harden_v of_o a_o sinner_n be_v gradual_a and_o come_v not_o all_o at_o once_o upon_o he_o but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o custom_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o vicious_a habit_n he_o be_v bring_v by_o time_n and_o degree_n to_o this_o harden_a state_n and_o by_o a_o unaccountable_a quality_n in_o sin_n itself_o whereby_o the_o mind_n be_v as_o it_o be_v petrify_v by_o it_o and_o bring_v to_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o the_o platonist_n often_o speak_v of_o such_o a_o deadness_n and_o stupidness_n of_o its_o faculty_n and_o its_o moral_a power_n as_o we_o can_v well_o express_v every_o sin_n harden_v the_o mind_n a_o little_a and_o weaken_v the_o first_o tender_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n that_o be_v natural_a to_o it_o and_o the_o long_o it_o continue_v in_o it_o it_o sensible_o harden_v it_o the_o more_o though_o by_o secret_a and_o insensible_a mean_n as_o even_o stone_n grow_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v at_o first_o soft_a and_o fluid_a but_o by_o time_n and_o a_o saline_n and_o other_o quality_n they_o grow_v hard_a and_o rocky_a a_o sinner_n at_o first_o have_v great_a tenderness_n of_o mind_n and_o can_v hardly_o be_v bring_v to_o commit_v a_o wilful_a sin_n till_o by_o custom_n and_o many_o repeat_v act_n he_o grow_v more_o harden_v and_o embolden_v so_o that_o what_o he_o commit_v at_o first_o with_o reluctancy_n he_o commit_v afterward_o with_o greediness_n the_o first_o conception_n and_o formation_n of_o sin_n in_o his_o mind_n be_v by_o a_o small_a seed_n or_o principle_n and_o by_o a_o unaccountable_a growth_n and_o increase_n a_o wicked_a thought_n become_v at_o first_o a_o inclination_n or_o rather_o a_o natural_a inclination_n produce_v a_o thought_n a_o think_v increase_v the_o inclination_n that_o beget_v a_o delight_n a_o delight_n a_o consent_n a_o consent_n a_o act_n a_o act_n by_o degree_n a_o habit_n and_o that_o become_v strong_a and_o strong_a by_o time_n as_o in_o the_o growth_n of_o our_o body_n anatomist_n tell_v we_o a_o jelly_n become_v a_o nerve_n a_o fiber_n a_o tendon_n a_o muscle_n or_o a_o bone_n by_o strange_a and_o imperceptible_a way_n the_o body_n of_o sin_n which_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o be_v form_v by_o custom_n and_o grow_v still_o more_o and_o more_o and_o have_v no_o fix_a stature_n set_v to_o it_o but_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v put_v off_o the_o old_a it_o be_v and_o get_v strength_n every_o day_n and_o renew_v it_o by_o age_n the_o sin_n which_o at_o first_o may_v have_v be_v easy_o withstand_v and_o overcome_v and_o like_o a_o young_a weed_n ready_o pluck_v up_o afterward_o take_v such_o deep_a root_n in_o a_o man_n mind_n that_o it_o be_v the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o remove_v it_o and_o to_o get_v rid_v of_o a_o long_a and_o confirm_a habit_n that_o have_v be_v a_o great_a while_n grow_v upon_o we_o this_o harden_v of_o the_o mind_n by_o sin_n i_o take_v to_o proceed_v from_o custom_n which_o have_v a_o unaccountable_a force_n and_o power_n upon_o we_o and_o do_v as_o it_o be_v bend_v the_o will_v that_o way_n and_o put_v so_o strong_a a_o bias_n upon_o the_o thought_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o it_o can_v hardly_o with_o all_o its_o natural_a liberty_n and_o god_n ordinary_a grace_n get_v off_o of_o it_o and_o when_o the_o will_n be_v thus_o obstinate_o bend_v to_o any_o lust_n or_o wickedness_n it_o affect_v and_o draw_v in_o the_o understanding_n and_o corrupt_v the_o judgement_n and_o the_o mind_n at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v thus_o harden_a by_o its_o vice_n be_v blind_v also_o by_o they_o and_o so_o the_o two_o great_a power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v corrupt_v by_o it_o both_o at_o once_o for_o harden_v respect_n proper_o the_o will_n and_o blind_a the_o understanding_n and_o they_o always_o go_v together_o and_o be_v promiscuous_o mention_v the_o one_o for_o the_o other_o in_o scripture_n man_n lust_n and_o vice_n as_o they_o harden_v they_o and_o bring_v as_o it_o be_v a_o callus_fw-la upon_o the_o mind_n by_o long_a use_n and_o make_v it_o to_o be_v past_a
feel_n as_o scripture_n speak_v so_o they_o darken_v and_o blind_v the_o understanding_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o bring_v a_o cloud_n over_o it_o or_o cast_v a_o mist_n before_o it_o and_o hinder_v it_o from_o see_v and_o discern_v thing_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o do_v these_o i_o confess_v be_v all_o figurative_a expression_n whereby_o we_o be_v force_v to_o describe_v and_o illustrate_v the_o act_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o material_a and_o bodily_a resemblance_n as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n itself_o do_v but_o there_o be_v such_o real_a effect_n in_o the_o mind_n as_o answer_v to_o they_o and_o about_o which_o we_o can_v use_v no_o other_o word_n or_o idea_n man_n sin_n at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o harden_v their_o will_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o senselessness_n and_o stupidity_n about_o their_o moral_a action_n they_o blind_v their_o judgement_n also_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n so_o as_o not_o to_o see_v the_o plain_a truth_n or_o great_a evidence_n nor_o be_v aware_a of_o the_o gross_a and_o most_o notorious_a error_n nor_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o strong_a argument_n and_o demonstration_n for_o the_o truth_n or_o practice_n of_o religion_n 2._o i_o shall_v consider_v a_o little_a more_o particular_o in_o the_o 2d_o place_n how_o and_o to_o what_o degree_n the_o mind_n be_v thus_o harden_v and_o blind_v by_o its_o sin_n 1._o and_o this_o be_v do_v first_o of_o all_o by_o break_v through_o natural_a shame_n and_o the_o innate_a modesty_n of_o our_o mind_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o strong_a sense_n which_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v set_v about_o virtue_n and_o the_o great_a check_n and_o restraint_n against_o vice_n for_o it_o arise_v from_o the_o first_o quick_a and_o discern_a sense_n of_o the_o mind_n whereby_o it_o see_v the_o â—â—â—ness_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o indecency_n and_o natural_a turpitude_n and_o shame_n of_o the_o other_o and_o when_o this_o be_v once_o break_v through_o the_o mind_n be_v quick_o prostitute_v and_o debauch_v to_o the_o great_a lewdness_n and_o villainy_n and_o come_v to_o sin_n impudent_o and_o with_o a_o where_o be_v forehead_a at_o first_o indeed_o it_o be_v modest_a and_o reserve_v and_o bluster_v at_o the_o rude_a offer_n of_o sin_n and_o run_v from_o they_o but_o by_o come_v near_o and_o make_o some_o further_a approach_n to_o it_o it_o be_v draw_v in_o to_o consent_v and_o so_o have_v lest_o its_o original_a innocence_n and_o native_a modesty_n it_o be_v soon_o bring_v to_o after-act_n of_o sin_n and_o wear_v off_o by_o degree_n that_o shame_n which_o be_v its_o great_a guard_n and_o preservative_n at_o first_o and_o than_o it_o lie_v open_a to_o every_o temptation_n and_o 〈…〉_o to_o every_o offer_n and_o opportunity_n that_o invite_v 〈◊〉_d and_o hardly_o needs_o to_o be_v tempt_v but_o become_v a_o tempter_n both_o to_o itself_o and_o other_o and_o a_o pander_n in_o time_n to_o all_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n 2._o sin_n harden_v by_o stupify_a conscience_n and_o deadn_v the_o inward_a and_o natural_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n on_o our_o mind_n so_o as_o to_o bring_v man_n by_o degree_n to_o sin_n without_o struggle_n dispute_n or_o reluctancy_n it_o must_v be_v a_o great_a while_n before_o it_o come_v to_o this_o and_o a_o man_n must_v have_v go_v through_o a_o long_a course_n before_o he_o can_v arrive_v at_o this_o state_n and_o perfection_n of_o sin_v no_o man_n can_v commit_v a_o plain_a and_o great_a sin_n at_o first_o without_o great_a struggle_n and_o remorse_n of_o mind_n and_o great_a reluctance_n and_o opposition_n from_o his_o own_o conscience_n the_o spirit_n will_v strive_v against_o the_o flesh_n as_o the_o flesh_n lu_v against_o the_o spirit_n gal._n 5.17_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a principle_n of_o virtue_n in_o we_o as_o well_o as_o of_o vice_n and_o as_o a_o good_a man_n must_v have_v many_o conflict_n with_o his_o low_a inclination_n before_o he_o can_v arrive_v at_o a_o full_a state_n of_o virtue_n so_o must_v a_o bad_a man_n have_v as_o great_a a_o contest_v with_o his_o conscience_n and_o the_o natural_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n before_o he_o can_v be_v perfect_o wicked_a conscience_n will_v check_v and_o restrain_v he_o at_o first_o and_o inward_o smite_v and_o reprove_v he_o for_o do_v amiss_o and_o this_o be_v a_o evident_a proof_n of_o the_o natural_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o a_o excellent_a monitor_n set_v up_o by_o god_n in_o every_o man_n breast_n to_o mind_v he_o of_o his_o duty_n and_o the_o great_a security_n indeed_o of_o all_o religion_n but_o when_o man_n have_v by_o many_o act_n and_o long_a custom_n of_o wickedness_n waste_v and_o sin_v away_o conscience_n and_o stifle_v or_o stupisy_v the_o inward_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n so_o as_o to_o sin_n with_o great_a ease_n and_o without_o any_o trouble_n or_o opposition_n from_o within_o without_o any_o rebuke_n or_o resistance_n or_o remorse_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n for_o whatever_o they_o do_v then_o they_o be_v become_v perfect_a sinner_n indeed_o and_o come_v to_o a_o absolute_a and_o full_a state_n of_o wickedness_n to_o be_v harden_v into_o a_o utter_a insensibility_n so_o as_o to_o be_v past_a feel_n and_o to_o have_v their_o conscience_n as_o it_o be_v sear_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v 1_o tim._n 4.2_o so_o as_o to_o be_v quite_o senseless_a this_o senselessness_n may_v seem_v a_o easy_a and_o less_o painful_a state_n but_o it_o be_v more_o mortal_a and_o dangerous_a and_o be_v just_a such_o a_o disease_n to_o the_o soul_n as_o a_o apoplexy_n or_o a_o lethargy_n be_v to_o the_o body_n if_o this_o senselessness_n and_o stupidity_n will_v always_o last_v it_o be_v much_o better_a indeed_o than_o sharp_a and_o actual_a pain_n but_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o sinner_n though_o it_o may_v sleep_v and_o slumber_v a_o while_n yet_o it_o will_v awake_v one_o time_n or_o other_o and_o like_o a_o enrage_a lion_n tear_v and_o devour_v all_o about_o it_o either_o death_n or_o sickness_n or_o some_o judgement_n or_o affliction_n will_v probable_o rouse_v it_o here_o and_o bring_v the_o stupefy_v mind_n to_o itself_o or_o to_o be_v sure_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n will_v make_v it_o open_v its_o eye_n when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o when_o it_o can_v see_v nothing_o but_o horror_n and_o despair_n before_o it_o and_o round_o about_o it_o and_o where_o it_o conscience_n shall_v always_o torment_v it_o with_o a_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v and_o with_o never_o cease_v anguish_n and_o remorse_n 3._o a_o three_o instance_n and_o degree_n of_o be_v thus_o harden_v by_o sin_n be_v doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o call_v into_o question_n the_o principle_n of_o it_o and_o at_o last_o a_o utter_a reject_v and_o dis-believing_a of_o they_o no_o man_n ever_o do_v this_o till_o he_o be_v corrupt_v in_o his_o moral_n and_o engage_v in_o a_o vicious_a course_n so_o that_o this_o scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n be_v plain_o the_o effect_n and_o consequent_a of_o his_o vice_n and_o proceed_v from_o his_o will_n blind_v with_o his_o sin_n and_o lust_n rather_o than_o from_o his_o understanding_n or_o from_o any_o want_n of_o evidence_n about_o those_o matter_n it_o be_v first_o the_o sinner_n wish_v and_o desire_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n before_o he_o question_v whither_o there_o be_v one_o or_o no_o and_o he_o never_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o another_o world_n till_o it_o be_v against_o his_o interest_n and_o he_o be_v lose_v and_o undo_v if_o there_o be_v one_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v very_o unwilling_a to_o believe_v it_o man_n must_v have_v very_o much_o blind_v their_o mind_n if_o they_o do_v not_o see_v the_o plain_a evidence_n for_o religion_n both_o from_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o from_o history_n and_o revelation_n from_o the_o make_v and_o frame_v of_o the_o world_n and_o from_o the_o make_v of_o their_o own_o body_n and_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n all_o which_o make_v it_o as_o unreasonable_a almost_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n as_o to_o doubt_v of_o their_o own_o be_v and_o existence_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o be_v sceptic_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n else_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n 4._o there_o be_v a_o degree_n yet_o beyond_o this_o and_o that_o be_v ridicul_v religion_n and_o expose_v it_o to_o contempt_n and_o laughter_n which_o be_v not_o only_o the_o utmost_a and_o most_o desperate_a attempt_n and_o affront_v against_o god_n but_o the_o most_o rude_a and_o unmannerly_a as_o well_o as_o mischievous_a thing_n to_o all_o mankind_n for_o all_o sober_a and_o wise_a man_n and_o civilise_a
now_o the_o soul_n can_v never_o be_v so_o lose_v as_o to_o lose_v its_o be_v or_o its_o power_n of_o think_v happy_a will_v it_o be_v for_o a_o great_a many_o if_o it_o can_v so_o lose_v itself_o and_o vanish_v into_o air_n or_o nothing_o but_o it_o be_v the_o loss_n of_o its_o proper_a life_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o right_a use_n of_o its_o noble_a power_n and_o faculty_n and_o of_o those_o operation_n and_o enjoyment_n it_o be_v make_v for_o and_o suffer_v the_o misery_n and_o anguish_n which_o its_o own_o thought_n bring_v upon_o it_o this_o be_v the_o unvaluable_a loss_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o its_o hell_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v immediate_o sin_n indeed_o bring_v the_o mind_n to_o this_o lose_a and_o wretched_a condition_n by_o degree_n it_o darken_v and_o blind_v the_o mind_n and_o spoil_v its_o power_n of_o right_o judge_v and_o understanding_n not_o in_o a_o instant_n but_o as_o darkness_n come_v upon_o the_o earth_n by_o gradual_a approach_n it_o be_v hard_a perhaps_o to_o give_v a_o full_a account_n how_o it_o do_v this_o but_o it_o employ_v the_o thought_n upon_o wrong_n and_o undue_a object_n it_o immerse_n and_o sink_v they_o in_o carnal_a fancy_n and_o sensual_a idea_n it_o pervert_v and_o distort_v the_o judgement_n and_o give_v it_o undue_a representation_n of_o thing_n or_o it_o take_v it_o off_o from_o think_v and_o consider_v at_o all_o by_o such_o mean_v it_o bring_v it_o to_o this_o pass_n though_o it_o have_v eye_n to_o see_v yet_o it_o see_v not_o though_o it_o have_v understanding_n that_o be_v the_o natural_a power_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o understand_v not_o mat._n 13.14_o so_o though_o it_o have_v its_o power_n of_o willing_a yet_o it_o will_v only_o evil_a and_o have_v no_o moral_a ability_n to_o will_n good_a from_o the_o strong_a prevalency_n of_o its_o own_o evil_a desire_n and_o affection_n this_o be_v lose_v the_o soul_n and_o the_o right_a power_n of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o like_o a_o absorbed_a star_n lose_v its_o proper_a light_n centre_n and_o motion_n though_o it_o be_v still_o a_o star_n but_o fall_v dark_a and_o wander_a 3._o and_o this_o i_o take_v in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o be_v the_o scripture-notion_n of_o harden_v when_o man_n sin_n bring_v they_o to_o this_o state_n and_o when_o god_n be_v say_v to_o harden_v they_o it_o be_v not_o by_o any_o positive_a influx_n or_o poisonous_a infusion_n nor_o yet_o perhaps_o by_o withdraw_v his_o ordinary_a grace_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o conversion_n from_o they_o this_o he_o do_v not_o from_o pharaoh_n or_o the_o jew_n or_o any_o other_o sinner_n that_o we_o know_v of_o it_o be_v only_a sin_n that_o harden_v they_o and_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o vice_n that_o blind_v they_o and_o when_o god_n be_v say_v to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v general_o by_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o occasion_n not_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o which_o be_v in_o themselves_o proper_a mean_n of_o work_v quite_o other_o effect_n upon_o they_o not_o of_o harden_v and_o blind_n but_o rather_o of_o convert_v and_o convince_a they_o such_o be_v all_o the_o miracle_n god_n wrought_v and_o all_o the_o method_n he_o use_v both_o with_o the_o jew_n and_o with_o pharaoh_n where_o he_o try_v all_o way_n to_o bring_v they_o off_o from_o their_o obstinacy_n and_o infidelity_n and_o continue_v so_o to_o do_v notwithstanding_o their_o abuse_n of_o they_o god_n strike_v no_o man_n spiritual_o blind_a nor_o take_v away_o that_o light_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o to_o see_v by_o or_o that_o strength_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o convert_v he_o it_o be_v the_o cloud_n only_o darken_v the_o earth_n and_o not_o the_o sun_n it_o be_v the_o interposal_n of_o the_o dark_a body_n of_o the_o one_o and_o not_o the_o withdraw_a the_o beam_n of_o the_o other_o which_o proper_o bring_v night_n upon_o it_o i_o very_o much_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o other_o judicial_a hardness_n and_o blindness_n especial_o in_o this_o life_n than_o what_o man_n sin_n bring_v upon_o they_o their_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o malignant_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o those_o be_v without_o any_o other_o influence_n or_o causality_n the_o entire_a reason_n of_o their_o hardness_n and_o blindness_n and_o god_n be_v say_v to_o leave_v they_o and_o give_v they_o up_o to_o hardness_n of_o heart_n just_a as_o a_o physician_n leave_v his_o patient_n to_o the_o incurable_a malignity_n of_o his_o distemper_n without_o either_o give_v he_o any_o thing_n to_o increase_v it_o or_o without_o withdraw_v the_o application_n of_o any_o proper_a remedy_n that_o may_v help_v to_o cure_v it_o 4._o four_o and_o last_o by_o this_o we_o may_v conceive_v and_o understand_v the_o misery_n and_o wretched_a state_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o damn_a soul_n who_o be_v under_o the_o utmost_a and_o irreversible_a state_n of_o this_o harden_a and_o deprave_a temper_n of_o soul_n which_o will_v natural_o and_o necessary_o make_v they_o miserable_a those_o accurse_a spirit_n be_v once_o capable_a of_o noble_a pleasure_n and_o improvement_n of_o mind_n but_o sin_n and_o disobedience_n to_o god_n have_v spoil_v and_o sink_v and_o corrupt_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o this_o wretched_a condition_n where_o their_o thought_n be_v fill_v only_o with_o rage_n and_o malice_n against_o god_n and_o with_o a_o extreme_a horror_n and_o dread_n of_o he_o join_v with_o as_o great_a rage_n and_o vexation_n against_o themselves_o it_o be_v a_o terrible_a thing_n for_o a_o poor_a creature_n wilful_o to_o offend_v and_o sin_n against_o its_o great_a god_n impudent_o to_o affront_v and_o defy_v its_o maker_n and_o trample_v upon_o his_o law_n and_o government_n which_o be_v set_v up_o its_o own_o will_n thought_n and_o reason_n against_o he_o this_o will_v bring_v it_o to_o dreadful_a thought_n and_o resentment_n one_o day_n whatever_o we_o think_v of_o it_o or_o however_o we_o slight_v it_o now_o sin_n will_v not_o have_v have_v a_o hell_n and_o eternal_a torment_n prepare_v for_o it_o by_o a_o good_a god_n have_v it_o not_o be_v a_o opposition_n to_o the_o will_n and_o counsel_n of_o heaven_n to_o all_o god_n design_n in_o make_v we_o and_o make_v the_o world_n and_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o measure_n of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o government_n and_o to_o the_o good_a and_o welfare_n of_o the_o whole_a system_n of_o being_n vice_n therefore_o by_o the_o order_n of_o thing_n throw_v man_n into_o this_o miserable_a state_n and_o a_o low_a spirit_n by_o have_v its_o thought_n its_o will_n and_o understanding_n so_o contrary_a and_o opposite_a to_o the_o high_a spirit_n and_o by_o not_o have_v due_a regard_n and_o observance_n to_o he_o must_v necessary_o fall_v into_o this_o state_n of_o misery_n as_o well_o as_o of_o his_o utmost_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n it_o be_v vice_n have_v deprave_v and_o corrupt_v its_o mind_n give_v it_o wrong_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o of_o every_o thing_n else_o and_o sink_v it_o into_o the_o love_n of_o evil_n and_o of_o every_o thing_n contrary_a to_o god_n and_o goodness_n make_v it_o delight_n in_o mischief_n and_o in_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o good_a of_o its_o fellow_n creature_n if_o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a gratify_n to_o itself_o and_o now_o that_o false_a pleasure_n be_v go_v off_o and_o it_o be_v leave_v whole_o to_o the_o sting_n of_o its_o vice_n and_o it_o therefore_o reflect_v with_o infinite_a remorse_n upon_o the_o folly_n and_o the_o madness_n and_o the_o mischief_n of_o they_o but_o it_o can_v now_o redress_v or_o amend_v they_o or_o what_o injury_n it_o have_v do_v by_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v lie_v for_o ever_o under_o the_o insupportable_a weight_n and_o burden_n of_o they_o it_o can_v now_o raise_v up_o its_o thought_n to_o any_o love_n or_o desire_v of_o god_n who_o it_o have_v always_o have_v a_o fix_a contempt_n and_o neglect_n of_o it_o can_v now_o take_v any_o delight_n in_o he_o or_o the_o apprehension_n of_o he_o who_o it_o seldom_o or_o ever_o think_v of_o or_o ever_o care_v to_o worship_n or_o acknowledge_v before_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o now_o to_o divert_v or_o entertain_v it_o its_o bodily_a pleasure_n and_o worldly_a enjoyment_n be_v go_v off_o and_o not_o here_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o and_o it_o be_v leave_v whole_o to_o its_o own_o uncomfortable_a thought_n and_o to_o the_o extreme_a anguish_n and_o bitterness_n of_o they_o it_o never_o right_o understand_v nor_o love_v either_o god_n or_o goodness_n and_o now_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o to_o be_v love_v and_o therefore_o it_o must_v hate_v itself_o and_o every_o thing_n else_o it_o must_v now_o bear_v the_o misery_n of_o its_o own_o ill_a mind_n which_o it_o have_v be_v