the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o course_n of_o penance_n such_o as_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n to_o great_a offender_n and_o then_o they_o understand_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o a_o natural_a but_o a_o moral_a impossibility_n that_o which_o can_v be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o church_n do_v refuse_v to_o admit_v apostate_n and_o some_o other_o great_a offender_n as_o murderer_n and_o adulterer_n to_o a_o course_n of_o penance_n in_o order_n to_o their_o reconciliation_n with_o the_o church_n this_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o strictness_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o time_n neque_fw-la idololatriae_fw-la neque_fw-la sanguini_fw-la pax_fw-la ab_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la redditur_fw-la they_o admit_v neither_o idolater_n nor_o murderer_n to_o the_o reconciliation_n of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o penitent_a and_o shed_v never_o so_o many_o tear_n yet_o he_o say_v they_o be_v jejunae_fw-la pacis_fw-la lacrimae_fw-la their_o tear_n be_v in_o vain_a to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n he_o say_v indeed_o they_o do_v not_o absolute_o pronounce_v their_o case_n desperate_a in_o respect_n of_o god_n pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n sed_fw-la de_fw-la veniâ_fw-la deo_fw-la reservamus_fw-la for_o that_o they_o refer_v they_o to_o god_n but_o they_o be_v never_o to_o be_v admit_v again_o into_o the_o church_n so_o strict_a be_v many_o church_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o text_n though_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v more_o moderate_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n call_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n into_o question_n but_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o these_o word_n shall_v primary_o be_v understand_v of_o restore_a man_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n by_o penance_n but_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v mean_v of_o restore_a man_n to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n by_o repentance_n of_o which_o indeed_o their_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o good_a sign_n this_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v very_o difficult_a for_o those_o who_o after_o baptism_n and_o the_o several_a benefit_n of_o it_o do_v apostatise_v from_o christianity_n to_o be_v recover_v again_o to_o repentance_n see_v they_o crucify_v to_o themselves_o the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n this_o be_v speak_v by_o way_n of_o aggravation_n of_o the_o crime_n of_o apostasy_n that_o they_o who_o fall_v off_o from_o christianity_n in_o effect_n and_o by_o interpretation_n do_v crucify_v the_o son_n of_o god_n over_o again_o and_o expose_v he_o to_o shame_n and_o reproach_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v for_o by_o deny_v and_o renounce_v of_o he_o they_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v a_o impostor_n and_o consequent_o worthy_a of_o that_o death_n which_o he_o suffer_v and_o that_o ignominy_n which_o he_o be_v expose_v to_o and_o therefore_o in_o account_n of_o god_n they_o be_v say_v to_o do_v that_o which_o by_o their_o action_n they_o do_v approve_v so_o that_o it_o be_v make_v a_o crime_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n as_o if_o they_o shall_v crucify_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o use_v he_o in_o the_o most_o ignominious_a manner_n even_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o the_o expression_n be_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n ch._n 10_o 29._o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v as_o brief_o and_o clear_o i_o can_v to_o explain_v to_o you_o the_o true_a meaning_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o several_a phrase_n and_o expression_n in_o the_o text_n the_o sense_n whereof_o amount_n to_o this_o that_o if_o those_o who_o be_v baptize_v and_o by_o baptism_n have_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o do_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o and_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o such_o person_n as_o these_o shall_v after_o all_o this_o apostatise_v from_o christianity_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a and_o next_o to_o a_o impossibility_n to_o imagine_v how_o such_o person_n shall_v recover_v again_o by_o repentance_n see_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o as_o great_a a_o crime_n as_o if_o in_o their_o own_o person_n they_o have_v put_v to_o death_n and_o ignominious_o use_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o by_o reject_v of_o he_o they_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o suffer_v deserve_o have_v thus_o explain_v the_o word_n in_o order_n to_o the_o further_a vindication_n of_o they_o from_o the_o mistake_v and_o misapprehension_n which_o have_v be_v about_o they_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o these_o five_o thing_n one_a that_o the_o sin_n here_o mention_v be_v not_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n two_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a but_o only_o that_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o be_v recover_v to_o repentance_n with_o great_a difficulty_n three_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o partial_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o any_o particular_a vicious_a practice_n four_o that_o it_o be_v a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o more_o especial_o to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o 5th_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o recovery_n of_o those_o who_o fall_v into_o this_o sin_n one_a that_o the_o sin_n here_o mention_v be_v not_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o i_o have_v heretofore_o discourse_v of_o and_o show_v wherein_o the_o particular_a nature_n of_o it_o do_v consist_v there_o be_v three_o thing_n which_o do_v remarkable_o distinguish_v the_o sin_n here_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n from_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n describe_v by_o our_o saviour_n one_a the_o person_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n here_o in_o the_o text_n be_v evident_o such_o as_o have_v embrace_v christianity_n and_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o whereas_o those_o who_o our_o saviour_n charge_v with_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v such_o as_o constant_o oppose_v his_o doctrine_n and_o resist_v the_o evidence_n he_o offer_v for_o it_o two_o the_o particular_a nature_n of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n consist_v in_o blaspheme_v the_o spirit_n whereby_o our_o saviour_n wrought_v his_o miracle_n and_o say_v he_o do_v not_o do_v those_o thing_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o that_o malicious_a and_o unreasonable_a impute_v of_o the_o plain_a effect_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o consequent_o in_o a_o obstinate_a refusal_n to_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o miracle_n that_o he_o wrought_v but_o here_o be_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o so_o much_o as_o intimate_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n three_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v but_o this_o be_v not_o declare_v to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o 2d_o thing_n namely_o that_o this_o sin_n here_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o say_v to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a it_o be_v not_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o whatever_o else_o it_o be_v it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o the_o compass_n of_o god_n pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n so_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n whatsoever_o that_o man_n have_v commit_v be_v capable_a of_o pardon_n except_v only_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o though_o the_o apostle_n here_o use_v a_o very_a severe_a expression_n that_o if_o such_o person_n fall_v away_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n yet_o i_o have_v show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o understand_v this_o phrase_n in_o the_o strict_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n impossible_a but_o as_o it_o be_v elsewhere_o use_v for_o that_o which_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a nor_o indeed_o will_v our_o saviour_n declaration_n which_o i_o mention_v before_o that_o all_o sin_n whatsoever_o be_v pardonable_a except_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n suffer_v we_o to_o understand_v these_o word_n in_o the_o most_o rigorous_a sense_n three_o the_o sin_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o a_o partial_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o any_o particular_a vicious_a practice_n whosoever_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o any_o sin_n plain_o forbid_v by_o the_o christian_a law_n may_v be_v say_v so_o far_o to_o have_v apostatise_v from_o christianity_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o fall_v away_o which_o the_o apostle_n
argument_n to_o enforce_v it_o for_o many_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a first_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n which_o word_n be_v metaphorical_a i_o shall_v strip_v they_o of_o the_o metaphor_n that_o so_o we_o may_v see_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o they_o now_o by_o this_o metaphor_n or_o rather_o allegory_n these_o three_o thing_n be_v plain_o intend_v one_a the_o course_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o christian_a life_n in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v here_o represent_v to_o we_o by_o a_o way_n which_o every_o man_n that_o will_v come_v to_o heaven_n must_v walk_v in_o for_o so_o st._n matth._n who_o express_v this_o more_o full_o make_v mention_n of_o a_o way_n as_o well_o as_o a_o gate_n by_o which_o we_o must_v enter_v into_o it_o strait_n be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o this_o though_o it_o be_v not_o express_v by_o st._n luke_n be_v necessary_o understand_v strive_v to_o enter_v in_o by_o the_o strait_a gate_n that_o be_v into_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n 2_o the_o first_o difficulty_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n be_v here_o represent_v to_o we_o by_o a_o strait_a gate_n for_o the_o gate_n at_o which_o we_o enter_v and_o the_o way_n in_o which_o we_o walk_v can_v signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a course_n 3_o our_o diligence_n and_o constancy_n in_o this_o course_n be_v represent_v by_o strive_v a_o word_n which_o have_v a_o great_a force_n and_o emphasis_n in_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o the_o earnest_a contention_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o olympic_a game_n by_o those_o who_o strive_v for_o mastery_n in_o run_v or_o wrestle_v or_o any_o of_o the_o other_o exercise_n which_o be_v there_o use_v second_o here_o be_v a_o reason_n add_v to_o enforce_v the_o exhortation_n or_o duty_n for_o many_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a that_o be_v there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o that_o will_v do_v something_o in_o christianity_n and_o make_v some_o faint_a attempt_n to_o get_v to_o heaven_n who_o yet_o shall_v fall_v short_a of_o it_o for_o want_v of_o such_o a_o firm_a resolution_n and_o earnestness_n of_o endeavour_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o have_v thus_o explain_v the_o word_n i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n from_o the_o first_o part_n of_o they_o namely_o the_o duty_n or_o exhortation_n to_o handle_v these_o three_o point_n very_o useful_a for_o we_o to_o consider_v and_o to_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o one_a the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o christian_a course_n two_o the_o firm_a resolution_n and_o earnest_a endeavour_n that_o be_v require_v on_o our_o part_n for_o the_o conquer_a of_o these_o difficulty_n three_o that_o these_o difficulty_n be_v not_o so_o great_a and_o insuperable_a as_o to_o be_v a_o just_a discouragement_n to_o our_o endeavour_n if_o we_o will_v strive_v we_o may_v master_v they_o first_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o christian_a course_n and_o these_o be_v either_o from_o ourselves_o or_o from_o something_o without_o we_o 1._o from_o ourselves_o from_o the_o original_a corruption_n and_o depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o power_n of_o evil_a habit_n and_o custom_n contract_v by_o vicious_a practice_n our_o nature_n be_v vitiate_a and_o deprave_a incline_v to_o evil_a and_o impotent_a to_o good_a beside_o that_o be_v habituate_v to_o sin_n and_o vice_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o infinite_a difficulty_n to_o break_v off_o a_o custom_n and_o to_o turn_v the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n another_o way_n now_o because_o this_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o religion_n it_o be_v represent_v by_o a_o strait_a gate_n which_o be_v hard_o to_o get_v through_o 2._o there_o be_v likewise_o other_o difficulty_n from_o without_o as_o namely_o the_o opposition_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v very_o rage_v and_o violent_a in_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n represent_v by_o the_o ruggedness_n and_o roughness_n of_o the_o way_n as_o st._n matth._n express_v it_o chap._n 7._o 14._o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d confragosa_fw-la est_fw-la via_fw-la so_o grotius_n render_v it_o the_o way_n be_v craggy_a full_a of_o affliction_n and_o trouble_n so_o that_o these_o be_v the_o two_o great_a difficulty_n in_o a_o christian_a course_n indisposition_n from_o within_o and_o opposition_n from_o without_o 1._o indisposition_n from_o within_o and_o this_o make_v religion_n so_o much_o the_o more_o difficult_a because_o it_o check_v we_o at_o our_o very_a first_o entrance_n upon_o our_o christian_a course_n and_o make_v we_o unwilling_a to_o set_v out_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o those_o vicious_a habit_n which_o by_o a_o long_a custom_n of_o sin_n we_o have_v contract_v do_v strong_o incline_v we_o the_o contrary_a way_n so_o that_o a_o man_n must_v offer_v great_a force_n and_o violence_n to_o himself_o that_o will_v conquer_v this_o difficulty_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o break_v off_o a_o vicious_a habit_n and_o to_o get_v loose_a from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o custom_n the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o next_o to_o a_o natural_a impossibility_n chap._n 13._o 23._o can_v the_o ethiopian_a change_n his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n then_o may_v you_o also_o do_v good_a that_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a this_o require_v great_a strive_v indeed_o nothing_o show_v the_o spirit_n and_o resolution_n of_o a_o man_n more_o than_o to_o contend_v with_o a_o inveterate_a habit_n for_o in_o this_o case_n a_o man_n strive_v against_o the_o very_a bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o set_v a_o man_n against_o all_o the_o world_n than_o to_o make_v he_o fight_v with_o himself_o and_o yet_o this_o every_o man_n must_v do_v who_o from_o any_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n betake_v himself_o serious_o to_o religion_n he_o must_v as_o it_o be_v lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o himself_o and_o fight_v with_o the_o man_n he_o be_v before_o and_o this_o in_o scripture_n be_v emphatical_o express_v to_o we_o by_o crucify_a the_o old_a man_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n thereof_o a_o christian_a when_o he_o first_o enter_v upon_o a_o holy_a and_o good_a course_n of_o life_n be_v represent_v as_o two_o person_n or_o party_n at_o civil_a war_n one_o with_o another_o the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a man_n so_o that_o whoever_o will_v be_v a_o christian_n must_v put_v off_o himself_o and_o become_v another_o man_n and_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n for_o a_o man_n to_o quit_v himself_o 2._o in_o our_o christian_a course_n we_o must_v likewise_o expect_v to_o meet_v with_o great_a opposition_n from_o without_o bless_a be_v god_n christianity_n have_v general_o be_v for_o many_o age_n free_a from_o this_o difficulty_n which_o attend_v the_o first_o profession_n of_o it_o it_o be_v then_o indeed_o a_o very_a steep_a and_o craggy_a way_n very_o rough_a and_o thorny_a not_o to_o be_v travel_v in_o without_o sweat_n and_o blood_n then_o the_o danger_n and_o hazard_n of_o that_o profession_n be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v encounter_v by_o a_o mere_a moral_a resolution_n and_o the_o natural_a strength_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n the_o persecution_n that_o attend_v it_o be_v so_o hot_a and_o the_o torment_n which_o threaten_v it_o so_o terrible_a that_o the_o sensual_a and_o inconsiderate_a part_n of_o mankind_n will_v rather_o venture_v hell_n at_o a_o distance_n than_o run_v themselves_o upon_o so_o present_a and_o evident_a a_o danger_n but_o since_o these_o age_n of_o persecution_n this_o difficulty_n have_v be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n remove_v not_o but_o that_o the_o true_a religion_n have_v still_o its_o enemy_n in_o the_o world_n but_o they_o be_v not_o let_v loose_a as_o they_o be_v in_o those_o time_n it_o be_v still_o persecute_v and_o expose_v to_o the_o malice_n and_o reproach_n but_o not_o to_o the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o unreasonable_a men._n in_o the_o calm_a time_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o man_n can_v be_v a_o strict_a and_o sincere_a christian_a without_o be_v liable_a to_o hatred_n and_o contempt_n without_o deny_v himself_o many_o of_o those_o worldly_a advantage_n which_o those_o who_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o the_o strict_a law_n of_o christianity_n may_v make_v to_o themselves_o so_o that_o at_o all_o time_n it_o require_v a_o good_a degree_n of_o constancy_n and_o resolution_n
here_o speak_v of_o this_o may_v be_v bad_a enough_o and_o the_o great_a sin_n any_o man_n who_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_a life_n in_o the_o more_o notorious_o he_o contradict_v his_o profession_n and_o fall_v off_o from_o christianity_n and_o the_o near_o he_o approach_v to_o the_o sin_n in_o the_o text_n and_o the_o danger_n there_o threaten_v but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o this_o be_v not_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o four_o but_o it_o be_v a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n more_o especial_o to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n the_o renounce_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o and_o this_o will_v be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o occasion_n and_o main_a scope_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o that_o be_v to_o confirm_v the_o jew_n who_o have_v new_o embrace_v christianity_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o religion_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o apostatise_v from_o it_o because_o of_o the_o persecution_n and_o suffering_n which_o attend_v that_o profession_n it_o please_v god_n when_o christianity_n first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n to_o permit_v the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o raise_v a_o vehement_a persecution_n against_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o by_o reason_n whereof_o many_o out_o of_o base_a fear_n do_v apostatise_v from_o it_o and_o in_o testimony_n of_o their_o renounce_n it_o be_v force_v to_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o heathen_a idol_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n endeavour_v to_o caution_n and_o arm_n man_n against_o throughout_o this_o epistle_n ch._n 2._o 1._o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n we_o shall_v fall_v away_o and_o chap._n 3._o 12._o it_o be_v call_v a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n to_o apostatise_v from_o the_o live_a god_n take_v heed_n brethren_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 to_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n that_o be_v to_o fall_v from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n to_o idolatry_n and_o chap._n 10._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o that_o be_v not_o decline_v the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n for_o fear_n of_o persecution_n and_o v._o 26._o it_o be_v call_v a_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o v._o 39_o a_o draw_v back_o to_o perdition_n and_o ch._n 12._o it_o be_v call_v by_o way_n of_o eminency_n the_o sin_n which_o so_o easy_o beset_v the_o sin_n which_o in_o those_o time_n of_o persecution_n they_o be_v so_o liable_a to_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n which_o st._n john_n speak_v of_o and_o call_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n and_o do_v not_o require_v christian_n to_o pray_v for_o those_o who_o fall_v into_o it_o with_o any_o assurance_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v forgive_v 1_o john_n 5._o 16._o there_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v pray_v for_o it_o all_o vnrighteousness_n be_v sin_n and_o there_o be_v a_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n we_o know_v that_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o that_o be_v do_v not_o fall_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n to_o that_o of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n but_o he_o that_o be_v beget_v of_o god_n keep_v himself_o and_o that_o wicked_a one_o touch_v he_o not_o and_o then_o v._o 21._o he_o add_v this_o caution_n little_a chrildren_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n which_o sufficient_o show_v what_o that_o sin_n be_v which_o he_o be_v speak_v of_o before_o so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n which_o the_o apostle_n design_v to_o caution_n man_n against_o throughout_o this_o epistle_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a what_o fall_v away_o it_o be_v he_o here_o speak_v of_o namely_o a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n and_o more_o especial_o to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n 5th_o we_o will_v consider_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o recover_v such_o person_n by_o repentance_n if_o they_o fall_v away_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n and_o that_o for_o these_o three_o reason_n 1._o because_o of_o the_o greatness_n and_o heinousness_n of_o the_o sin_n 2._o because_o it_o renounce_v and_o cast_v off_o the_o mean_n of_o recovery_n 3._o because_o it_o be_v so_o high_a a_o provocation_n of_o god_n to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o such_o person_n 1._o because_o of_o the_o greatness_n and_o heinousness_n of_o the_o sin_n both_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o downright_a apostasy_n from_o god_n a_o direct_a renounce_n of_o he_o and_o reject_v of_o his_o truth_n after_o man_n have_v own_v it_o and_o be_v inward_o persuade_v and_o convince_v of_o it_o and_o so_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o in_o this_o epistle_n call_v it_o a_o apostasy_n from_o the_o live_a god_n a_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o have_v all_o the_o aggravation_n that_o a_o crime_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v against_o the_o clear_a light_n and_o knowledge_n and_o the_o full_a conviction_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n concern_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o he_o renounce_v against_o the_o great_a obligation_n lay_v upon_o he_o by_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n after_o the_o free_a pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n receive_v and_o a_o miraculous_a power_n confer_v for_o a_o witness_n and_o testimony_n to_o themselves_o of_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v it_o be_v the_o high_a affront_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o reveal_v this_o religion_n to_o the_o world_n and_o seal_v it_o with_o his_o blood_n and_o in_o effect_n a_o expression_n of_o as_o high_a malice_n to_o the_o author_n of_o this_o religion_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v guilty_a of_o when_o they_o put_v he_o to_o so_o cruel_a and_o shameful_a a_o death_n now_o a_o sin_n of_o this_o heinous_a nature_n be_v apt_a natural_o either_o to_o plunge_v man_n into_o hardness_n and_o impenitency_n or_o to_o drive_v they_o to_o despair_v and_o either_o of_o these_o condition_n be_v effectual_a barrs_n to_o their_o recovery_n and_o both_o these_o danger_n the_o apostle_n warn_v man_n of_o in_o this_o epistle_n ch._n 3._o 12_o 13._o take_v heed_n brethren_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 to_o apostatise_v from_o the_o live_a god_n but_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a whilst_o 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 or_o else_o the_o reflection_n upon_o so_o horrid_a a_o crime_n be_v apt_a to_o drive_v a_o man_n to_o despair_n as_o it_o do_v judas_n who_o after_o he_o have_v betray_v the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v find_v no_o ease_n but_o by_o make_v away_o himself_o the_o guilt_n of_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n fill_v he_o with_o such_o terror_n that_o he_o be_v glad_a to_o fly_v to_o death_n for_o refuge_n and_o to_o lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o himself_o and_o this_o likewise_o be_v the_o case_n of_o spira_n who_o apostasy_n though_o it_o be_v not_o total_a from_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o only_o from_o the_o purity_n and_o reformation_n of_o it_o bring_v he_o to_o that_o desperation_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o hell_n upon_o earth_n and_o of_o this_o danger_n likewise_o the_o apostle_n admonish_v ch._n 12._o 15._o look_v diligent_o lest_o any_o man_n fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n lest_o any_o man_n fall_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n lest_o any_o root_n of_o bitterness_n spring_v up_o trouble_v you_o and_o then_o he_o compare_v the_o case_n of_o such_o person_n to_o esau_n who_o when_o he_o have_v renounce_v his_o birthright_n to_o which_o the_o blessing_n be_v annex_v be_v afterward_o when_o he_o will_v have_v inherit_v the_o blessing_n reject_v and_o find_v no_o place_n of_o repentance_n though_o he_o seek_v it_o careful_o with_o tear_n two_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n do_v renounce_v and_o cast_v off_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o recovery_n and_o therefore_o it_o become_v extreme_o difficult_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n they_o reject_v the_o gospel_n which_o afford_v the_o best_a argument_n and_o mean_n to_o repentance_n and_o renounce_v the_o only_a way_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o certain_o that_o man_n be_v in_o
in_o ourselves_o not_o secure_a because_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n that_o our_o resolution_n may_v be_v bear_v down_o one_o time_n or_o other_o by_o the_o assault_v of_o temptation_n if_o we_o be_v not_o continual_o vigilant_a and_o upon_o our_o guard_n not_o confident_a in_o ourselves_o because_o we_o stand_v by_o faith_n and_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n infer_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v high_o mind_v but_o fear_v man_n may_v have_v go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o christianity_n and_o have_v be_v sincere_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o afterward_o may_v apostatise_v in_o the_o foul_a manner_n not_o only_o fall_v off_o to_o a_o vicious_a life_n but_o even_o desert_a the_o profession_n of_o their_o religion_n i_o will_v to_o god_n the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o give_v we_o too_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o possibility_n of_o this_o when_o we_o see_v so_o many_o revolt_n from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n to_o the_o corruption_n and_o superstition_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o from_o a_o religious_a and_o sober_a life_n to_o plunge_v themselves_o into_o all_o kind_n of_o lewdness_n and_o debauchery_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v into_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n can_v we_o doubt_v any_o long_a whether_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o christian_n to_o fall_v away_o i_o wish_v we_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o the_o possibility_n of_o their_o recovery_n as_o we_o be_v of_o their_o fall_v and_o that_o we_o have_v as_o many_o example_n of_o the_o one_o as_o of_o the_o other_o let_v we_o then_o be_v very_o vigilant_a over_o ourselves_o and_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 17._o see_v we_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v lest_o we_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o our_o own_o steadfastness_n two_o this_o show_v we_o how_o great_a a_o aggravation_n it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o sin_n against_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n which_o the_o gospel_n afford_v and_o the_o mercy_n which_o it_o offer_v unto_o they_o that_o which_o aggravate_v the_o sin_n of_o these_o person_n be_v that_o after_o they_o be_v once_o enlighten_v that_o be_v at_o their_o baptism_n be_v instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n the_o clear_a and_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v of_o god_n will_n to_o mankind_n that_o after_o they_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o god_n grace_n and_o have_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o have_v many_o other_o benefit_n confer_v upon_o they_o that_o after_o all_o this_o they_o shall_v fall_v off_o from_o this_o holy_a religion_n this_o be_v that_o which_o do_v so_o heighten_v and_o inflame_v their_o gild_n and_o make_v their_o case_n so_o near_o desperate_a the_o two_o great_a aggravation_n of_o crime_n be_v wilfulness_n and_o ingratitude_n if_o a_o crime_n be_v wilful_o commit_v and_o commit_v against_o one_o that_o have_v oblige_v we_o by_o the_o great_a favour_n and_o benefit_n now_o he_o commit_v a_o fault_n wilful_o who_o do_v it_o against_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o his_o duty_n ignorance_n excuse_v for_o so_o far_o as_o a_o man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o evil_n he_o do_v so_o far_o the_o action_n be_v involuntary_a but_o knowledge_n make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o wilful_a fault_n and_o this_o be_v a_o more_o peculiar_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o christian_n because_o god_n have_v afford_v they_o the_o great_a mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n that_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v the_o clear_a light_n that_o ever_o mankind_n have_v and_o the_o mercy_n which_o the_o gospel_n bring_v be_v the_o great_a that_o ever_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o free_a pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o help_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v what_o god_n require_v of_o we_o so_o that_o we_o who_o sin_n after_o baptism_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christianity_n and_o those_o great_a blessing_n which_o the_o gospel_n bestow_v on_o mankind_n be_v of_o all_o person_n in_o the_o world_n the_o most_o inexcusable_a the_o sin_n of_o heathen_n bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o we_o because_o they_o never_o enjoy_v those_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n never_o have_v those_o blessing_n confer_v upon_o they_o which_o christian_n be_v partaker_n of_o so_o that_o we_o may_v apply_v to_o ourselves_o those_o severe_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o epistle_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n hear_v how_o our_o saviour_n aggravate_v the_o fault_n of_o man_n upon_o this_o account_n of_o the_o wilfulness_n of_o they_o and_o their_o be_v commit_v against_o the_o express_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n luke_o 12._o 47_o 48._o the_o servant_n which_o know_v his_o lord_n will_n and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neither_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n for_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v much_o be_v require_v and_o to_o who_o man_n have_v commit_v much_o of_o he_o they_o will_v ask_v the_o more_o the_o mean_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o many_o talent_n commit_v to_o our_o trust_n of_o the_o neglect_n whereof_o a_o severe_a account_n will_v be_v take_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n if_o we_o be_v wilful_a offender_n there_o be_v no_o excuse_n for_o we_o and_o little_a hope_n of_o pardon_n if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n say_v the_o apostle_n in_o this_o epistle_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n i_o know_v the_o apostle_n speak_v this_o particular_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n but_o it_o be_v in_o proportion_n true_a of_o all_o other_o sin_n which_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v guilty_a of_o they_o who_o after_o they_o have_v entertain_v christianity_n and_o make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o and_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n reform_v by_o it_o do_v again_o relapse_n into_o any_o vicious_a course_n do_v thereby_o render_v their_o condition_n very_o dangerous_a so_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 2_o pet._n 2._o 20_o 21._o if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v again_o entangle_v therein_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n for_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o therefore_o we_o may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v serious_o what_o we_o do_v when_o under_o the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n which_o the_o gospel_n afford_v we_o and_o the_o inestimable_a blessing_n and_o favour_n which_o it_o confer_v upon_o we_o we_o live_v in_o any_o wicked_a and_o vicious_a course_n our_o sin_n be_v not_o of_o a_o common_a rate_n when_o they_o have_v so_o much_o of_o wilfulness_n and_o unworthiness_n in_o they_o if_o man_n shall_v be_v severe_o punish_v for_o live_v against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n what_o vengeance_n shall_v be_v pour_v on_o those_o who_o offend_v against_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v etc._n etc._n three_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o those_o who_o upon_o every_o failing_n and_o infirmity_n be_v afraid_a they_o have_v commit_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v restore_v by_o repentance_n there_o be_v many_o who_o be_v of_o a_o dark_a and_o melancholy_a temper_n be_v apt_a to_o represent_v thing_n worse_o to_o themselves_o than_o there_o be_v reason_n for_o and_o do_v many_o time_n fancy_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o great_a crime_n in_o the_o do_n or_o neglect_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o in_o their_o nature_n be_v indifferent_a and_o be_v apt_a to_o aggravate_v and_o blow_v up_o every_o little_a infirmity_n into_o a_o unpardonable_a sin_n most_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o extenuate_v their_o sin_n and_o not_o to_o be_v sensible_a enough_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o heinousness_n of_o they_o but_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a infelicity_n of_o melancholy_a person_n to_o look_v upon_o their_o fault_n as_o black_a and_o great_a than_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v and_o whatsoever_o they_o hear_v and_o read_v in_o scripture_n that_o be_v speak_v against_o the_o gross_a and_o
to_o we_o pardon_v of_o sin_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n this_o be_v a_o short_a sum_n and_o abridgement_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o that_o can_v reasonable_o be_v except_v against_o 4._o god_n consider_v the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o heathen_a against_o christianity_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o education_n in_o a_o contrary_a religion_n be_v strong_a and_o violent_a be_v please_v to_o give_v such_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n as_o be_v of_o proportionable_a strength_n and_o force_n to_o remove_v and_o conquer_v this_o prejudice_n he_o be_v please_v to_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o first_o founder_n of_o this_o religion_n by_o mighty_a miracle_n and_o particular_o by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a but_o because_o the_o report_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v only_o bring_v to_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o they_o have_v not_o see_v these_o thing_n themselves_o therefore_o he_o enable_v those_o who_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o the_o world_n to_o work_v as_o great_a miracle_n as_o he_o have_v do_v and_o when_o they_o see_v those_o who_o give_v testimony_n to_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n do_v as_o great_a and_o strange_a thing_n themselves_o as_o they_o testify_v of_o he_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n any_o long_a to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n so_o that_o though_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o heathen_a against_o christianity_n be_v very_o great_a yet_o the_o evidence_n which_o god_n give_v to_o it_o be_v strong_a enough_o to_o remove_v it_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v such_o as_o may_v have_v recommend_v itself_o to_o impartial_a man_n by_o its_o own_o reasonableness_n but_o meet_v with_o violent_a prejudices_fw-la in_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v offer_v god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v such_o a_o confirmation_n to_o it_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o bear_v down_o those_o prejudices_fw-la second_o another_o objection_n against_o christianity_n be_v the_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o expect_v some_o deep_a speculation_n in_o natural_a or_o moral_a philosophy_n they_o make_v full_a account_n a_o teacher_n send_v from_o heaven_n will_v have_v instruct_v they_o in_o the_o profound_a point_n and_o discourse_v to_o they_o about_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o chief_a end_n of_o man_n with_o a_o subtlety_n and_o eloquence_n infinite_o beyond_o that_o of_o their_o great_a sophister_n and_o able_a to_o bear_v down_o all_o opposition_n and_o contradiction_n but_o instead_o of_o this_o they_o be_v tell_v a_o plain_a story_n of_o the_o life_n and_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o his_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o a_o few_o plain_a precept_n of_o life_n and_o all_o this_o deliver_v without_o any_o ornament_n of_o art_n or_o insinuation_n of_o eloquence_n to_o gain_v the_o favour_n and_o applause_n of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o relate_v these_o thing_n but_o now_o this_o true_o consider_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o real_a objection_n against_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a commendation_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o it_o for_o matter_n of_o fact_n ought_v to_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o simple_a and_o unaffected_a manner_n and_o the_o less_o art_n and_o eloquence_n be_v use_v in_o the_o tell_n of_o a_o story_n the_o more_o likely_a it_o be_v to_o gain_v belief_n and_o as_o for_o our_o saviour_n precept_n how_o plain_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v i_o be_o sure_a they_o be_v a_o collection_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o reasonable_a rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o the_o free_a from_o all_o vanity_n and_o folly_n that_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o any_o book_n in_o the_o world_n and_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o more_o likely_a to_o proceed_v from_o he_o than_o so_o plain_a and_o useful_a a_o doctrine_n as_o this_o the_o language_n of_o law_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o be_v fine_a and_o persuasive_a but_o short_a and_o plain_a and_o full_a of_o authority_n thus_o it_o be_v among_o man_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v much_o fit_a for_o god_n to_o speak_v thus_o to_o man_n than_o for_o man_n to_o one_o another_o three_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n want_v demonstration_n they_o seem_v to_o impose_v too_o much_o upon_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n and_o to_o deliver_v thing_n too_o magisterial_o not_o demonstrate_v thing_n from_o intrinsical_a argument_n but_o require_v belief_n and_o assent_n without_o proof_n this_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n ready_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n they_o do_v not_o proceed_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o heathen_a orator_n and_o philosopher_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 4._o my_o speech_n and_o my_o preach_v be_v not_o in_o the_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n that_o be_v they_o do_v not_o go_v in_o the_o way_n of_o human_a eloquence_n and_o demonstration_n but_o yet_o their_o doctrine_n do_v not_o want_v its_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n though_o of_o another_o kind_n they_o do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o bewitch_v man_n by_o eloquence_n nor_o to_o entangle_v their_o mind_n by_o subtle_a reason_n the_o force_n of_o which_o very_o few_o be_v capable_a of_o but_o they_o offer_v to_o man_n a_o sensible_a proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v in_o those_o strange_a and_o miraculous_a operation_n to_o which_o they_o be_v enable_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o this_o be_v a_o sensible_a evidence_n even_o to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n of_o a_o divine_a assistance_n go_v along_o with_o they_o and_z giving_z testimony_n to_o they_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n whether_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o his_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n be_v not_o a_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o more_o level_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o all_o mankind_n than_o the_o fine_a and_o subtle_a argument_n that_o can_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o immaterial_a nature_n of_o the_o soul_n its_o power_n of_o reflection_n upon_o itself_o and_o independency_n upon_o the_o body_n as_o to_o some_o of_o its_o operation_n which_o yet_o be_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a argument_n that_o philosophy_n afford_v to_o prove_v the_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n four_o the_o heathen_n object_v that_o the_o low_a and_o mean_a condition_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v unsuitable_a to_o one_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v a_o teacher_n and_o reformer_n of_o the_o world_n this_o to_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n do_v not_o only_o appear_v unreasonable_a but_o even_o ridiculous_a so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 23._o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n to_o think_v that_o a_o man_n who_o appear_v in_o such_o mean_a circumstance_n shall_v be_v fit_a to_o reform_v the_o world_n and_o one_o who_o himself_o be_v put_v to_o death_n shall_v be_v rely_v upon_o for_o life_n and_o immortality_n this_o objection_n i_o have_v heretofore_o consider_v at_o large_a and_o therefore_o shall_v now_o speak_v but_o very_o brief_o to_o it_o beside_o those_o excellent_a reason_n and_o end_n which_o the_o scripture_n assign_v of_o our_o saviour_n humiliation_n as_o that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o teacher_n and_o example_n to_o we_o that_o he_o may_v make_v expiation_n for_o our_o sin_n that_o by_o suffer_v himself_o he_o may_v learn_v to_o commiserate_v we_o that_o by_o death_n he_o may_v destroy_v he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o may_v deliver_v those_o who_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v all_o their_o life_n subject_a to_o bondage_n i_o say_v beside_o these_o it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n that_o he_o shall_v live_v in_o so_o mean_a and_o afflict_a condition_n to_o confront_v the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n and_o fantastry_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o these_o two_o great_a truth_n that_o god_n may_v love_v those_o who_o he_o afflict_v and_o that_o man_n may_v be_v innocent_a and_o virtuous_a and_o content_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o poverty_n and_o reproach_n and_o suffer_v have_v our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v a_o great_a temporal_a prince_n his_o influence_n and_o example_n may_v possible_o have_v make_v more_o hypocrite_n and_o servile_a convert_v but_o will_v not_o have_v persuade_v man_n one_o jot_n more_o
to_o be_v inward_o good_a and_o virtuous_a the_o great_a argument_n that_o must_v do_v that_o must_v be_v fetch_v not_o from_o the_o pomp_n and_o prosperity_n of_o this_o world_n but_o from_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o misery_n of_o the_o other_o beside_o have_v he_o appear_v in_o any_o great_a power_n and_o splendour_n the_o christian_a religion_n can_v not_o have_v be_v so_o clear_o acquit_v from_o the_o suspicion_n of_o a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o design_n which_o will_v have_v be_v a_o far_o great_a objection_n against_o it_o than_o this_o which_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v to_o add_v to_o all_o this_o that_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n do_v teach_v that_o worldly_a greatness_n and_o power_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admire_v but_o despise_v by_o a_o true_o wise_a man_n that_o man_n may_v be_v virtuous_a and_o good_a and_o dear_o belove_v of_o god_n and_o yet_o be_v liable_a to_o great_a misery_n and_o suffering_n and_o whoever_o suffer_v unjust_o and_o bear_v it_o patient_o give_v the_o great_a testimony_n to_o goodness_n and_o do_v most_o effectual_o recommend_v virtue_n to_o the_o world_n that_o a_o good_a man_n under_o the_o hard_a circumstance_n of_o misery_n and_o reproach_n and_o suffer_v be_v the_o fit_a person_n of_o all_o other_o to_o be_v the_o minister_n and_o apostle_n and_o preacher_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n and_o sure_o they_o who_o say_v such_o thing_n which_o the_o heathen_a have_v do_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o object_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n his_o low_a and_o suffer_a condition_n as_o to_o that_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n that_o he_o who_o promise_v immortality_n to_o other_o can_v not_o save_v himself_o from_o death_n and_o suffer_v consider_v that_o he_o who_o be_v put_v to_o death_n rescue_v himself_o from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o grave_a it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v ridiculous_a that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o rely_v upon_o he_o for_o our_o hope_n of_o immortality_n who_o by_o rise_v from_o the_o grave_a and_o conquer_a death_n give_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o make_v good_a what_o he_o promise_v i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o exception_n which_o be_v make_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n at_o their_o first_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o ii_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o objection_n which_o man_n at_o this_o day_n do_v more_o especial_o insist_v upon_o against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n and_o they_o be_v many_o first_o some_o that_o relate_v to_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o saviour_n second_o to_o the_o time_n of_o his_o appearance_n three_o that_o we_o have_v not_o now_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n the_o main_a argument_n for_o it_o rely_v upon_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o which_o at_o this_o distance_n we_o have_v not_o nor_o can_v expect_v to_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n four_o that_o the_o term_n of_o it_o seem_v very_o hard_a and_o to_o lay_v too_o great_a restraint_n upon_o human_a nature_n five_o that_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o dispirit_v man_n and_o to_o break_v the_o vigour_n and_o courage_n of_o their_o mind_n six_o the_o division_n and_o faction_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n seven_o the_o wicked_a life_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o christianty_n in_o answer_n to_o all_o which_o i_o do_v not_o propose_v to_o say_v all_o that_o may_v be_v say_v but_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v to_o offer_v so_o much_o as_o may_v if_o not_o give_v full_a satisfaction_n yet_o be_v sufficient_a to_o break_v the_o force_n of_o they_o and_o to_o free_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o any_o great_a perplexity_n about_o they_o as_o to_o the_o first_o which_o relate_v to_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o second_o to_o the_o time_n of_o his_o appearance_n i_o know_v that_o these_o and_o most_o of_o the_o rest_n i_o have_v mention_v be_v urge_v by_o the_o heathen_a against_o christianity_n but_o they_o be_v now_o more_o especial_o insist_v upon_o both_o by_o the_o secret_a and_o open_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n the_o objection_n against_o his_o incarnation_n i_o have_v elsewhere_o consider_v and_o therefore_o shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o iii_o john_n 1._o 14._o serm._n iii_o next_o viz._n second_o as_o to_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n appearance_n it_o be_v object_v if_o he_o be_v the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o salvation_n why_o do_v he_o come_v no_o soon_o into_o the_o world_n but_o suffer_v mankind_n so_o long_o without_o any_o hope_n or_o mean_n of_o be_v save_v this_o be_v object_v by_o porphyry_n of_o old_a and_o still_o stick_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n to_o this_o i_o answer_v i._o it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o creature_n to_o call_v their_o creator_n to_o too_o strict_a a_o account_n of_o his_o action_n goodness_n be_v free_a and_o may_v act_v when_o and_o how_o it_o please_v and_o as_o god_n will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n so_o he_o may_v have_v mercy_n at_o what_o time_n he_o please_v and_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o his_o matter_n this_o be_v much_o like_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o atheist_n against_o the_o be_v of_o god_n that_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a be_v he_o will_v sure_o have_v make_v the_o world_n soon_o and_o not_o have_v be_v without_o all_o employment_n for_o so_o long_a a_o duration_n such_o another_o objection_n be_v this_o against_o our_o saviour_n that_o if_o he_o have_v be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o will_v have_v begin_v this_o great_a and_o merciful_a work_n of_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n soon_o and_o not_o have_v delay_v it_o so_o long_o and_o suffer_v mankind_n to_o perish_v for_o four_o thousand_o year_n together_o but_o it_o seem_v in_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o god_n take_v his_o own_o time_n and_o he_o best_o know_v what_o time_n be_v fit_a the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n god_n send_v his_o son_n when_o thing_n be_v ripe_a for_o it_o and_o all_o thing_n accomplish_v that_o god_n think_v requisite_a in_o order_n to_o it_o in_o judge_v of_o the_o action_n of_o our_o earthly_a governor_n those_o who_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o their_o council_n what_o conjecture_n soever_o they_o may_v make_v of_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o will_v neverthe_o less_o if_o they_o have_v that_o respect_n for_o their_o wisdom_n which_o they_o ought_v believe_v that_o how_o strange_a soever_o some_o of_o their_o action_n may_v seem_v yet_o they_o be_v do_v upon_o good_a reason_n and_o that_o they_o themselves_o if_o they_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o their_o counsel_n shall_v think_v so_o much_o more_o do_v we_o owe_v that_o reverence_n to_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o will_n be_v ground_v upon_o very_o good_a reason_n though_o we_o do_v not_o see_v many_o time_n what_o it_o be_v 2._o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o the_o world_n be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o a_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o salvation_n before_o our_o saviour_n come_n before_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v give_v man_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o mercy_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o their_o sincere_a repentance_n for_o the_o violation_n of_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o lamb_n that_o be_v slay_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n man_n be_v save_v by_o christ_n both_o before_o and_o under_o the_o law_n without_o any_o particular_a and_o express_a knowledge_n of_o he_o there_o be_v good_a man_n in_o other_o nation_n as_o well_o as_o among_o the_o jew_n as_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n also_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o every_o nation_n they_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o wrought_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n look_v back_o as_o well_o as_o forward_o and_o god_n be_v reconcileable_a to_o man_n and_o their_o sin_n be_v pardon_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o great_a propitiation_n that_o be_v to_o be_v make_v in_o which_o sense_n perhaps_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n heb._n 9_o 25_o 26_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v to_o we_o that_o if_o this_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v offer_v in_o the_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n have_v not_o be_v available_a in_o former_a age_n christ_n must_v have_v often_o suffer_v since_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o now_o have_v he_o
appear_v once_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o age_n to_o put_v away_o sin_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o 3._o he_o do_v appear_v at_o that_o time_n in_o which_o the_o world_n stand_v most_o in_o need_n of_o he_o when_o the_o whole_a world_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v sink_v into_o the_o great_a degeneracy_n both_o in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o mankind_n seem_v to_o be_v even_o desperate_a and_o past_a remedy_n this_o be_v the_o needful_a time_n when_o it_o be_v most_o seasonable_a for_o this_o great_a physician_n to_o come_v and_o show_v his_o pity_n and_o skill_n in_o our_o recovery_n god_n can_v have_v send_v his_o son_n many_o age_n before_o but_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o try_v other_o way_n first_o and_o to_o reserve_v this_o powerful_a remedy_n to_o the_o last_o last_o of_o all_o he_o send_v his_o son_n 4._o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n appear_v be_v of_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o fit_a season_n for_o his_o come_v whether_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o the_o world_n be_v at_o that_o time_n best_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v for_o receive_v the_o christian_a religion_n or_o 2._o that_o this_o be_v the_o fit_a season_n that_o ever_o have_v be_v for_o the_o easy_a diffuse_v and_o propagate_a of_o this_o religion_n i_o assign_v these_o reason_n as_o tend_v to_o give_v man_n some_o satisfaction_n why_o this_o great_a blessing_n be_v delay_v so_o long_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o argument_n of_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n than_o of_o the_o want_n of_o either_o to_o defer_v thing_n to_o that_o time_n in_o which_o they_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o have_v their_o effect_n not_o but_o that_o perhaps_o other_o and_o better_a reason_n may_v be_v give_v to_o be_v sure_a god_n have_v very_o good_a reason_n for_o this_o dispensation_n whether_o we_o can_v hit_v upon_o they_o or_o not_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n these_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v altogether_o inconsiderable_a 1._o that_o the_o world_n be_v at_o that_o time_n best_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v for_o receive_v the_o christian_a religion_n all_o the_o while_o our_o saviour_n come_v be_v delay_v god_n providence_n be_v dispose_v thing_n for_o it_o and_o train_v up_o mankind_n for_o the_o entertain_n of_o this_o great_a blessing_n the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v always_o very_o burdensome_a but_o much_o more_o so_o towards_o the_o expiration_n of_o the_o jewish_a state_n partly_o by_o the_o intolerable_a multitude_n of_o external_a observance_n which_o be_v daily_o multiply_v upon_o they_o under_o pretence_n of_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n and_o partly_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o subjection_n to_o the_o roman_n which_o make_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n in_o many_o respect_n more_o difficult_a and_o the_o heathen_a world_n be_v in_o a_o very_a good_a measure_n prepare_v for_o christianity_n by_o be_v civilise_a about_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n philosophy_n and_o learning_n have_v be_v so_o diffuse_v by_o the_o roman_a conquest_n as_o have_v bring_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n from_o barbarism_n to_o civility_n beside_o that_o their_o philosophy_n have_v this_o effect_n upon_o man_n to_o refine_v their_o reason_n and_o in_o a_o good_a degree_n to_o detect_v the_o folly_n of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n and_o superstition_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o learning_n and_o philosophy_n flourish_v a_o great_a while_n before_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o grecian_a empire_n and_o perhaps_o before_o that_o in_o some_o other_o nation_n and_o the_o conquest_n of_o the_o grecian_n be_v very_o speedy_a and_o of_o vast_a extent_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v neither_o so_o universal_a nor_o so_o well_o settle_v nor_o do_v they_o propagate_v their_o philosophy_n and_o civility_n together_o with_o their_o conquest_n as_o the_o roman_n do_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o age_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o mankind_n be_v so_o general_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o that_o wherein_o our_o saviour_n appear_v 2._o this_o be_v likewise_o the_o fit_a season_n for_o the_o easy_a diffuse_v and_o propagate_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o roman_n together_o with_o their_o conquest_n do_v very_o much_o propagate_v their_o language_n which_o make_v the_o way_n of_o communication_n far_o more_o easy_a and_o by_o the_o long_a and_o frequent_a correspondence_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o that_o empire_n one_o with_o another_o the_o way_n of_o travel_n and_o passage_n from_o one_o country_n to_o another_o be_v more_o ready_a and_o open_a so_o that_o no_o age_n can_v be_v instanced_a in_o all_o respect_n so_o convenient_a for_o the_o speedy_a propagate_a of_o a_o new_a religion_n as_o that_o wherein_o our_o saviour_n appear_v viz._n when_o the_o roman_a empire_n be_v at_o its_o height_n and_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n that_o the_o brave_a and_o most_o virtuous_a people_n in_o the_o world_n infinite_o beyond_o either_o the_o persian_n or_o grecian_n shall_v be_v choose_v by_o god_n as_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a mean_n for_o the_o spread_a of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n that_o ever_o god_n make_v to_o the_o world_n three_o it_o be_v object_v that_o we_o have_v not_o now_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n the_o main_a argument_n for_o it_o rely_v upon_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o which_o at_o this_o distance_n we_o have_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o man_n not_o only_o may_v have_v but_o have_v a_o undoubted_a assurance_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n ancient_a than_o these_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o and_o the_o distance_n of_o they_o from_o our_o time_n create_v no_o manner_n of_o scruple_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n concern_v they_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o alexander_n the_o great_a and_o that_o he_o conquer_v darius_n and_o the_o persian_n that_o julius_n caesar_n invade_v our_o nation_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n subdue_v it_o and_o that_o he_o overcome_v pompey_n in_o the_o battle_n of_o pharsalia_n and_o innumerable_a other_o thing_n which_o i_o may_v instance_n in_o that_o be_v do_v before_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v firm_o believe_v without_o any_o manner_n of_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n by_o mankind_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v do_v so_o long_o ago_o so_o that_o ancient_a matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o clear_a evidence_n and_o we_o may_v have_v sufficient_a assurance_n of_o they_o and_o where_o there_o be_v equal_a evidence_n if_o we_o do_v not_o give_v equal_a belief_n the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o the_o argument_n but_o in_o the_o passion_n or_o prejudice_n of_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v propose_v 2._o we_o have_v every_o whit_n as_o great_a assurance_n nay_o great_a if_o it_o can_v or_o need_v to_o be_v of_o the_o matter_n upon_o which_o the_o proof_n of_o christianity_n rely_v as_o of_o those_o which_o i_o have_v mention_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n rely_v be_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o wrought_v such_o miracle_n that_o he_o be_v put_v to_o death_n at_o jerusalem_n under_o pontius_n pilate_n that_o he_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o be_v visible_o take_v up_o into_o heaven_n that_o he_o bestow_v miraculous_a gift_n and_o power_n upon_o the_o apostle_n to_o make_v they_o competent_a witness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o publish_v in_o his_o name_n that_o according_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n and_o in_o a_o short_a space_n without_o any_o human_a advantage_n do_v propagate_v it_o and_o gain_v entertainment_n for_o it_o in_o most_o part_n of_o the_o then_o know_v world_n now_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n have_v the_o same_o testimony_n of_o history_n write_v in_o those_o time_n and_o convey_v down_o to_o we_o by_o as_o general_a and_o uncontrole_v a_o tradition_n as_o the_o conquest_n of_o alexander_n and_o julius_n caesar_n so_o that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o afford_v equal_a belief_n to_o they_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o we_o have_v some_o prejudice_n or_o interest_n against_o the_o one_o more_o than_o against_o the_o other_o though_o the_o evidence_n for_o both_o be_v equal_a nay_o i_o go_v further_o that_o the_o evidence_n for_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a because_o that_o which_o depend_v upon_o it_o be_v of_o far_o great_a concernment_n to_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o mankind_n be_v more_o oblige_v to_o search_v more_o narrow_o into_o it_o for_o our_o saviour_n life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n we_o have_v the_o
a_o very_a sad_a and_o desperate_a condition_n the_o very_a nature_n of_o who_o disease_n be_v to_o reject_v the_o remedy_n that_o shall_v cure_v he_o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o apostatise_v from_o the_o gospel_n chap._n 10._o 26_o 27._o for_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n the_o great_a sacrifice_n and_o propitiation_n for_o sin_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o who_o renounce_v he_o what_o way_n of_o expiation_n can_v they_o hope_v for_o afterward_o what_o can_v they_o expect_v but_o to_o fall_v into_o his_o hand_n as_o a_o judge_n who_o they_o have_v reject_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o a_o saviour_n and_o then_o three_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n provoke_v god_n in_o the_o high_a manner_n to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n from_o they_o by_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n whereof_o they_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n so_o that_o it_o can_v hardly_o otherwise_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o god_n shall_v leave_v those_o to_o themselves_o who_o have_v so_o unworthy_o forsake_v he_o and_o whole_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n from_o such_o person_n as_o have_v so_o notorious_o offer_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o god_n always_o do_v this_o he_o be_v sometime_o better_a to_o such_o person_n than_o they_o have_v deserve_v from_o he_o and_o save_v those_o who_o have_v do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o undo_v themselves_o and_o merciful_o put_v forth_o his_o hand_n to_o recover_v they_o who_o be_v draw_v back_o to_o perdition_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v sudden_o surprise_v by_o the_o violence_n of_o temptation_n and_o yield_v to_o it_o not_o deliberate_o and_o out_o of_o choice_n but_o mere_o through_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n and_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o reflect_v upon_o themselves_o do_v return_v and_o repent_v this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o st._n peter_n who_o be_v surprise_v with_o a_o sudden_a fear_n deny_v christ_n but_o be_v admonish_v of_o his_o sin_n by_o the_o signal_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v he_o he_o be_v recover_v by_o a_o speedy_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n and_o so_o likewise_o several_a of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v at_o first_o overcome_v by_o fear_n to_o renounce_v their_o religion_n do_v afterward_o recover_v themselves_o and_o die_v resolute_a martyr_n but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a state_n out_o of_o which_o but_o few_o recover_v and_o with_o great_a difficulty_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o five_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o make_v out_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o text_n from_o the_o mistake_v and_o misapprehension_n which_o have_v be_v about_o it_o i_o shall_v now_o draw_v some_o useful_a inference_n from_o hence_o by_o way_n of_o application_n that_o we_o may_v see_v how_o far_o this_o do_v concern_v ourselves_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v these_o one_a from_o the_o supposition_n here_o in_o the_o text_n that_o such_o person_n as_o be_v there_o describe_v namely_o those_o who_o have_v be_v baptize_v and_o by_o baptism_n have_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o do_v firm_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o and_o be_v endow_v with_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o these_o may_v fall_v away_o this_o shall_v caution_n we_o all_o against_o confidence_n and_o security_n when_o those_o that_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o may_v fall_v let_v he_o that_o stand_v take_v heed_n some_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o those_o who_o the_o apostle_n here_o describe_v be_v true_a and_o sincere_a christian_n and_o that_o when_o he_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a if_o they_o fall_v away_o to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n he_o mean_v that_o they_o can_v fall_v away_o total_o so_o as_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o be_v renew_v again_o to_o repentance_n but_o this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n design_n which_o be_v to_o caution_n christian_n against_o apostasy_n because_o if_o they_o do_v fall_v away_o their_o recovery_n will_v be_v so_o exceed_v difficult_a which_o argument_n do_v plain_o suppose_v that_o they_o may_v fall_v away_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o be_v other_o who_o think_v the_o person_n here_o describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v hypocritical_a christian_n who_o for_o some_o base_a end_n have_v entertain_v christianity_n and_o put_v on_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o but_o not_o be_v sincere_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n will_v forsake_v it_o when_o persecution_n come_v but_o beside_o that_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o description_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v of_o these_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o to_o have_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o which_o if_o we_o understand_v justification_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o sanctify_a virtue_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o phrase_n these_o be_v blessing_n which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o hypocrite_n and_o which_o god_n do_v not_o bestow_v upon_o they_o i_o say_v beside_o this_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n intend_v such_o person_n when_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o hypocrite_n in_o those_o time_n of_o persecution_n for_o what_o shall_v tempt_v man_n to_o dissemble_v christianity_n when_o it_o be_v so_o dangerous_a a_o profession_n or_o what_o worldly_a end_n can_v man_n have_v in_o take_v that_o profession_n upon_o they_o which_o be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o worldly_a interest_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v those_o who_o be_v real_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o such_o may_v fall_v away_o for_o we_o may_v easy_o imagine_v that_o man_n may_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o in_o good_a earnest_n embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o not_o be_v so_o perfect_o wean_v from_o the_o world_n and_o so_o firm_o root_v and_o establish_v in_o that_o persuasion_n as_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n to_o be_v able_a to_o quit_v all_o for_o it_o and_o to_o bear_v up_o against_o all_o the_o terror_n and_o assault_n of_o persecution_n so_o that_o they_o may_v be_v real_a christian_n and_o no_o hypocrite_n though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o perfect_o establish_v and_o confirm_v and_o so_o sincere_o resolve_v as_o many_o other_o they_o be_v not_o like_o st._n paul_n and_o those_o try_a person_n who_o he_o speak_v of_o rom._n 8._o 35_o 37._o who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n nay_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n they_o have_v be_v try_v by_o all_o these_o and_o yet_o have_v hold_v out_o upon_o which_o he_o break_v out_o into_o those_o triumphant_a expression_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n they_o may_v not_o i_o say_v be_v like_o those_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o be_v real_a in_o their_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o no_o hypocrite_n in_o short_a i_o take_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o our_o saviour_n describe_v he_o to_o be_v who_o receive_v the_o seed_n into_o stony_a place_n namely_o he_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o anon_o with_o joy_n receceive_v it_o yet_o have_v he_o not_o root_v in_o himself_o but_o dure_v for_o a_o while_n for_o when_o tribulation_n or_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n by_o and_o by_o he_o be_v offend_v this_o be_v no_o description_n of_o a_o hypocrite_n but_o of_o one_o that_o be_v real_a as_o far_o as_o he_o go_v for_o he_o be_v say_v to_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n but_o be_v not_o well_o root_v and_o come_v to_o such_o a_o confirm_a state_n as_o resolute_o to_o withstand_v the_o assault_n of_o persecution_n so_o that_o though_o we_o have_v true_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o be_v in_o a_o good_a degree_n sincere_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o yet_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v neither_o be_v secure_a nor_o confident_a
most_o enormous_a offender_n they_o apply_v to_o themselves_o and_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n or_o read_v this_o text_n which_o i_o be_o now_o treat_v of_o they_o present_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o these_o sin_n and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o description_n of_o their_o case_n whereas_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o probable_o none_o but_o those_o that_o see_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n be_v capable_a of_o commit_v it_o and_o except_v that_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n whatsoever_o that_o be_v unpardonable_a as_o for_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n and_o that_o here_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n i_o have_v show_v that_o they_o be_v a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n more_o especial_o to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n which_o these_o person_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o imagine_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o and_o though_o great_a and_o notorious_a crime_n commit_v by_o christian_n may_v come_v near_o to_o this_o and_o it_o may_v be_v very_o hard_a for_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o to_o recover_v themselves_o again_o to_o repentance_n yet_o to_o be_v sure_a for_o the_o common_a frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o human_a nature_n there_o be_v a_o open_a way_n of_o pardon_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o they_o be_v many_o time_n forgive_v to_o we_o upon_o a_o general_n repentance_n so_o that_o upon_o account_n of_o these_o which_o be_v common_o the_o case_n of_o the_o person_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n of_o despair_n and_o though_o it_o be_v hard_o many_o time_n for_o such_o person_n to_o receive_v comfort_n yet_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o give_v it_o and_o that_o upon_o sure_a ground_n and_o as_o clear_a evidence_n of_o scripture_n as_o there_o be_v for_o any_o thing_n so_o that_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o such_o person_n who_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o judge_v thus_o hardly_o of_o themselves_o be_v to_o be_v convince_v of_o if_o possible_a be_v this_o that_o they_o ought_v rather_o to_o trust_v the_o judgement_n of_o other_o concern_v themselves_o than_o their_o own_o imagination_n which_o be_v so_o distemper_a that_o it_o can_v make_v a_o true_a representation_n of_o thing_n i_o know_v that_o where_o melancholy_a do_v mighty_o prevail_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o persuade_v people_n of_o this_o but_o till_o they_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o i_o be_o sure_a all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o they_o four_o this_o shall_v make_v man_n afraid_a of_o great_a and_o presumptuous_a sin_n which_o come_v near_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n such_o as_o deliberate_v murder_n adultery_n gross_a fraud_n and_o oppression_n or_o notorious_a and_o habitual_a intemperance_n for_o what_o great_a difference_n be_v there_o whether_o man_n renounce_v christianity_n or_o profess_v to_o believe_v it_o do_v in_o their_o work_n deny_v it_o some_o of_o these_o sin_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v particular_o murder_n and_o adultery_n be_v rank_v in_o the_o same_o degree_n with_o apostasy_n by_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o so_o severe_a be_v the_o discipline_n of_o many_o church_n that_o person_n guilty_a of_o these_o crime_n be_v never_o admit_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n again_o whatever_o testimony_n they_o give_v of_o their_o repentance_n i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o this_o be_v too_o rigorous_a but_o this_o show_v how_o inconsistent_a with_o christianity_n these_o crime_n and_o other_o of_o the_o like_a degree_n of_o heinousness_n be_v in_o those_o day_n think_v to_o be_v they_o do_v not_o indeed_o as_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o think_v such_o person_n absolute_o incapable_a of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n but_o after_o such_o a_o fall_n so_o notorious_a a_o contradiction_n to_o their_o christian_a profession_n they_o think_v it_o unfit_a afterward_o that_o they_o shall_v ever_o be_v reckon_v in_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n 5th_o it_o may_v be_v useful_a for_o we_o upon_o this_o occasion_n to_o reflect_v a_o little_a upon_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n which_o in_o some_o place_n as_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o be_v so_o severe_a as_o in_o case_n of_o some_o great_a crime_n after_o baptism_n as_o apostasy_n to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n murder_n and_o adultery_n never_o to_o admit_v those_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o in_o all_o church_n be_v so_o strict_a as_o not_o to_o admit_v those_o who_o fall_v after_o baptism_n into_o great_a and_o notorious_a crime_n to_o reconciliation_n with_o the_o church_n but_o after_o a_o long_a and_o tedious_a course_n of_o penance_n after_o the_o great_a and_o most_o public_a testimony_n of_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n after_o long_o fast_v and_o tear_n and_o the_o great_a sign_n of_o humiliation_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v in_o case_n of_o the_o great_a offence_n they_o be_v seldom_o reconcile_v till_o they_o come_v to_o lie_v upon_o their_o deathbed_n and_o in_o case_n of_o other_o scandalous_a sin_n not_o till_o after_o the_o humiliation_n of_o many_o year_n this_o perhaps_o may_v be_v think_v too_o great_a severity_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o be_v as_o much_o too_o remiss_a now_o as_o they_o be_v over_o rigorous_a then_o but_o be_v the_o ancient_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o any_o degree_n put_v in_o practice_n now_o what_o case_n will_v the_o generality_n of_o christian_n be_v in_o in_o what_o herd_n and_o shoal_n will_v man_n be_v drive_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v true_a the_o prodigious_a degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n of_o christian_n have_v long_o since_o break_v these_o bound_n and_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a to_o revive_v the_o strictness_n of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n in_o any_o measure_n till_o the_o world_n grow_v better_o but_o yet_o we_o ought_v to_o reflect_v with_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n upon_o the_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o sad_o to_o consider_v how_o few_o among_o we_o will_v in_o those_o day_n have_v be_v account_v christian_n and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n to_o be_v provoke_v to_o a_o emulation_n of_o those_o better_a time_n and_o to_o a_o reformation_n of_o those_o fault_n and_o miscarriage_n which_o in_o the_o best_a day_n of_o christianity_n be_v reckon_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o christian_a profession_n and_o to_o remember_v that_o though_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o now_o the_o same_o it_o be_v then_o yet_o the_o judgement_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n be_v and_o that_o those_o who_o live_v in_o any_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n though_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o shall_v be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n we_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n will_v be_v according_a to_o truth_n against_o they_o which_o commit_v such_o thing_n six_o and_o last_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v shall_v confirm_v and_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n it_o be_v true_a we_o be_v not_o now_o in_o danger_n of_o apostatise_v from_o christianity_n to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n but_o we_o have_v too_o many_o sad_a example_n of_o those_o who_o apostatise_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o in_o baptism_n to_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o impiety_n and_o lewdness_n there_o be_v many_o who_o daily_o fall_v off_o from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n to_o the_o gross_a error_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o in_o many_o thing_n do_v too_o near_o resemble_v the_o old_a pagan_a idolatry_n and_o what_o the_o apostle_n here_o say_v of_o the_o apostate_n of_o his_o time_n be_v proportionable_o true_a of_o those_o of_o our_o day_n that_o they_o who_o thus_o fall_v away_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n and_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o the_o guilt_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o apostasy_n have_v drive_v some_o to_o despair_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o spira_n who_o for_o resist_v the_o light_n and_o conviction_n of_o his_o mind_n be_v cast_v into_o those_o agony_n and_o fill_v with_o such_o terror_n as_o if_o the_o very_a pain_n of_o hell_n have_v take_v hold_n of_o he_o and_o in_o that_o fearful_a despair_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o those_o horror_n he_o breathe_v out_o his_o soul_n let_v we_o then_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o contradict_v the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o any_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n in_o our_o
save_v to_o the_o utmost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o see_v he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o by_o these_o qualification_n our_o high_a priest_n be_v describe_v in_o this_o epistle_n and_o by_o these_o he_o be_v every_o way_n suit_v to_o all_o our_o defect_n and_o infirmity_n all_o our_o want_n and_o necessity_n to_o instruct_v our_o ignorance_n by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o to_o lead_v we_o in_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n by_o his_o most_o holy_a and_o most_o exemplary_a life_n to_o expiate_v the_o guilt_n of_o our_o sin_n by_o his_o death_n and_o to_o procure_v grace_n and_o assistance_n for_o we_o by_o his_o prevalent_a intercession_n on_o our_o behalf_n by_o all_o these_o way_n and_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n one_a by_o the_o holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n whereby_o we_o be_v perfect_o instruct_v in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n and_o powerful_o excite_v and_o persuade_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v very_o obscure_a before_o and_o the_o motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o virtue_n but_o weak_a and_o ineffectual_a in_o comparison_n of_o what_o they_o be_v now_o render_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o general_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o vicious_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n blur_v and_o deface_v the_o natural_a law_n so_o that_o the_o heathen_a world_n for_o many_o age_n have_v but_o a_o very_a dark_a and_o doubtful_a knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n especial_o as_o to_o several_a instance_n of_o it_o the_o custom_n of_o several_a vice_n have_v so_o prevail_v among_o mankind_n as_o almost_o quite_o to_o extinguish_v the_o natural_a sense_n of_o their_o evil_a and_o deformity_n and_o the_o jew_n who_o enjoy_v a_o considerable_a degree_n of_o divine_a revelation_n have_v no_o strict_a regard_n to_o the_o morality_n of_o their_o action_n and_o content_v themselves_o with_o some_o kind_n of_o outward_a conformity_n to_o the_o bare_a letter_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n be_v almost_o whole_o take_v up_o with_o little_a ceremony_n and_o observance_n in_o which_o they_o place_v the_o main_a of_o their_o religion_n almost_o whole_o neglect_v the_o great_a duty_n and_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o free_a mankind_n from_o these_o wander_n and_o uncertainty_n about_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v the_o moral_a law_n and_o explain_v the_o full_a force_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o clear_v all_o doubt_n and_o supply_v all_o the_o defect_n of_o it_o by_o a_o more_o particular_a and_o explicit_a declaration_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o by_o precept_n of_o great_a perfection_n than_o the_o world_n be_v sufficient_o acquaint_v withal_o before_o of_o great_a humility_n and_o more_o universal_a charity_n of_o abstain_v from_o revenge_n and_o forgive_a injury_n and_o return_v to_o our_o enemy_n good_a for_o evil_a and_o love_n for_o ill-will_n and_o blessing_n and_o prayer_n for_o curse_n and_o persecution_n these_o virtue_n indeed_o be_v sometime_o and_o yet_o but_o very_o rare_o recommend_v before_o in_o the_o counsel_n of_o wise_a man_n but_o either_o not_o in_o that_o degree_n of_o perfection_n or_o not_o under_o that_o degree_n of_o necessity_n and_o as_o have_v the_o force_n of_o law_n and_o lay_v a_o universal_a obligation_n of_o indispensable_a duty_n upon_o all_o mankind_n and_o as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v give_v a_o great_a clearness_n and_o certainty_n and_o perfection_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n so_o he_o have_v reveal_v and_o bring_v into_o a_o clear_a light_n more_o powerful_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o constant_a and_o careful_a practice_n of_o it_o for_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v a_o plain_a and_o convince_a demonstration_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o a_o evidence_n to_o we_o both_o of_o his_o power_n and_o of_o the_o fidelity_n of_o his_o promise_n to_o raise_v we_o from_o the_o dead_a not_o but_o that_o mankind_n have_v some_o obscure_a apprehension_n of_o these_o thing_n before_o good_a man_n have_v always_o good_a hope_n of_o another_o life_n and_o future_a reward_n in_o another_o world_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n be_v not_o without_o some_o fear_n of_o the_o judgement_n and_o vengeance_n of_o another_o world_n but_o man_n have_v dispute_v themselves_o into_o great_a doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n about_o these_o thing_n and_o as_o man_n that_o be_v in_o doubt_n be_v almost_o indifferent_a which_o way_n they_o go_v so_o the_o uncertain_a apprehension_n which_o man_n have_v of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n have_v but_o a_o very_a faint_a influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o want_v that_o press_a and_o determine_v force_n to_o virtue_n and_o a_o good_a life_n which_o a_o firm_a belief_n and_o clear_a conviction_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v have_v infuse_v into_o they_o but_o now_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n have_v scatter_v all_o these_o cloud_n and_o chase_v away_o that_o gross_a darkness_n which_o hide_v the_o other_o world_n from_o our_o sight_n and_o have_v remove_v all_o doubt_n concern_v the_o immortality_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o their_o future_a state_n and_o now_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n with_o all_o its_o treasure_n of_o life_n and_o happiness_n and_o glory_n lie_v open_a to_o our_o view_n and_o hell_n be_v also_o naked_a before_o we_o and_o destruction_n have_v no_o cover_n so_o that_o the_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o man_n be_v now_o perfect_o awaken_v and_o all_o sort_n of_o consideration_n that_o may_v serve_v to_o quicken_v and_o encourage_v our_o obedience_n and_o to_o deter_v and_o affright_v man_n from_o a_o wicked_a life_n be_v expose_v to_o the_o view_n of_o all_o man_n and_o do_v stare_v every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o face_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o render_v the_o gospel_n so_o admirable_a and_o powerful_a a_o instrument_n for_o the_o reform_n of_o mankind_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n because_o therein_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v set_v before_o we_o as_o the_o certain_a and_o glorious_a reward_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o therein_o also_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n so_o that_o consider_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o rule_n and_o the_o powerful_a enforcement_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n by_o the_o clear_a discovery_n and_o firm_a assurance_n of_o the_o eternal_a recompense_n of_o another_o world_n nothing_o can_v be_v imagine_v better_o suit_v to_o its_o end_n than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o make_v man_n wise_a and_o holy_a and_o good_a unto_o salvation_n both_o by_o instruct_v they_o perfect_o in_o their_o duty_n and_o urge_v they_o powerful_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o two_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n be_v likewise_o another_o excellent_a mean_n to_o this_o end_n the_o law_n lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o we_o but_o a_o pattern_n give_v life_n and_o encouragement_n and_o render_v our_o duty_n more_o easy_a and_o practicable_a and_o familiar_a to_o we_o for_o here_o we_o see_v obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n practise_v in_o our_o own_o nature_n and_o perform_v by_o a_o man_n like_o ourselves_o in_o all_o thing_n like_v unto_o we_o sin_n only_o except_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o this_o exception_n make_v a_o great_a difference_n and_o seem_v to_o take_v off_o very_o much_o from_o the_o encourage_v force_n and_o virtue_n of_o this_o example_n no_o wonder_n if_o he_o that_o be_v without_o sin_n and_o be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n perform_v all_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o where_o be_v the_o encouragement_n of_o this_o example_n that_o our_o nature_n pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a support_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o divinity_n to_o which_o it_o be_v unite_v shall_v be_v perfect_o conform_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n so_o neither_o do_v it_o seem_v to_o have_v that_o force_n and_o encouragement_n in_o it_o which_o a_o example_n more_o suit_v to_o our_o weakness_n may_v have_v have_v but_o then_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o it_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o perfection_n which_o a_o pattern_n ought_v to_o have_v and_o to_o which_o though_o we_o can_v never_o attain_v yet_o we_o may_v always_o be_v aspire_v towards_o it_o and_o certain_o we_o can_v better_o learn_v
proper_a pain_n and_o torment_n of_o the_o damn_a but_o that_o his_o perfect_a obedience_n and_o grievous_a suffering_n undergo_v for_o our_o sake_n and_o upon_o our_o account_n be_v of_o that_o value_n and_o esteem_n with_o god_n and_o his_o voluntary_a sacrifice_n of_o himself_o in_o our_o stead_n so_o high_o acceptable_a and_o well_o please_v to_o he_o that_o he_o thereupon_o be_v please_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n with_o mankind_n wherein_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o engage_v himself_o to_o forgive_v the_o sin_n of_o all_o those_o who_o sincere_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o to_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o we_o upon_o the_o cross_n be_v call_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o be_v the_o sanction_n of_o that_o new_a covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n into_o which_o god_n be_v enter_v with_o mankind_n and_o not_o only_o the_o confirmation_n but_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o it_o for_o which_o reason_n the_o cup_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o his_o blood_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o many_o for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n four_o and_o last_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o powerful_a and_o perpetual_a intercession_n for_o we_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v more_o especial_o intimate_v and_o intend_v in_o that_o expression_n here_o in_o the_o text_n that_o be_v make_v perfect_a he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o which_o word_n of_o his_o be_v perfect_v do_v as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o more_o immediate_o refer_v to_o his_o suffering_n and_o the_o reward_n that_o follow_v they_o his_o exaltation_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n where_o he_o live_v for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o by_o which_o perpetual_a and_o most_o prevalent_a intercession_n of_o he_o he_o procure_v all_o those_o benefit_n to_o be_v bestow_v upon_o we_o which_o he_o purchase_v for_o we_o by_o his_o death_n the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o perfect_a restitution_n to_o his_o favour_n upon_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o a_o sincere_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o strengthen_v we_o against_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o all_o evil_a and_o to_o preserve_v we_o to_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o apostle_n call_v obtain_v of_o mercy_n and_o find_v grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n ch_n 4._o v._n 16._o of_o this_o epist_n our_o bless_a saviour_n now_o that_o he_o be_v advance_v into_o heaven_n and_o exalt_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o majesty_n on_o high_a do_v out_o of_o the_o tender_a affection_n and_o compassion_n to_o mankind_n still_o prosecute_v that_o great_a and_o merciful_a design_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o be_v begin_v by_o he_o here_o on_o earth_n and_o in_o virtue_n of_o his_o meritorious_a obedience_n and_o suffering_n do_v offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o as_o it_o be_v plead_v our_o cause_n with_o god_n and_o represent_v to_o he_o all_o our_o want_n and_o necessity_n and_o obtain_v a_o favourable_a answer_n of_o our_o petition_n put_v up_o to_o god_n in_o his_o name_n and_o all_o necessary_a supply_n of_o grace_n and_o strength_n proportionable_a to_o our_o temptation_n and_o infirmity_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o powerful_a intercession_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o redeemer_n our_o sin_n be_v pardon_v upon_o our_o sincere_a repentance_n our_o prayer_n be_v gracious_o answer_v our_o want_n be_v abundant_o supply_v and_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v plentiful_o afford_v to_o we_o to_o excite_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n to_o strengthen_v we_o in_o well_o do_v to_o comfort_v we_o in_o affliction_n to_o support_v we_o under_o the_o great_a trial_n and_o suffering_n and_o to_o keep_v we_o through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n as_o the_o purchase_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v in_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n so_o the_o perfect_a and_o finish_v of_o it_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o prevalency_n of_o his_o intercession_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n for_o we_o so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o ch_n 7._o v._n 25._o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o see_v he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o he_o die_v once_o to_o purchase_v salvation_n for_o we_o and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o but_o receive_v the_o full_a benefit_n of_o this_o purchase_n he_o live_v for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o and_o thus_o he_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o that_o be_v he_o take_v care_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o our_o salvation_n from_o first_o to_o last_o and_o now_o that_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n he_o be_v as_o intent_n to_o procure_v our_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n and_o as_o tender_o concern_v for_o we_o as_o when_o he_o live_v here_o among_o we_o upon_o earth_n as_o when_o he_o hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o pour_v out_o his_o soul_n a_o offer_n for_o our_o sin_n for_o he_o appear_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n in_o our_o nature_n that_o which_o he_o assume_v for_o our_o sake_n which_o be_v make_v subject_a to_o and_o sensible_a of_o our_o infirmity_n and_o which_o be_v tempt_v in_o all_o thing_n like_v as_o we_o be_v only_o without_o sin_n and_o therefore_o he_o know_v how_o to_o pity_v and_o succour_v they_o that_o be_v tempt_v and_o from_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o own_o suffering_n be_v prompt_v to_o a_o compassionate_a sense_n of_o we_o and_o never_o cease_v in_o virtue_n of_o his_o blood_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o we_o to_o plead_v our_o cause_n with_o god_n and_o to_o intercede_v powerful_o on_o our_o behalf_n so_o that_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o christ_n intercession_n on_o our_o behalf_n be_v found_v in_o the_o redemption_n which_o he_o wrought_v for_o we_o by_o his_o blood_n and_o suffering_n which_o be_v enter_v into_o heaven_n he_o represent_v to_o god_n on_o our_o behalf_n as_o the_o high_a priest_n under_o the_o law_n do_v enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n that_o have_v be_v offer_v and_o in_o virtue_n of_o that_o blood_n intercede_v for_o the_o people_n so_o christ_n by_o his_o own_o blood_n enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n have_v obtain_v eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v ch_z 9_o v._n 12._o he_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n that_o be_v into_o heaven_n itself_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n explain_v himself_o v._o 24._o christ_n be_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n which_o be_v make_v with_o hand_n but_o into_o heaven_n itself_o to_o appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o we_o and_o ch_z 10._o v._n 12._o speak_v of_o christ_n appear_v for_o we_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n this_o man_n say_v he_o after_o he_o have_v offer_v one_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n for_o ever_o that_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n of_o perpetual_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n sit_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o intercede_v for_o we_o in_o virtue_n of_o that_o sacrifice_n from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n mediation_n and_o intercession_n for_o we_o in_o heaven_n be_v found_v in_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o price_n of_o our_o redemption_n which_o he_o pay_v on_o earth_n in_o shed_v his_o blood_n for_o we_o from_o whence_o the_o apostle_n reason_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n by_o who_o we_o be_v to_o address_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n 1_o tim._n 2._o 5._o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n who_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o his_o mediation_n be_v found_v in_o his_o ransom_n or_o the_o price_n which_o he_o pay_v for_o our_o redemption_n the_o apostle_n indeed_o do_v not_o say_v there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n in_o express_a word_n but_o sure_o he_o mean_v so_o if_o by_o say_v there_o be_v one_o god_n he_o mean_v there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n for_o they_o
he_o shall_v continue_v for_o some_o time_n in_o the_o resolution_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n and_o afterward_o fall_v off_o from_o it_o and_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o he_o his_o latter_a end_n will_v be_v worse_o than_o his_o beginning_n all_o his_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v will_v not_o be_v remember_v he_o shall_v die_v in_o his_o iniquity_n for_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o god_n soul_n will_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o this_o be_v so_o very_o clear_a and_o plain_a from_o scripture_n that_o no_o man_n can_v entertain_v a_o contrary_a persuasion_n without_o contradict_v the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o bible_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v this_o that_o a_o virtual_a obedience_n and_o sincere_a faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v sufficient_a where_o there_o be_v no_o time_n and_o opportunity_n for_o actual_a obedience_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o where_o there_o be_v opportunity_n for_o actual_a obedience_n and_o the_o continue_a practice_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o perseverance_n therein_o they_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o a_o wellgrounded_n hope_n and_o assurance_n of_o it_o two_o there_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o there_o be_v a_o sincere_a obedience_n perfect_a obedience_n consist_v in_o the_o exact_a conformity_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n without_o the_o least_o imperfection_n and_o without_o fail_v in_o any_o point_n or_o degree_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o this_o obedience_n as_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o present_a state_n so_o neither_o do_v god_n require_v it_o of_o we_o as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o eternal_a life_n we_o be_v indeed_o command_v to_o be_v perfect_a as_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a but_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v this_o strict_o and_o rigorous_o for_o that_o be_v not_o only_o impossible_a to_o man_n in_o this_o present_a state_n of_o imperfection_n but_o absolute_o impossible_a to_o humane_a nature_n for_o man_n to_o be_v perfect_a as_o god_n be_v perfect_a but_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o this_o precept_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v imitate_v those_o divine_a perfection_n of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n and_o purity_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v as_o like_o god_n in_o all_o these_o as_o we_o can_v and_o be_v still_o aspire_v after_o a_o near_a resemblance_n of_o he_o as_o may_v be_v evident_a to_o any_o one_o who_o consider_v the_o connexion_n and_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n by_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n i_o mean_v such_o a_o conformity_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o to_o the_o general_a course_n and_o tenor_n of_o they_o that_o we_o do_v not_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n or_o in_o the_o customary_a neglect_n of_o any_o material_a and_o considerable_a part_n of_o our_o know_a duty_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o wilful_o and_o deliberate_o guilty_a of_o the_o single_a act_n of_o heinous_a and_o notorious_a sin_n as_o i_o have_v former_o explain_v this_o matter_n more_o at_o large_a in_o another_o discourse_n and_o this_o obedience_n even_o in_o the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v mix_v with_o great_a frailty_n and_o imperfection_n but_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v the_o utmost_a that_o we_o can_v do_v in_o this_o state_n of_o infirmity_n and_o imperfection_n the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o merciful_a and_o gracious_a as_o that_o god_n be_v please_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o meritorious_a obedience_n and_o suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o accept_v this_o sincere_a though_o imperfect_a obedience_n and_o to_o reward_v it_o with_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o i_o doubt_v not_o after_o all_o the_o intricate_a dispute_n and_o infinite_a controversy_n about_o this_o business_n be_v the_o true_a and_o clear_a state_n of_o this_o matter_n and_o this_o sincere_a obedience_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o we_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o our_o happiness_n though_o it_o be_v sometime_o call_v by_o divine_n evangelical_n perfection_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o very_o improper_o so_o call_v for_o nothing_o be_v proper_o perfect_a to_o which_o any_o thing_n be_v want_v and_o great_a defect_n and_o imperfection_n must_v needs_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o best_a and_o holy_a man_n upon_o earth_n and_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o perfection_n in_o this_o life_n do_v neither_o understand_v the_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o themselves_o but_o as_o st._n john_n say_v of_o such_o person_n they_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o they_o and_o beside_o other_o imperfection_n these_o two_o be_v evident_a in_o they_o ignorance_n and_o pride_n and_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o this_o second_o particular_a namely_o what_o obedience_n the_o gospel_n require_v as_o a_o condition_n and_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v as_o a_o qualification_n for_o eternal_a life_n sermon_n vii_o the_o possibility_n and_o necessity_n of_o gospel_n obedience_n and_o its_o consistence_n with_o free_a grace_n heb._n v._n 9_o and_o be_v make_v perfect_a he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n unto_o all_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o these_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v these_o five_o thing_n one_a how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n two_o what_o obedience_n the_o gospel_n require_v as_o a_o condition_n and_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v as_o a_o qualification_n in_o those_o who_o hope_v for_o eternal_a salvation_n three_o the_o possibility_n of_o our_o perform_v this_o condition_n by_o that_o grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v offer_v and_o ready_a to_o be_v afford_v to_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n four_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n 5th_o the_o consistency_n of_o this_o method_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n with_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n i_o have_v handle_v the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o and_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v viz._n the_o possibility_n of_o our_o perform_v this_o condition_n by_o that_o grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v offer_v and_o ready_a to_o be_v afford_v to_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n only_o to_o those_o who_o obey_v he_o then_o those_o who_o live_v in_o disobedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n but_o there_o can_v be_v the_o guilt_n of_o disobedience_n where_o obedience_n be_v impossible_a no_o man_n be_v guilty_a or_o just_o liable_a to_o punishment_n for_o the_o not_o do_v of_o that_o which_o it_o be_v no_o way_n possible_a for_o he_o to_o do_v therefore_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n into_o which_o god_n be_v enter_v with_o mankind_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v the_o possibility_n of_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o otherwise_o it_o leave_v they_o in_o as_o bad_a a_o condition_n as_o they_o be_v in_o before_o because_o it_o only_o offer_v new_a blessing_n and_o benefit_n to_o we_o but_o set_v we_o never_o the_o near_o the_o obtain_n of_o they_o if_o so_o be_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v grant_v be_v altogether_o impossible_a to_o we_o nay_o it_o render_v our_o state_n many_o degree_n worse_o if_o our_o not_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o such_o gracious_a offer_v bring_v we_o under_o new_a and_o great_a guilt_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o some_o few_o person_n have_v great_a benefit_n by_o it_o because_o they_o by_o a_o especial_a and_o effectual_a grace_n shall_v be_v enable_v to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v not_o this_o a_o mighty_a straighten_n to_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o confine_v it_o within_o so_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o still_o to_o leave_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o if_o salvation_n have_v never_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o as_o it_o certain_o do_v if_o as_o this_o doctrine_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v the_o gild_n and_o punishment_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v great_o increase_v and_o heighten_v by_o their_o contempt_n of_o and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o those_o man_n to_o obey_v it_o for_o want_v of_o that_o special_a and_o effectual_a grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o enable_v they_o thereto_o
i_o do_v not_o love_v to_o handle_v these_o point_n contentious_o but_o this_o in_o my_o apprehension_n do_v as_o much_o derogate_a from_o the_o amplitude_n and_o riches_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o the_o gospel_n as_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v easy_o be_v say_v and_o therefore_o for_o the_o right_n state_v and_o clear_v of_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o and_o by_o any_o power_n in_o we_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o enable_v and_o assist_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o condition_n if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o 3._o that_o what_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o that_o may_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v possible_a to_o we_o and_o in_o some_o sense_n in_o our_o power_n 1._o that_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o and_o by_o any_o power_n in_o we_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v clear_o appear_v in_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v say_v the_o apostle_n and_o that_o not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v repentance_n it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o goodness_n that_o be_v who_o both_o incline_v and_o excite_v we_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v it_o without_o i_o say_v christ_n you_o can_v do_v nothing_o and_o through_o christ_n strengthen_v i_o say_v st._n paul_n i_o be_o able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n all_o thing_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o and_o expect_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n without_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v without_o strength_n and_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o as_o of_o ourselves_o to_o think_v a_o good_a thought_n that_o be_v we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o to_o design_n or_o resolve_v upon_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a but_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n the_o depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n have_v bring_v a_o great_a impotency_n and_o disability_n upon_o we_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o we_o have_v make_v ourselves_o much_o weak_a by_o evil_a practice_n by_o the_o power_n of_o evil_a habit_n we_o be_v enslave_v to_o our_o lust_n and_o sell_v under_o sin_n so_o that_o if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o be_v convince_v of_o our_o duty_n and_o from_o that_o conviction_n have_v a_o inclination_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a evil_a be_v present_a to_o we_o when_o the_o law_n of_o god_n give_v we_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o stare_v our_o conscience_n in_o the_o face_n there_o be_v another_o law_n in_o our_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o bring_v we_o into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v in_o our_o member_n sin_n bring_v we_o under_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o give_v he_o dominion_n over_o we_o for_o his_o servant_n you_o be_v who_o you_o obey_v so_o that_o he_o rule_v and_o bear_v sway_n in_o we_o and_o we_o be_v lead_v captive_a by_o he_o at_o his_o pleasure_n evil_a and_o vicious_a habit_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o second_o nature_n super-induced_n upon_o we_o which_o take_v away_o our_o power_n and_o liberty_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o render_v it_o impossible_a to_o we_o to_o raise_v and_o rescue_v ourselves_o so_o that_o we_o be_v prisoner_n and_o captive_n till_o the_o son_n of_o god_n set_v we_o free_a and_o dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n till_o he_o give_v we_o life_n and_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n represent_v the_o recovery_n of_o ourselves_o from_o the_o bondage_n of_o sin_n by_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v natural_o impossible_a to_o show_v how_o great_a our_o weakness_n and_o impotency_n be_v jer._n 13._o 23._o can_v the_o ethiopian_a cleanse_v his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n then_o may_v you_o also_o do_v good_a who_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o by_o how_o much_o strong_a the_o chain_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v and_o the_o more_o unable_a we_o be_v to_o break_v loose_a from_o they_o by_o so_o much_o the_o great_a and_o more_o evident_a be_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o divine_a assistance_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o knock_v off_o those_o fetter_n and_o to_o rescue_v we_o from_o this_o bondage_n and_o slavery_n 2._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v and_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o condition_n that_o be_v to_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o and_o do_v not_o reject_v or_o neglect_v to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o god_n offer_v we_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o afford_v to_o we_o in_o a_o very_a plentiful_a manner_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o render_v all_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n effectual_a if_o it_o be_v not_o our_o own_o fault_n and_o wilful_a neglect_n to_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o without_o this_o all_o the_o gracious_a offer_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v signify_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o our_o advantage_n and_o this_o likewise_o be_v that_o which_o render_v the_o unbelief_n and_o impenitency_n and_o disobedience_n of_o man_n utter_o inexcusable_a because_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o do_v proceed_v from_o want_n of_o power_n but_o of_o will_n to_o do_v better_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v so_o necessary_a a_o encouragement_n to_o all_o the_o endeavour_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o good_a life_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v assure_v of_o god_n readiness_n to_o assist_v and_o help_v they_o in_o the_o do_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o without_o this_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o never_o so_o clear_a will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o we_o all_o the_o precept_n and_o direction_n for_o a_o good_a life_n and_o the_o most_o vehement_a persuasion_n and_o exhortation_n to_o obedience_n will_v have_v no_o force_n and_o life_n in_o they_o for_o what_o signify_v it_o to_o direct_v the_o dead_a and_o speak_v to_o they_o that_o can_v hear_v and_o to_o persuade_v man_n though_o it_o be_v with_o all_o the_o earnestness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o do_v therefore_o our_o bless_a saviour_n when_o he_o have_v lay_v down_o and_o explain_v the_o precept_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n in_o his_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n to_o encourage_v they_o to_o what_o he_o have_v be_v direct_v and_o propose_v to_o they_o he_o assure_v they_o that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o afford_v his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o all_o those_o that_o be_v sincere_o desirous_a to_o do_v his_o will_n and_o do_v earnest_o implore_v his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o that_o purpose_n matth._n 7._o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o ask_v say_v he_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o you_o for_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v receive_v and_o he_o that_o seek_v find_v and_o to_o he_o that_o knock_v it_o shall_v be_v open_v so_o that_o if_o any_o man_n want_v the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v his_o own_o fault_n it_o be_v either_o for_o want_v of_o seek_v or_o for_o want_n of_o earnestness_n in_o ask_v for_o our_o saviour_n express_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o deny_v it_o to_o none_o for_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v receive_v and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o more_o lively_a and_o sensible_a assurance_n of_o this_o he_o represent_v the_o care_n and_o kindness_n of_o god_n to_o man_n by_o the_o affection_n of_o earthly_a parent_n to_o their_o child_n who_o though_o they_o be_v many_o time_n evil_a themselves_o yet_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o deny_v their_o child_n necessary_a good_a thing_n when_o they_o decent_o and_o dutiful_o beg_v they_o at_o their_o hand_n what_o man_n be_v there_o of_o you_o who_o if_o his_o son_n ask_v bread_n will_v he_o give_v he_o a_o stone_n or_o if_o he_o ask_v a_o fish_n will_v he_o give_v he_o a_o serpent_n if_o you_o then_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n unto_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n give_v good_a thing_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o here_o be_v a_o general_a promise_n and_o declaration_n that_o upon_o our_o humble_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n
obedience_n and_o good_a work_n chap._n 3._o 8._o this_o be_v be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v that_o thou_o affirm_v constant_o that_o they_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o god_n be_v careful_a to_o maintain_v good_a work_n all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o make_v some_o useful_a inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o so_o to_o conclude_v this_o discourse_n first_o of_o all_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o a_o empty_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n how_o specious_a and_o glorious_a soever_o it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o fruit_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n avail_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n no_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n no_o subjection_n to_o he_o though_o we_o be_v baptize_v in_o his_o name_n and_o listen_v ourselves_o in_o the_o number_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n though_o we_o have_v make_v a_o constant_a profession_n of_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o have_v perform_v all_o the_o external_a part_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n have_v go_v constant_o to_o church_n and_o frequent_v the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o have_v join_v in_o public_a prayer_n to_o god_n with_o great_a appearance_n of_o devotion_n and_o have_v hear_v his_o word_n with_o great_a reverence_n and_o attention_n and_o receive_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n with_o all_o imaginable_a expression_n of_o love_n and_o gratitude_n to_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n nay_o though_o we_o have_v hear_v our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o teach_v in_o our_o street_n and_o have_v eat_v and_o drunken_a in_o his_o presence_n yet_o if_o all_o this_o while_n we_o have_v not_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o obey_v his_o law_n none_o of_o all_o these_o will_n thing_n signify_v any_o thing_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n and_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o that_o salvation_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o mankind_n but_o we_o can_v plead_v so_o much_o for_o ourselves_o as_o those_o do_v of_o who_o our_o saviour_n speak_v none_o of_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o allege_v for_o ourselves_o at_o the_o great_a day_n that_o we_o have_v prophesy_v in_o his_o name_n and_o in_o his_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o his_o name_n have_v do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o can_v allege_v all_o this_o it_o will_v do_v we_o no_o good_a all_o that_o such_o can_v say_v for_o themselves_o be_v that_o they_o have_v call_v he_o lord_n lord_n that_o be_v they_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o be_v call_v by_o his_o name_n that_o they_o have_v pay_v a_o outward_a honour_n and_o respect_n to_o he_o and_o declare_v a_o mighty_a love_n and_o affection_n for_o he_o but_o they_o have_v not_o do_v his_o will_n but_o have_v hate_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o have_v cast_v his_o commandment_n behind_o their_o back_n they_o have_v only_o bear_v the_o leave_n of_o a_o outward_a profession_n but_o have_v bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o reasonable_a expectation_n that_o their_o end_n shall_v be_v everlasting_a life_n so_o that_o when_o these_o man_n shall_v appear_v before_o the_o great_a and_o terrible_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n they_o shall_v have_v nothing_o to_o say_v but_o those_o vain_a word_n lord_n lord_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n will_v answer_v in_o that_o day_n why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n lord_n when_o you_o will_v not_o do_v the_o thing_n which_o i_o say_v notwithstanding_o all_o your_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o i_o and_o subjection_n to_o i_o you_o have_v be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n therefore_o depart_v from_o i_o i_o know_v you_o not_o whence_o you_o be_v second_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o a_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n of_o what_o the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n have_v do_v for_o we_o and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o thankfulness_n whether_o we_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o benefit_n confer_v upon_o we_o or_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n in_o which_o it_o be_v purchase_v or_o the_o easy_a and_o reasonable_a term_n upon_o which_o it_o may_v be_v obtain_v one_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o benefit_n confer_v upon_o we_o and_o that_o be_v salvation_n eternal_a salvation_n which_o comprehend_v in_o it_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n both_o the_o mean_n and_o the_o end_n our_o happiness_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o by_o save_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o by_o our_o justification_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o from_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o they_o by_o the_o sanctify_a grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o it_o comprehend_v the_o end_n our_o deliverance_n from_o hell_n and_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o the_o bestow_n of_o happiness_n upon_o we_o a_o great_a and_o 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frame_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o reason_n and_o which_o set_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o reward_n be_v real_o best_a for_o our_o present_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n our_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n even_o in_o this_o world_n for_o god_n in_o give_v law_n to_o we_o have_v impose_v nothing_o upon_o we_o but_o what_o in_o all_o reason_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v our_o choice_n if_o he_o have_v not_o impose_v it_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v for_o our_o good_a and_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n necessary_a to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o that_o happiness_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o we_o and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o gracious_a than_o to_o make_v one_o benefit_n the_o condition_n of_o a_o great_a than_o to_o promise_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a for_o ever_o if_o we_o will_v but_o do_v that_o which_o upon_o all_o account_n be_v real_o best_a and_o most_o for_o our_o advantage_n in_o this_o present_a life_n three_o here_o be_v abundant_a encouragement_n give_v to_o our_o obedience_n we_o have_v the_o divine_a assistance_n promise_v to_o we_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o most_o difficult_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n we_o have_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n to_o help_v our_o infirmity_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o help_v and_o strengthen_v we_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o for_o our_o further_a encouragement_n we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o divine_a acceptance_n in_o case_n of_o our_o sincere_a obedience_n notwithstanding_o the_o manifold_a fail_n and_o imperfection_n of_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n and_o obedience_n and_o the_o meritorious_a suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o though_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v
we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n and_o have_v do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v our_o duty_n yet_o god_n be_v please_v to_o accept_v what_o we_o can_v do_v because_o it_o be_v sincere_a and_o to_o forgive_v the_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n of_o our_o obedience_n for_o his_o sake_n who_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n and_o beside_o all_o this_o we_o have_v the_o encouragement_n of_o a_o great_a and_o everlasting_a reward_n infinite_o beyond_o all_o proportion_n of_o any_o service_n and_o obedience_n that_o we_o can_v perform_v and_o if_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v and_o strengthen_v we_o in_o the_o do_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o be_v willing_a so_o gracious_o to_o accept_v and_o to_o reward_v at_o such_o a_o rate_n the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o fail_n and_o imperfection_n of_o our_o best_a service_n and_o obedience_n what_o can_v we_o possible_o desire_v more_o for_o our_o encouragement_n to_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n and_o to_o be_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a and_o abundant_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n four_o and_o last_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n may_v serve_v severe_o to_o rebuke_v the_o groundless_a presumption_n of_o those_o who_o rely_v with_o so_o much_o confidence_n upon_o christ_n for_o eternal_a salvation_n without_o any_o conscience_n or_o care_n to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n as_o if_o salvation_n lie_v upon_o his_o hand_n and_o he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o dispose_v of_o it_o and_o be_v glad_a of_o any_o one_o that_o will_v come_v and_o take_v it_o off_o upon_o any_o term_n no_o he_o come_v to_o save_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n to_o redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o to_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n so_o that_o the_o salvation_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o we_o do_v necessary_o imply_v our_o forsake_v of_o our_o sin_n and_o return_v to_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n and_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n be_v not_o more_o a_o argument_n of_o his_o great_a love_n to_o mankind_n than_o they_o be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o his_o perfect_a hatred_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o if_o we_o continue_v in_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o sin_n we_o defeat_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o and_o the_o redemption_n which_o christ_n have_v wrought_v for_o we_o will_v not_o avail_v we_o in_o the_o least_o salvation_n be_v far_o from_o the_o wicked_a say_v david_n psal_n 119._o 155._o if_o we_o have_v be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n when_o he_o come_v to_o judge_v it_o will_v bid_v we_o to_o depart_v from_o he_o from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a presumption_n in_o the_o world_n for_o any_o man_n to_o hope_v to_o obtain_v eternal_a salvation_n by_o any_o device_n whatsoever_o or_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n whatsoever_o without_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n for_o though_o our_o obedience_n can_v merit_v yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v we_o for_o it_o though_o it_o do_v not_o make_v we_o strict_o worthy_a yet_o it_o make_v we_o meet_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n sermon_n viii_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o the_o commission_n and_o promise_n which_o he_o give_v to_o his_o apostle_n mat._n xxviii_o 18_o 19_o 20._o and_o jesus_n come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o say_v all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o i_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n these_o word_n be_v the_o last_o that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n speak_v to_o his_o apostle_n immediate_o before_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o there_o be_v these_o three_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o i._o a_o declaration_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o i_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n ii_o a_o commission_n to_o his_o disciple_n ground_v upon_o that_o authority_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o iii_o a_o promise_n to_o encourage_v they_o in_o this_o work_n and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 1._o here_o be_v our_o saviour_n declaration_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o i_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n here_o be_v a_o unlimited_a power_n and_o authority_n give_v he_o over_o all_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n this_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o be_v confer_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o reward_n of_o his_o suffering_n phil._n 2._o 8_o 9_o 10._o he_o humble_v himself_o and_o become_v obedient_a unto_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n wherefore_o god_n also_o have_v high_o exalt_v he_o and_o give_v he_o a_o name_n which_o be_v above_o every_o name_n that_o at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v of_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o thing_n in_o earth_n and_o thing_n under_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v that_o all_o creature_n angel_n and_o man_n and_o devil_n shall_v do_v homage_n and_o acknowledge_v subjection_n to_o he_o ii_o here_o be_v the_o commission_n he_o give_v to_o his_o apostle_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o authority_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n the_o commission_n which_o he_o here_o give_v be_v found_v in_o the_o authority_n he_o have_v before_o receive_v have_v all_o power_n commit_v to_o he_o he_o constitute_v and_o appoint_v the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n to_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o this_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n upon_o earth_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o same_o commission_n which_o st._n john_n mention_n in_o other_o word_n john_n 20._o 21._o as_o my_o father_n have_v send_v i_o even_o so_o send_v i_o you_o that_o be_v as_o my_o father_n commission_v i_o before_o so_o now_o have_v receive_v full_a authority_n from_o he_o i_o commission_n you_o now_o in_o this_o commission_n which_o our_o saviour_n give_v to_o his_o disciple_n i_o shall_v take_v notice_n first_o of_o the_o general_a import_n and_o design_n of_o it_o second_o a_o more_o particular_a declaration_n how_o they_o be_v to_o manage_v this_o design_n first_o the_o general_a import_n and_o design_n of_o this_o commission_n go_v you_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n the_o word_n which_o we_o translate_v teach_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d disciple_n all_o nation_n endeavour_v to_o make_v all_o the_o world_n christian_n one_o will_v think_v here_o be_v a_o power_n plain_o enough_o give_v they_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n which_o will_v more_o full_o appear_v if_o we_o compare_v this_o passage_n in_o st._n matthew_n with_o the_o other_o evangelist_n st._n mark_v ch_z 16._o 15._o have_v it_o go_v you_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n from_o which_o text_n i_o suppose_v st._n francis_n think_v himself_o bind_v to_o preach_v to_o beast_n and_o bird_n and_o according_o do_v it_o very_o often_o and_o with_o wonderful_a success_n as_o they_o tell_v we_o in_o the_o legend_n of_o his_o life_n but_o to_o extend_v our_o saviour_n commission_n so_o far_o be_v want_n of_o common_a sense_n in_o which_o st._n francis_n though_o they_o tell_v we_o he_o have_v other_o gift_n and_o grace_n to_o a_o eminent_a degree_n be_v plain_o defective_a but_o to_o proceed_v st._n luke_n ch_n 24._o 47._o tell_v we_o our_o saviour_n command_v that_o repentance_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o his_o name_n among_o all_o nation_n begin_v at_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o their_o commission_n do_v plain_o extend_v to_o the_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n only_o they_o be_v to_o begin_v with_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n first_o to_o they_o and_o when_o they_o have_v go_v over_o judea_n and_o samaria_n then_o to_o pass_v to_o other_o nation_n as_o st._n luke_n do_v most_o express_o declare_v act_v 1._o 8._o you_o shall_v receive_v power_n after_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v come_v upon_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v witness_n
ourselves_o towards_o one_o another_o in_o the_o great_a difference_n of_o religion_n none_o sure_a can_v be_v at_o great_a distance_n than_o abraham_n in_o paradise_n and_o the_o rich_a man_n in_o hell_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n will_v not_o represent_v they_o as_o at_o term_n of_o defiance_n with_o one_o another_o one_o may_v have_v expect_v that_o abraham_n shall_v have_v revile_v this_o poor_a wretch_n and_o disdain_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o he_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o temper_n of_o heaven_n nor_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v of_o good_a man_n upon_o earth_n even_o towards_o the_o worst_a of_o men._n how_o do_v this_o condemn_v our_o rudeness_n and_o impatience_n with_o one_o another_o in_o our_o religious_a difference_n we_o think_v no_o term_n bad_a enough_o to_o use_v towards_o one_o another_o and_o yet_o one_o of_o the_o most_o famous_a dispute_n that_o we_o find_v mention_v in_o scripture_n and_o that_o between_o the_o most_o opposite_a party_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v be_v manage_v after_o another_o fashion_n i_o mean_v that_o record_v by_o st._n judas_n between_o michael_n the_o archangel_n and_o the_o devil_n v._o 9_o yet_o michael_n the_o archangel_n when_o contend_v with_o the_o devil_n he_o dispute_v about_o the_o body_n of_o moses_n dare_v not_o bring_v a_o rail_a accusation_n he_o dare_v not_o allow_v himself_o this_o no_o not_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o dispute_n when_o person_n be_v most_o apt_a to_o fly_v out_o into_o passion_n because_o it_o be_v indecent_a and_o will_v have_v be_v displease_v to_o god_n this_o i_o believe_v be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o it_o be_v say_v he_o dare_v not_o bring_v a_o rail_a accusation_n and_o yet_o i_o may_v add_v another_o which_o be_v not_o improper_a for_o our_o consideration_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o have_v a_o good_a moral_a the_o devil_n will_v have_v be_v too_o hard_o for_o he_o at_o rail_v he_o be_v better_o skilled_a at_o that_o weapon_n and_o more_o expert_a at_o that_o kind_n of_o dispute_n which_o consideration_n may_v be_v a_o good_a argument_n to_o we_o against_o revile_v any_o man._n if_o we_o revile_v the_o good_a we_o be_v unjust_a because_o they_o deserve_v it_o not_o if_o we_o revile_v the_o bad_a we_o be_v unwise_a because_o we_o shall_v get_v nothing_o by_o it_o i_o can_v almost_o envy_v the_o character_n which_o be_v give_v of_o one_o of_o the_o roman_n nescivit_fw-la quid_fw-la esset_fw-la malè_fw-la dicere_fw-la he_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o give_v bad_a language_n i_o proceed_v son_n remember_v that_o thou_o in_o thy_o life_n time_n receive_v thy_o good_a thing_n thy_o good_a thing_n those_o which_o thou_o do_v value_n and_o esteem_v so_o high_o and_o do_v place_v thy_o chief_a happiness_n in_o as_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o good_a to_o be_v seek_v after_o thy_o good_a thing_n and_o indeed_o so_o he_o use_v they_o as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v the_o sole_a lord_n and_o proprietor_n of_o they_o and_o they_o have_v not_o be_v commit_v to_o he_o as_o a_o steward_n to_o be_v dispense_v for_o his_o master_n use_n for_o the_o clothing_n of_o the_o naked_a and_o the_o feed_n of_o the_o hungry_a and_o the_o relieve_n of_o those_o in_o distress_n ver._n 27_o 28._o then_o he_o say_v i_o pray_v thou_o therefore_o father_n that_o thou_o will_v send_v he_o to_o my_o father_n house_n for_o i_o have_v five_o brethren_n that_o he_o may_v testify_v unto_o they_o lest_o they_o also_o come_v into_o this_o place_n of_o torment_n here_o the_o rich_a man_n though_o in_o hell_n be_v represent_v as_o retain_v some_o tenderness_n for_o his_o relation_n as_o solicitous_a lest_o they_o shall_v be_v involve_v in_o the_o same_o misery_n with_o himself_o the_o last_o piece_n of_o that_o which_o common_o remain_v in_o man_n be_v natural_a affection_n which_o be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o virtue_n as_o a_o natural_a principle_n and_o be_v common_a to_o many_o brute_n beast_n when_o a_o man_n put_v off_o this_o we_o may_v give_v he_o up_o for_o lose_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o goodness_n to_o be_v without_o natural_a affection_n be_v the_o worst_a character_n can_v be_v give_v of_o a_o man._n our_o saviour_n represent_v this_o rich_a man_n in_o hell_n as_o not_o so_o total_o degenerate_a as_o to_o be_v quite_o destitute_a of_o this_o i_o think_v some_o attribute_n this_o motion_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n concern_v his_o brethren_n to_o another_o cause_n as_o if_o he_o have_v desire_v it_o not_o out_o of_o kindness_n to_o they_o but_o out_o of_o regard_n to_o himself_o as_o be_v afraid_a that_o if_o his_o brethren_n who_o probable_o be_v corrupt_v by_o his_o example_n have_v perish_v by_o that_o mean_n it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o aggravation_n of_o his_o torment_n but_o this_o conjecture_n be_v too_o subtle_a and_o without_o any_o good_a ground_n for_o every_o man_n carry_v his_o burden_n of_o gild_n with_o he_o out_o of_o this_o world_n and_o it_o be_v not_o increase_v by_o any_o consequence_n of_o our_o action_n here_o for_o the_o crime_n of_o a_o bad_a example_n be_v the_o same_o whether_o man_n follow_v it_o or_o not_o because_o he_o that_o give_v bad_a example_n to_o other_o do_v what_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o draw_v they_o into_o sin_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o follow_v it_o that_o be_v no_o mitigation_n of_o his_o fault_n i_o have_v but_o one_o observation_n more_o and_o that_o be_v from_o the_o mention_n of_o his_o brethren_n as_o his_o near_a relation_n which_o be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o the_o richman_n uncharitableness_n because_o he_o be_v represent_v as_o have_v no_o child_n to_o take_v care_n for_o and_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o consider_v the_o poor_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v endeavour_v to_o explain_v this_o parable_n and_o have_v make_v such_o observation_n from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o as_o may_v be_v useful_a for_o instruction_n but_o as_o i_o premise_v at_o first_o i_o will_v not_o warrant_v all_o these_o observation_n to_o be_v certain_o intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o every_o circumstance_n of_o a_o parable_n be_v not_o to_o be_v press_v too_o far_o the_o moral_a accommodation_n do_v chief_o belong_v to_o the_o main_a scope_n of_o it_o and_o many_o circumstance_n be_v only_o bring_v in_o to_o fill_v up_o the_o parable_n and_o to_o make_v handsome_a way_n for_o that_o which_o be_v most_o material_a and_o principal_o intend_v but_o so_o long_o as_o the_o observation_n be_v true_a and_o useful_a and_o have_v a_o fair_a colour_n and_o occasion_n from_o the_o circumstance_n it_o be_v well_o enough_o to_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v no_o harm_n do_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o observation_n namely_o such_o as_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o parable_n which_o i_o promise_v to_o speak_v more_o large_o to_o and_o they_o be_v six_o which_o i_o shall_v handle_v in_o order_n first_o i_o observe_v that_o uncharitableness_n and_o unmercifulness_n to_o the_o poor_a be_v a_o great_a and_o damn_v sin_n we_o find_v no_o other_o fault_n impute_v to_o the_o rich_a man_n but_o this_o that_o he_o take_v no_o care_n out_o of_o his_o superfluity_n and_o abundance_n to_o relieve_v this_o poor_a man_n that_o lie_v at_o his_o gate_n he_o be_v not_o charge_v for_o want_v of_o justice_n but_o of_o charity_n not_o for_o have_v get_v a_o great_a estate_n by_o fraud_n or_o oppression_n but_o that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o this_o abundance_n he_o have_v no_o consideration_n and_o pity_n for_o those_o that_o be_v in_o want_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o this_o observation_n by_o the_o part_n of_o it_o one_a that_o unmercifulness_n and_o uncharitableness_n to_o the_o poor_a be_v a_o great_a sin_n two_o such_o a_o sin_n as_o alone_o and_o without_o any_o other_o guilt_n be_v sufficient_a to_o ruin_v a_o man_n for_o ever_o i_o shall_v speak_v to_o these_o several_o one_a that_o unmercifulness_n and_o uncharitableness_n to_o the_o poor_a be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n it_o contain_v in_o its_o very_a nature_n two_o black_a crime_n inhumanity_n and_o impiety_n 1._o inhumanity_n it_o be_v a_o argrment_n of_o a_o cruel_a and_o savage_a disposition_n not_o to_o pity_v those_o that_o be_v in_o want_n and_o misery_n and_o he_o do_v not_o true_o pity_v the_o misery_n of_o other_o that_o do_v not_o relieve_v they_o when_o he_o have_v ability_n and_o opportunity_n in_o his_o hand_n tenderness_n and_o compassion_n for_o the_o suffering_n of_o other_o be_v a_o virtue_n so_o proper_a to_o our_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v therefore_o call_v humanity_n as_o if_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o human_a nature_n and_o as_o if_o without_o this_o we_o do_v not_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o men._n to_o see_v a_o man_n like_o
ourselves_o bone_n of_o our_o bone_n and_o flesh_n of_o our_o flesh_n labour_v under_o want_n and_o necessity_n and_o yet_o not_o to_o be_v move_v to_o commiserate_v he_o this_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o we_o have_v put_v off_o our_o own_o nature_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v pity_v the_o suffering_n of_o it_o in_o other_o for_o whenever_o we_o behold_v a_o man_n like_o our_o own_o self_n groan_v under_o want_n and_o press_v with_o necessity_n and_o do_v not_o relent_v towards_o he_o and_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o relieve_v he_o we_o be_v hard-hearted_a to_o our_o own_o nature_n and_o do_v in_o some_o sense_n what_o the_o apostle_n say_v no_o man_n ever_o do_v that_o be_v none_o retain_v the_o temper_n and_o affection_n of_o a_o man_n hate_v his_o own_o flesh_n this_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o as_o a_o most_o barbarous_a sort_n of_o inhumanity_n and_o call_v it_o murder_n 1_o john_n 3._o 15._o whoso_o hate_v his_o brother_n be_v a_o murderer_n and_o not_o to_o relieve_v our_o brother_n in_o want_n be_v to_o hate_v he_o for_o this_o be_v the_o instance_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v at_o the_o 17_o verse_n whoso_o have_v this_o world_n good_n and_o see_v his_o brother_n in_o want_n and_o shut_v up_o his_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n from_o he_o whoso_o do_v not_o consider_v the_o poor_a be_v a_o manslayer_n and_o a_o murderer_n he_o be_v cruel_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n nay_o be_v he_o sufficient_o sensible_a of_o the_o condition_n of_o humane_a nature_n he_o be_v cruel_a to_o himself_o see_v thou_o a_o poor_a man_n in_o great_a misery_n and_o want_n there_o be_v nothing_o have_v befall_v he_o but_o what_o be_v common_a to_o man_n what_o may_v have_v be_v thy_o lot_n and_o portion_n as_o well_o as_o he_o and_o what_o may_v happen_v to_o thou_o or_o thou_o another_o time_n make_v it_o therefore_o thy_o own_o case_n for_o so_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n may_v make_v it_o one_o time_n or_o other_o and_o thou_o provoke_v he_o to_o make_v it_o so_o speedy_o by_o thy_o unmerciful_a disposition_n towards_o the_o poor_a i_o say_v make_v it_o thy_o own_o case_n if_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o poor_a man_n condition_n and_o he_o in_o thou_o consult_v thy_o own_o bowel_n and_o tell_v i_o how_o thou_o will_v wish_v he_o to_o be_v affect_v towards_o thou_o will_v thou_o be_v willing_a that_o he_o shall_v slight_v and_o repulse_v thou_o and_o shut_v up_o his_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n from_o thou_o if_o not_o then_o do_v not_o thou_o deal_v so_o with_o he_o consider_v that_o it_o may_v be_v thy_o own_o case_n therefore_o do_v not_o thou_o give_v the_o world_n any_o bad_a example_n in_o this_o kind_n do_v not_o teach_v man_n to_o be_v unmerciful_a lest_o they_o learn_v of_o thou_o and_o thou_o find_v the_o ill_a effect_n of_o it_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v thy_o own_o condition_n this_o be_v the_o first_o aggravation_n of_o this_o sin_n the_o inhumanity_n of_o it_o but_o 2._o beside_o the_o inhumanity_n of_o this_o sin_n it_o be_v likewise_o a_o great_a impiety_n towards_o god_n unmercifulness_n to_o the_o poor_a have_v this_o fourfold_a impiety_n in_o it_o it_o be_v a_o contempt_n of_o god_n a_o usurpation_n upon_o his_o right_n a_o slight_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o we_o do_v not_o love_n god_n and_o that_o all_o our_o pretence_n to_o religion_n be_v hypocritical_a and_o insincere_a 1._o it_o be_v a_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o a_o reproach_v of_o he_o so_o solomon_n tell_v we_o pro._n 14._o 31._o he_o that_o oppress_v the_o poor_a not_o only_o he_o that_o deal_v unjust_o with_o a_o poor_a man_n but_o he_o that_o be_v uncharitable_a towards_o he_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o opposition_n but_o he_o that_o honour_v he_o have_v mercy_n on_o the_o poor_a here_o oppression_n of_o the_o poor_a be_v oppose_v to_o want_v of_o charity_n towards_o he_o he_o that_o oppress_v the_o poor_a reproach_v his_o maker_n how_o be_v that_o he_o despise_v god_n who_o make_v he_o after_o his_o own_o image_n and_o likeness_n for_o the_o poor_a man_n bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rich_a so_o that_o thou_o can_v not_o oppress_v or_o neglect_v he_o without_o some_o reflection_n upon_o god_n who_o image_n he_o bear_v 2._o the_o uncharitable_a man_n be_v a_o usurper_n upon_o god_n right_a the_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o and_o he_o have_v give_v it_o to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n not_o absolute_o to_o dispose_v of_o as_o they_o please_v but_o in_o trust_n and_o with_o certain_a reservation_n so_o as_o to_o be_v accountable_a to_o he_o for_o the_o disposal_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o man_n we_o be_v indeed_o true_a proprietor_n of_o our_o estate_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n we_o be_v but_o steward_n and_o he_o will_v call_v we_o to_o a_o account_n how_o we_o have_v lay_v they_o out_o so_o much_o as_o we_o need_v be_v we_o but_o beyond_o what_o will_v support_v we_o and_o be_v a_o convenient_a provision_n for_o our_o family_n in_o the_o rank_n wherein_o god_n have_v place_v we_o all_o that_o be_v give_v to_o we_o that_o we_o may_v give_v it_o to_o other_o and_o if_o god_n have_v be_v liberal_a to_o we_o in_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o life_n it_o be_v on_o purpose_n to_o give_v we_o a_o opportunity_n and_o to_o engage_v we_o to_o be_v so_o to_o other_o that_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o our_o charity_n and_o we_o be_v false_a to_o our_o trust_n if_o we_o keep_v those_o thing_n to_o ourselves_o which_o we_o receive_v from_o god_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o we_o may_v distribute_v they_o to_o other_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o our_o ability_n and_o their_o necessity_n this_o be_v to_o hide_v our_o lord_n talon_n in_o a_o napkin_n and_o that_o which_o thou_o store_v up_o in_o this_o case_n be_v unjust_o detain_v by_o thou_o for_o god_n intend_v it_o shall_v have_v be_v for_o bread_n for_o the_o hungry_a and_o for_o clothes_n for_o the_o naked_a for_o the_o relief_n and_o support_v of_o those_o who_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v 3._o the_o uncharitable_a man_n be_v impious_a in_o slight_v of_o god_n providence_n he_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o riches_n and_o poverty_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o can_v soon_o change_v our_o condition_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n with_o he_o to_o make_v a_o rich_a man_n poor_a we_o do_v not_o sufficient_o reverence_v the_o providence_n which_o rule_v the_o world_n if_o when_o god_n have_v blessed_v we_o with_o plenty_n and_o abundance_n we_o have_v no_o pity_n and_o regard_n for_o those_o that_o be_v in_o need_n god_n can_v soon_o turn_v the_o wheel_n and_o lay_v thou_o as_o low_a as_o the_o poor_a man_n who_o thou_o do_v neglect_v he_o can_v cast_v down_o the_o mighty_a from_o their_o seat_n and_o exalt_v the_o humble_a and_o meek_a fill_v the_o hungry_a with_o good_a thing_n and_o send_v the_o rich_a empty_a away_o god_n providence_n can_v easy_o have_v dispose_v of_o thing_n otherwise_o to_o have_v secure_v every_o man_n from_o want_n but_o he_o have_v on_o purpose_n order_v this_o variety_n of_o condition_n high_a and_o low_a rich_a and_o poor_a not_o that_o some_o man_n may_v have_v a_o advantage_n to_o insult_v over_o and_o despise_v other_o but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o opportunity_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o several_a virtue_n that_o the_o poor_a may_v have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o exercise_v their_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o their_o patience_n and_o submission_n to_o his_o will_n and_o that_o the_o rich_a may_v show_v their_o temperance_n and_o moderation_n and_o charity_n 4._o unmercifulness_n to_o the_o poor_a be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o we_o do_v not_o love_n god_n and_o that_o all_o our_o other_o pretence_n to_o religion_n be_v hypocritical_a and_o insincere_a st._n james_n tell_v we_o that_o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n ja._n 1._o 27._o that_o the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o be_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n ch_n 3._o 17._o st._n john_n represent_v this_o uncharitable_a disposition_n as_o utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o true_a love_n of_o god_n 1_o john_n 3._o 17._o but_o whoso_o have_v this_o world_n good_n and_o see_v his_o brother_n have_v need_n and_o shut_v up_o his_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n from_o he_o how_o dwell_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o he_o in_o vain_a do_v such_o a_o man_n pretend_v to_o love_n god_n nay_o ch_n 4._o v._n 20._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a such_o a_o man_n shall_v love_v god_n if_o a_o man_n say_v i_o love_v god_n and_o hate_v his_o brother_n
be_v not_o bring_v to_o repentance_n and_o effectual_o persuade_v by_o this_o clear_a and_o public_a revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o will_n to_o man_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v reason_n to_o look_v upon_o their_o case_n as_o desperate_a methinks_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o desirable_a thing_n to_o any_o of_o we_o to_o be_v convince_v by_o a_o apparition_n the_o thing_n be_v so_o dreadful_a and_o full_a of_o terror_n beside_o that_o it_o argue_v man_n to_o be_v strange_o harden_v in_o a_o bad_a course_n and_o obstinate_o bend_v upon_o their_o evil_a way_n when_o nothing_o will_v affright_v they_o from_o their_o sin_n but_o what_o will_v almost_o put_v they_o out_o of_o their_o wit_n when_o nothing_o will_v keep_v they_o from_o run_v into_o hell_n but_o a_o fearful_a and_o ghastly_a messenger_n from_o thence_o what_o a_o terrible_a sight_n will_v it_o be_v to_o any_o of_o we_o to_o meet_v one_o of_o our_o companion_n who_o we_o have_v late_o know_v in_o this_o world_n fresh_a come_v out_o of_o those_o flame_n with_o the_o smell_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n upon_o he_o what_o imagination_n can_v paint_v to_o itself_o the_o dread_n and_o horror_n of_o such_o a_o spectacle_n the_o rich_a man_n here_o in_o the_o parable_n when_o he_o be_v in_o hell_n be_v represent_v as_o sensible_a of_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o this_o and_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o desire_v to_o be_v send_v himself_o to_o his_o brethren_n but_o desire_v that_o lazarus_n may_v go_v and_o testify_v unto_o they_o he_o be_v apprehensive_a how_o frightful_a a_o sight_n he_o himself_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v to_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o desire_v that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o gentle_a warning_n by_o one_o who_o from_o out_o of_o abraham_n bosom_n have_v see_v the_o misery_n of_o the_o damn_a but_o enjoy_v the_o state_n of_o the_o bless_a but_o let_v not_o we_o tempt_v god_n by_o any_o such_o unreasonable_a demand_n who_o speak_v to_o we_o every_o day_n by_o 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unbelief_n will_v in_o all_o probability_n hurry_v they_o on_o to_o hell_n though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v meet_v they_o in_o their_o way_n to_o give_v a_o stop_n to_o they_o this_o indeed_o may_v startle_v we_o but_o nothing_o be_v like_a to_o save_v we_o if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o grace_n do_v not_o but_o be_v we_o in_o earnest_n and_o will_v we_o be_v persuade_v if_o one_o shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a god_n have_v condescend_v thus_o far_o to_o we_o there_o be_v one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o testify_v unto_o we_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_z rise_v again_o for_o our_o justification_n and_o be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o a_o bless_a resurrection_n and_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n and_o if_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v we_o god_n will_v gratify_v our_o curiosity_n no_o far_o if_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v he_o who_o god_n have_v send_v and_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o he_o have_v send_v he_o have_v raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a we_o shall_v die_v in_o our_o sin_n and_o perish_v in_o our_o impenitency_n god_n have_v in_o great_a mercy_n to_o mankind_n do_v that_o which_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v those_o who_o be_v of_o a_o teachable_a temper_n and_o disposition_n but_o in_o great_a wisdom_n and_o justice_n he_o have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o provide_v any_o remedy_n for_o the_o wilful_a obstinacy_n and_o intractable_a perverseness_n of_o men._n now_o god_n who_o have_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n in_o his_o hand_n persuade_v we_o all_o to_o break_v off_o our_o sin_n by_o repentance_n and_o to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n before_o death_n and_o darkness_n come_v and_o the_o day_n of_o our_o final_a visitation_n overtake_v we_o when_o we_o may_v perhaps_o be_v surprise_v by_o a_o sudden_a stroke_n of_o seize_v upon_o by_o a_o violent_a disease_n and_o may_v have_v no_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o our_o approach_a danger_n or_o if_o we_o have_v may_v find_v no_o place_n for_o repentance_n though_o we_o seek_v it_o with_o tear_n which_o god_n grant_v may_v never_o happen_v to_o be_v the_o case_n of_o any_o of_o we_o for_o his_o mercy_n be_v sake_n in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n sermon_n xiii_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n anno_fw-la 1683._o luke_n xvi_o 8._o for_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v in_o their_o generation_n wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n these_o word_n be_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n steward_n who_o be_v call_v upon_o to_o give_v up_o his_o account_n in_o order_n to_o his_o be_v discharge_v from_o his_o office_n cast_v about_o with_o himself_o what_o course_n he_o have_v best_a to_o take_v to_o provide_v for_o his_o subsistence_n when_o he_o shall_v be_v turn_v out_o of_o his_o employment_n at_o last_o he_o resolve_v upon_o this_o that_o he_o will_v go_v to_o his_o lord_n debtor_n and_o take_v a_o favourable_a account_n of_o they_o and_o instead_o of_o a_o hundred_o measure_n of_o oil_n write_v down_o fifty_o and_o instead_o of_o a_o hundred_o measure_n of_o wheat_n write_v down_o four_o score_n that_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o may_v oblige_v they_o to_o be_v kind_a to_o he_o in_o his_o necessity_n the_o lord_n hear_v of_o this_o commend_v the_o unjust_a steward_n because_o he_o have_v do_v wise_o that_o be_v he_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o dishonesty_n but_o praise_v his_o shrewdness_n and_o sagacity_n as_o have_v do_v prudent_o for_o himself_o though_o he_o do_v not_o deal_v just_o with_o he_o and_o this_o be_v usual_a among_o men._n when_o we_o see_v a_o man_n ingenious_o bad_a to_o commend_v his_o wit_n and_o to_o say_v it_o be_v great_a pity_n he_o do_v not_o use_v it_o better_o and_o apply_v it_o to_o good_a purpose_n upon_o the_o whole_a our_o saviour_n make_v this_o observation_n that_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v in_o their_o generation_n wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v thus_o do_v this_o worldly_a wiseman_n thus_o provident_a be_v he_o for_o his_o future_a security_n and_o subsistence_n he_o no_o soon_o understand_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o his_o office_n but_o he_o consider_v what_o provision_n to_o make_v for_o himself_o against_o that_o time_n and_o be_v it_o not_o pity_n that_o good_a man_n do_v not_o apply_v this_o wisdom_n to_o better_a and_o great_a purpose_n for_o be_v not_o every_o man_n such_o a_o steward_n entrust_v by_o god_n with_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o many_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a for_o all_o
industrious_a than_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v they_o be_v rather_o hypocrite_n the_o other_o way_n and_o will_v conceal_v their_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n and_o not_o seem_v to_o aspire_v after_o riches_n and_o honour_n so_o much_o as_o indeed_o they_o do_v but_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o better_a thing_n how_o cold_a and_o remiss_a be_v we_o with_o what_o a_o careless_a indifference_n do_v most_o man_n mind_v their_o soul_n how_o negligent_a and_o formal_a and_o many_o time_n hypocritical_a be_v they_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n with_o what_o a_o pitiful_a courage_n and_o with_o what_o faint_a spirit_n do_v they_o resist_v sin_n and_o encounter_v the_o temptation_n of_o it_o and_o how_o often_o and_o how_o easy_o be_v they_o foil_v and_o baffle_v by_o they_o 4thly_a the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n be_v more_o invincible_o constant_a and_o pertinacious_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o earthly_a thing_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v birb_v or_o take_v off_o by_o favour_n or_o fair_a word_n not_o to_o be_v daunt_v by_o difficulty_n or_o dash_v out_o of_o countenance_n by_o the_o frown_n and_o reproach_n of_o men._n offer_v a_o ambitious_a man_n any_o thing_n short_a of_o his_o end_n and_o aim_n to_o take_v he_o off_o from_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o he_o scorn_v the_o motion_n and_o think_v you_o go_v about_o to_o fool_v he_o out_o of_o his_o interest_n bait_v a_o covetous_a man_n with_o temptation_n of_o pleasure_n to_o get_v his_o money_n from_o he_o how_o generous_o will_v this_o mean_v spirit_v man_n trample_v upon_o pleasure_n when_o it_o will_v tempt_v he_o from_o his_o design_n of_o be_v rich_a difficulty_n do_v not_o daunt_v they_o but_o whet_v their_o courage_n and_o quicken_v their_o endeavour_n and_o set_v a_o keen_a edge_n upon_o their_o spirit_n give_v a_o ambitious_a man_n almost_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o his_o attempt_n contrà _fw-la audentior_fw-la ibit_fw-la he_o will_v go_v on_o so_o much_o the_o more_o bold_o and_o resolute_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v discourage_v and_o put_v out_o of_o countenance_n by_o contempt_n and_o reproach_n but_o a_o covetous_a man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v jeer_v and_o flirt_v out_o of_o his_o money_n and_o estate_n he_o can_v be_v content_a to_o be_v rich_a and_o give_v leave_v to_o those_o that_o be_v not_o so_o to_o laugh_v at_o he_o populus_fw-la mihi_fw-la sibilat_fw-la at_o mihi_fw-la plaudo_fw-la the_o rich_a worldling_n can_v hug_v himself_o and_o his_o bag_n when_o the_o world_n hiss_v at_o he_o he_o can_v bear_v to_o be_v hate_v and_o persecute_v and_o have_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n speak_v against_o he_o for_o money_n sake_n and_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o these_o design_n man_n will_v with_o great_a resolution_n encounter_n enmity_n and_o opposition_n and_o endure_v great_a suffering_n and_o persecution_n how_o many_o have_v be_v martyr_n to_o their_o lust_n and_o have_v sacrifice_v 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denial_n of_o his_o master_n and_o when_o our_o saviour_n be_v apprehend_v how_o do_v his_o disciple_n forsake_v he_o and_o fly_v from_o he_o and_o though_o they_o be_v constant_a afterward_o to_o the_o death_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o great_a while_n before_o they_o be_v perfect_o arm_v and_o steel_v against_o the_o fear_n of_o suffer_v 5thly_a the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n will_v make_v all_o thing_n stoop_v and_o submit_v to_o that_o which_o be_v their_o great_a end_n and_o design_n their_o end_n rule_v they_o and_o govern_v they_o and_z gives_z law_n to_o all_o their_o action_n they_o will_v make_v a_o advantage_n of_o every_o thing_n and_o if_o it_o will_v not_o serve_v their_o end_n one_o way_n or_o other_o they_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o if_o a_o ambitious_a man_n seek_v wealth_n it_o be_v but_o in_o order_n to_o his_o design_n to_o purchase_v friend_n and_o strengthen_v his_o interest_n and_o make_v his_o rise_n the_o easy_a he_o will_v lay_v his_o whole_a estate_n at_o the_o stake_n rather_o than_o miss_v of_o his_o end_n the_o covetous_a man_n will_v quit_v his_o pleasure_n when_o it_o lie_v cross_v to_o his_o interest_n if_o he_o have_v any_o expensive_a lust_n and_o chargeable_a vice_n he_o will_v turn_v it_o off_o or_o exchange_v it_o for_o some_o more_o frugal_a and_o profitable_a sin_n but_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o our_o soul_n how_o frequent_o do_v man_n act_v without_o a_o due_a regard_n and_o consideration_n of_o their_o great_a end_n and_o instead_o of_o make_v other_o thing_n submit_v to_o it_o they_o often_o bow_v and_o bend_v it_o to_o their_o inferior_a interest_n they_o make_v heaven_n stoop_v to_o earth_n and_o religion_n to_o serve_v a_o worldly_a design_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o give_v way_n to_o gain_v and_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o their_o temporal_a profit_n and_o advantage_n the_o man_n of_o the_o 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world_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o four_o or_o five_o of_o the_o chief_a one_a the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v present_a and_o sensible_a and_o because_o of_o their_o nearness_n to_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o strike_v powerful_o upon_o our_o sense_n and_o to_o affect_v we_o mighty_o to_o excite_v our_o desire_n after_o they_o and_o to_o work_v strong_o upon_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n but_o the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n be_v remote_a from_o we_o be_v lessen_v by_o their_o distance_n and_o consequent_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o work_v so_o powerful_o upon_o our_o mind_n they_o be_v invisible_a to_o we_o and_o only_o discern_v by_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o more_o obscure_a and_o less_o certain_a perception_n of_o thing_n than_o we_o have_v of_o those_o object_n which_o be_v present_v to_o our_o bodily_a eye_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o world_n be_v thing_n which_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v the_o child_n of_o light_n do_v not_o see_v god_n as_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n see_v mammon_n two_o the_o sensual_a delight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n be_v better_o suit_v and_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a nature_n of_o man_n than_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n be_v to_o those_o that_o be_v regenerate_v in_o this_o lapse_v and_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n appetite_n and_o sense_n be_v apt_a to_o prevail_v above_o reason_n and_o therefore_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o delightful_a to_o sense_n we_o savour_v and_o mind_n and_o love_n to_o busy_v ourselves_o about_o they_o because_o they_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o animal_n life_n which_o be_v the_o govern_v principle_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o the_o