drift_n of_o the_o parable_n be_v make_v plain_a and_o perspicuous_a to_o a_o ordinary_a capacity_n wherefore_o now_o i_o proceed_v to_o handle_v the_o particular_a branch_n of_o it_o of_o which_o there_o be_v these_o three_o most_o remarkable_a in_o the_o parable_n and_o which_o as_o i_o have_v already_o intimate_v be_v the_o design_a subject_n of_o the_o subsequent_a discourse_n first_o we_o have_v here_o a_o graphical_a description_n of_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o a_o habitual_a sinner_n before_o repentance_n from_o vers_fw-la 11._o to_o vers_n 17._o second_o a_o type_n or_o portraiture_n of_o true_a repentance_n and_o turn_n to_o god_n from_o vers_fw-la 17._o to_o vers_n 20._o three_o a_o emblematical_a representation_n of_o god_n unspeakable_a mercy_n in_o the_o gracious_a reception_n of_o such_o penitent_n from_o vers_fw-la 20._o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n but_o especial_o to_o vers_n 24._o of_o these_o three_o point_n i_o will_v treat_v in_o order_n according_a as_o the_o series_n of_o the_o parable_n lead_v i_o but_o yet_o because_o i_o apprehend_v it_o will_v be_v not_o only_o profitable_a in_o itself_o but_o also_o peculiarly_a subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o present_a design_n that_o before_o i_o apply_v myself_o to_o a_o direct_a prosecution_n of_o the_o trace_n of_o the_o parable_n i_o give_v a_o strict_a and_o philosophical_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o several_a station_n of_o sinner_n as_o which_o will_v give_v both_o light_n and_o weight_n especial_o to_o the_o first_o of_o the_o mention_v particular_n and_o in_o good_a measure_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n this_o therefore_o i_o will_v endeavour_v in_o the_o next_o immediate_a chapter_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o divers_a state_n of_o sinner_n the_o content_n §_o i._o a_o definition_n of_o sin_n the_o three_o sort_n of_o law_n mankind_n be_v under_o viz._n natural_a divine_a and_o humane_a all_o sin_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o some_o or_o other_o of_o they_o the_o mischief_n of_o mistake_n herein_o §_o ii_o a_o law_n that_o oblige_v must_v be_v know_v or_o knowable_a several_a way_n of_o promulge_v the_o divine_a law_n the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n rise_v in_o proportion_n to_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o promulgation_n of_o that_o law_n whereof_o it_o be_v a_o violation_n the_o mischief_n of_o mistake_n herein_o and_o the_o remedy_n §_o iii_o all_o sin_n be_v voluntary_a caution_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o that_o assertion_n the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o absurd_a consequence_n of_o the_o contrary_n §_o iv._o a_o passage_n of_o s._n james_n chap._n i._o vers_fw-la 13._o etc._n etc._n explain_v and_o the_o nativity_n of_o sin_n thereby_o discover_v §_o v._o the_o usefulness_n of_o the_o forego_n definition_n and_o explication_n the_o distinction_n between_o presumptuous_a sin_n and_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n and_o their_o different_a effect_n §_o vi_o of_o reluctancy_n of_o conscience_n and_o whether_o that_o extenuate_v or_o increase_v the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n §_o vii_o of_o the_o several_a state_n and_o mansion_n of_o sinner_n upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o which_o return_n be_v make_v to_o the_o parable_n §_o i._o if_o we_o take_v just_a measure_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o it_o fall_v under_o our_o present_a consideration_n for_o it_o be_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o my_o subject_n to_o treat_v of_o original_a sin_n it_o be_v thus_o to_o be_v define_v namely_o sin_n be_v a_o voluntary_a breach_n of_o a_o know_a law_n or_o to_o speak_v more_o full_o and_o distinct_o there_o be_v these_o three_o thing_n concurrent_a to_o make_v man_n guilty_a or_o to_o denominate_v any_o action_n of_o his_o sinful_a 1._o that_o by_o some_o act_n or_o omission_n of_o he_o there_o be_v a_o go_v contrary_a to_o and_o violation_n of_o some_o law_n in_o be_v 2._o that_o the_o law_n so_o violate_v be_v such_o as_o be_v or_o may_v have_v be_v know_v to_o the_o offender_n 3._o that_o the_o action_n or_o omission_n by_o which_o such_o law_n be_v violate_v be_v consent_v to_o and_o the_o breach_n voluntary_a all_o these_o three_o thing_n together_o in_o conjunction_n be_v the_o ingredient_n which_o make_v up_o the_o deadly_a poison_n of_o sin_n and_o for_o defect_n of_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o necessary_a concurrence_n of_o all_o of_o they_o to_o that_o unhappy_a production_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v whether_o great_a error_n have_v ensue_v in_o doctrine_n or_o more_o vice_n in_o practice_n whether_o more_o perplexity_n have_v infest_a man_n conscience_n or_o more_o uncharitableness_n have_v embitter_v their_o spirit_n for_o if_o the_o first_o ingredient_n be_v leave_v out_o sin_n be_v thereby_o render_v either_o nothing_o at_o all_o or_o of_o so_o indefinite_a and_o uncertain_a a_o nature_n as_o that_o loose_a and_o profane_a man_n will_v laugh_v at_o it_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a good_a and_o devout_a person_n will_v never_o be_v free_a from_o suspicion_n of_o it_o if_o the_o second_o be_v omit_v the_o consequence_n will_v be_v that_o severe_a and_o sad_a judgement_n will_v be_v pass_v upon_o the_o final_a estate_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o therewith_o very_o unworthy_a reflection_n be_v make_v upon_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o if_o the_o three_o branch_n be_v omit_v the_o number_n of_o sin_n will_v be_v vast_o multiply_v but_o the_o nature_n and_o guilt_n thereof_o so_o extenuate_v as_o that_o man_n will_v be_v tempt_v to_o be_v more_o afraid_a of_o god_n then_o of_o sin_v against_o he_o but_o all_o this_o and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o will_v better_o appear_v upon_o a_o brief_a explication_n of_o the_o particular_n first_o then_o wherever_o there_o be_v sin_n there_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o some_o law_n in_o be_v this_o though_o it_o be_v not_o the_o full_a and_o adequate_a notion_n yet_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n of_o sin_n and_o according_o we_o may_v easy_o observe_v that_o in_o most_o if_o not_o in_o all_o language_n the_o very_a word_n that_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o express_v moral_a evil_a or_o sin_n do_v all_o import_v the_o breach_n of_o some_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o action_n especial_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n which_o be_v most_o significant_a in_o this_o kind_n have_v three_o word_n most_o usual_a in_o the_o case_n which_o we_o find_v all_o together_o psal_n 32._o v._n 1_o 2._o and_o all_o lead_v we_o direct_o to_o this_o notion_n of_o sin_n bless_a be_v be_v who_o transgression_n be_v forgive_v who_o sin_n be_v cover_v bless_a be_v the_o man_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n impute_v not_o iniquity_n the_o first_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v transgression_n proper_o signify_v to_o pass_v set_v bound_n or_o transgress_v prefix_v limit_n the_o second_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o translate_v sin_n denote_v a_o miss_n of_o the_o aim_n or_o mark_v we_o be_v to_o have_v direct_v ourselves_o towards_o and_o the_o last_o of_o the_o three_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d iniquity_n imply_v the_o make_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o wander_a path_n so_o that_o we_o see_v whatever_o kind_n condition_n or_o degree_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v that_o be_v speak_v of_o it_o be_v still_o express_v by_o respect_n to_o some_o law_n or_o rule_n in_o deviation_n from_o which_o it_o consist_v the_o like_a may_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n in_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n and_o general_o in_o other_o language_n but_o we_o need_v not_o insist_v upon_o nicety_n when_o that_o which_o we_o be_v say_v be_v the_o express_a assertion_n of_o two_o apostle_n st._n paul_n and_o st._n john_n the_o former_a tell_v we_o rom._n 4._o 15._o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n the_o other_o ep._n 1._o chap._n 3._o vers_fw-la 4._o he_o that_o sin_v transgress_v also_o the_o law_n for_o sin_n be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n now_o for_o that_o law_n which_o sin_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o it_o be_v threefold_a viz._n either_o first_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n that_o be_v those_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v of_o itself_o able_a to_o collect_v by_o attentive_a consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o our_o relation_n to_o he_o the_o state_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o the_o mutual_a aspect_n of_o the_o several_a part_n thereof_o upon_o each_o other_o and_o upon_o ourselves_o of_o which_o we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v more_o hereafter_o or_o second_o the_o express_a and_o positive_a declaration_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n concern_v thing_n to_o be_v do_v or_o avoid_v by_o we_o which_o be_v common_o call_v revelation_n or_o divine_a law_n or_o three_o the_o
institution_n command_n and_o prohibition_n of_o such_o man_n as_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o invest_v with_o authority_n under_o himself_o of_o oblige_v other_o which_o we_o call_v humane_a law_n to_o these_o some_o will_v add_v custom_n as_o a_o four_o rule_n of_o action_n because_o they_o observe_v there_o be_v many_o case_n wherein_o all_o the_o former_a cease_v wise_a and_o good_a man_n be_v wont_a to_o govern_v themselves_o by_o laudable_a and_o prevail_a custom_n but_o this_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v oblige_v may_v be_v reduce_v to_o humane_a law_n other_o also_o will_v add_v the_o law_n of_o charity_n or_o of_o avoid_v scandal_n as_o a_o five_o but_o this_o be_v both_o provide_v for_o by_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n and_o also_o deducible_a from_o natural_a principle_n therefore_o the_o three_o aforesaid_a measure_n comprise_v all_o that_o which_o can_v fall_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o law_n and_o consequent_o every_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o sin_n must_v consist_v in_o a_o deviation_n from_o or_o go_v cross_n to_o either_o all_o or_o some_o one_o or_o other_o of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a of_o itself_o that_o every_o thing_n be_v free_a till_o something_o restrain_v and_o circumscribe_v it_o and_o it_o can_v be_v evil_a but_o good_a to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o liberty_n which_o derogate_v from_o no_o other_o which_o infringe_n no_o authority_n be_v retrench_v by_o none_o and_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o we_o owe_v account_n of_o ourselves_o and_o carriage_n only_o to_o god_n ultimate_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o derive_v our_o be_v and_o we_o have_v and_o be_v from_o he_o and_o he_o only_o he_o therefore_o who_o give_v we_o our_o be_v and_o all_o our_o power_n and_o faculty_n and_o their_o respective_a accommodation_n and_o who_o continual_o support_v we_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o may_v just_o prescribe_v to_o we_o and_o set_v we_o what_o boundary_n shall_v seem_v fit_a to_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n now_o there_o be_v but_o three_o way_n wherein_o he_o have_v impose_v any_o obligation_n or_o restraint_n upon_o we_o viz._n either_o by_o such_o footstep_n of_o his_o will_n as_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n may_v trace_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o creation_n those_o intimation_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o be_v interweave_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o order_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o natural_a reason_n or_o second_o by_o extraordinary_a interposition_n express_o dictate_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n or_o last_o delegate_a authority_n to_o those_o who_o his_o providence_n have_v constitute_v in_o superiority_n to_o prescribe_v to_o we_o in_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o foreprize_v by_o the_o two_o former_a i._n e._n that_o in_o all_o case_n where_o neither_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o the_o divine_a law_n be_v infringe_v there_o it_o be_v his_o will_n we_o shall_v govern_v ourselves_o by_o the_o law_n of_o man_n these_o i_o say_v be_v all_o the_o way_n god_n have_v think_v fit_a and_o all_o that_o be_v imaginable_a of_o lay_v any_o obligation_n upon_o we_o therefore_o wherever_o there_o be_v sin_n either_o some_o plain_n dictate_v of_o reason_n be_v contradict_v or_o some_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n violate_v or_o the_o sanction_n of_o human_a authority_n oppose_v and_o where_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v do_v there_o can_v be_v no_o sin_n upon_o the_o forecited_a reason_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n which_o plain_a truth_n we_o have_v thus_o careful_o deduce_v principal_o for_o the_o prevention_n or_o remedy_n of_o two_o mistake_n very_o rife_o in_o this_o matter_n the_o former_a be_v of_o certain_a honest_a and_o well-meaning_a but_o timorous_a and_o superstitious_a person_n who_o not_o content_a to_o approve_v themselves_o to_o the_o aforesaid_a measure_n nor_o think_v it_o sufficient_a for_o their_o security_n that_o neither_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o any_o express_v either_o divine_a or_o humane_a law_n disallow_v their_o action_n be_v afraid_a of_o their_o own_o shadow_n and_o suspect_v sin_n and_o danger_n they_o know_v not_o why_o nor_o whence_o their_o heart_n misgive_v they_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o case_n but_o either_o that_o the_o thing_n they_o be_v about_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o course_n of_o their_o education_n or_o forbid_v by_o the_o imperious_a dictate_v of_o some_o person_n to_o who_o usurp_a authority_n they_o have_v prostitute_v their_o judgement_n now_o will_v such_o person_n be_v induce_v to_o consider_v that_o lawful_a and_o unlawful_a be_v relative_a term_n and_o respect_v some_o definite_a rule_n or_o other_o which_o must_v determine_v any_o action_n to_o be_v this_o or_o that_o that_o god_n be_v well_o please_v that_o his_o law_n be_v observe_v and_o be_v not_o so_o severe_a and_o rigid_a as_o to_o oblige_v we_o negative_o that_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v do_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o command_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a field_n of_o liberty_n interjacent_a between_o express_a sin_n and_o express_v duty_n and_o in_o that_o we_o may_v expatiate_v without_o offence_n that_o all_o action_n be_v good_a within_o that_o scope_n and_o though_o they_o admit_v of_o such_o different_a degree_n as_o that_o some_o may_v be_v much_o better_a than_o other_o yet_o none_o be_v evil_a that_o touch_v not_o upon_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o law_n if_o i_o say_v these_o thing_n be_v consider_v which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o effect_n of_o what_o i_o say_v before_o then_o will_v those_o honest_a mind_n be_v undeceive_v and_o enfranchise_v who_o for_o want_v of_o such_o consideration_n be_v put_v to_o the_o unhappy_a choice_n either_o to_o be_v despoil_v of_o all_o liberty_n or_o deprive_v of_o all_o peace_n beside_o that_o by_o such_o jealousy_n they_o tempt_v both_o themselves_o and_o other_o to_o think_v hardly_o of_o god_n and_o consequent_o of_o that_o provoke_v all_o such_o man_n as_o be_v stranger_n to_o religion_n to_o nauseate_n and_o abhor_v it_o the_o other_o mistake_v which_o we_o here_o seek_v to_o prevent_v be_v of_o those_o that_o quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o former_a be_v so_o far_o from_o think_v the_o three_o rule_n of_o action_n we_o lay_v down_o to_o be_v insufficient_a that_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n for_o law_n or_o rule_n the_o persuasion_n of_o a_o man_n be_v own_o conscience_n a_o honest_a intention_n and_o a_o zeal_n of_o god_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v out_o and_o justify_v a_o undertake_n though_o against_o the_o express_a and_o literal_a direction_n of_o some_o law_n in_o be_v this_o conceit_n strange_a as_o it_o be_v have_v nevertheless_o have_v its_o patron_n and_o proselyte_n both_o among_o jew_n and_o christian_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o mischief_n enough_o to_o both_o now_o it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v within_o the_o power_n of_o conscience_n to_o make_v that_o which_o be_v before_o indifferent_a in_o the_o general_n to_o become_v good_a and_o laudable_a in_o particular_a or_o contrariwise_o by_o its_o dissent_n to_o render_v it_o evil_n and_o vicious_a because_o god_n have_v give_v it_o a_o judicature_n its_o consent_n be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o what_o we_o do_v in_o which_o sense_n i_o take_v it_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n a_o err_a conscience_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v by_o and_o by_o be_v also_o some_o mitigation_n of_o a_o miscarriage_n in_o practice_n but_o it_o be_v far_o from_o that_o prerogative_n of_o be_v able_a to_o legitimate_a any_o action_n prohibit_v by_o any_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a rule_n for_o it_o be_v but_o a_o judge_n not_o a_o law_n and_o must_v be_v govern_v by_o the_o measure_v forelay_v or_o if_o we_o allow_v too_o that_o the_o light_n of_o conscience_n be_v one_o of_o those_o measure_n as_o we_o do_v yet_o must_v it_o not_o bear_v down_o both_o the_o other_o that_o be_v it_o be_v only_o a_o law_n and_o justify_v a_o action_n when_o neither_o divine_a nor_o humane_a law_n have_v restrain_v it_o and_o not_o else_o wherefore_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o three_o rule_n aforesaid_a in_o conjunction_n make_v up_o the_o standard_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a every_o thing_n be_v a_o sin_n that_o go_v contrary_a to_o any_o of_o they_o and_o nothing_o be_v so_o that_o do_v not_o §_o ii_o 2._o but_o second_o to_o render_v any_o action_n of_o we_o culpable_a it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o some_o law_n in_o be_v be_v break_v unless_o that_o law_n be_v also_o promulge_v i._n e._n such_o as_o be_v or_o may_v be_v know_v for_o otherwise_o in_o effect_n it_o be_v no_o law_n
for_o deliberation_n there_o can_v be_v no_o perfect_a judgement_n and_o consequent_o but_o a_o imperfect_a consent_n again_o while_o a_o man_n be_v bend_v himself_o with_o all_o his_o might_n against_o some_o one_o extreme_a which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v evil_a and_o therefore_o careful_o decline_v he_o may_v perhaps_o in_o detestation_n of_o that_o incline_v too_o much_o to_o the_o other_o or_o while_o a_o man_n endeavour_n diligent_o to_o carry_v on_o both_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o concern_v of_o religion_n too_o it_o may_v happen_v that_o the_o solicitude_n and_o care_n of_o the_o former_a may_v sometime_o unreasonable_o crowd_v in_o and_o disturb_v he_o in_o the_o latter_a nay_o once_o more_o through_o the_o infirmity_n of_o memory_n compare_v with_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o affair_n which_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n care_n extend_v to_o it_o may_v not_o infrequent_o fall_v out_o that_o such_o a_o person_n for_o the_o present_a forget_v or_o omit_v some_o duty_n of_o religion_n now_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o any_o of_o these_o case_n be_v perfect_o involuntary_a because_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o that_o extraordinary_a diligence_n and_o watchfulness_n may_v have_v provide_v against_o they_o nevertheless_o they_o be_v not_o deliberate_a sin_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o full_a consent_n of_o the_o will_n to_o they_o as_o be_v evident_a both_o by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v already_o and_o also_o by_o this_o that_o such_o person_n we_o speak_v of_o very_o quick_o feel_v remorse_n for_o they_o their_o heart_n smite_v they_o upon_o the_o first_o reflection_n upon_o what_o have_v past_a and_o they_o present_o recover_v themselves_o and_o double_a their_o watch_n and_o guard_n where_o they_o have_v thus_o find_v themselves_o overtake_v these_o therefore_o and_o all_o other_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o be_v proper_o call_v sin_n of_o infirmity_n but_o now_o on_o the_o other_o side_n when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v notorious_a and_o palpable_a that_o it_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o dispute_n whether_o it_o be_v evil_a or_o no_o when_o a_o man_n be_v not_o surprise_v but_o make_v his_o election_n do_v not_o insensible_o slip_v awry_o while_o he_o be_v in_o his_o right_a way_n but_o take_v a_o wrong_a course_n be_v not_o overbear_v by_o a_o huge_a fear_n but_o be_v allure_v by_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n when_o he_o have_v time_n to_o consider_v and_o yet_o resolve_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v forbid_v he_o here_o be_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o extenuate_v the_o fact_n or_o mitigate_v his_o guilt_n it_o be_v a_o voluntary_a and_o therefore_o a_o presumptuous_a sin_n such_o a_o distinction_n as_o this_o david_n seem_v to_o make_v psal_n 19_o 12_o 13._o when_o he_o pray_v that_o he_o may_v understand_v his_o error_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o with_o holy_a joh_n where_o he_o have_v do_v iniquity_n he_o may_v do_v so_o no_o more_o but_o earnest_o beg_v that_o he_o may_v be_v keep_v from_o presumptuous_a sin_n i_o e._n from_o such_o voluntary_a and_o wilful_a miscarriage_n as_o we_o have_v but_o now_o speak_v of_o so_o say_v he_o shall_v i_o be_v innocent_a and_o free_a from_o the_o great_a transgression_n for_o though_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n in_o the_o most_o proper_a sense_n be_v not_o without_o guilt_n at_o least_o if_o god_n shall_v proceed_v in_o rigour_n with_o man_n yet_o in_o consideration_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n together_o with_o the_o evident_a pitiableness_n of_o their_o own_o circumstance_n they_o leave_v no_o horror_n upon_o the_o mind_n no_o stain_n or_o ill_a mark_n upon_o the_o person_n much_o less_o a_o scar_n or_o a_o maim_n but_o the_o other_o beside_o their_o great_a guilt_n either_o terrible_o afflict_v or_o lay_v waste_n and_o stupify_v the_o conscience_n they_o harden_v the_o heart_n break_v the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o quench_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v more_o at_o large_a hereafter_o at_o present_a i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v very_o pertinent_a to_o observe_v that_o whereas_o s._n john_n ep._n 1._o chap._n 3._o vers_fw-la 4._o seem_v to_o give_v a_o brief_a and_o compendious_a description_n of_o sin_n in_o these_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v sin_n be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v not_o altogether_o improbable_a but_o that_o the_o apostle_n intend_v to_o express_v something_o more_o than_o be_v common_o understand_v by_o those_o word_n in_o english_a for_o beside_o that_o it_o seem_v a_o flat_a say_n he_o that_o sin_v transgress_v the_o law_n for_o sin_n be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v note_v moreover_o by_o learned_a man_n that_o the_o apostle_n call_v not_o sin_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o have_v be_v the_o most_o proper_a word_n to_o denote_v a_o mere_a breach_n or_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n but_o use_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o namely_o lawlessness_n and_o dissoluteness_n the_o live_n without_o or_o cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o law_n for_o so_o we_o find_v it_o elsewhere_o use_v in_o scripture_n particular_o 1_o tim._n 1._o 9_o where_o we_o have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lawless_a and_o disobedient_a or_o ungovernable_a join_v together_o and_o thus_o the_o phrase_n of_o the_o apostle_n before_o we_o will_v import_v not_o so_o much_o the_o mere_a matter_n of_o sin_n viz._n the_o violation_n of_o a_o law_n but_o the_o aggravation_n of_o it_o as_o a_o presumptuous_a sin_n namely_o the_o wilfullness_n and_o stubbornness_n of_o the_o sinner_n and_o if_o this_o gloss_n may_v be_v allow_v we_o shall_v with_o much_o ease_n be_v able_a to_o understand_v a_o follow_a passage_n in_o this_o apostle_n which_o have_v not_o a_o little_a exercise_v the_o head_n of_o divine_n nor_o less_o perplex_v the_o conscience_n of_o many_o serious_a person_n viz._n vers_fw-la 9_o of_o this_o chapter_n he_o write_v thus_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n for_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o he_o can_v sin_v because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n now_o if_o we_o take_v sin_n strict_o and_o rigorous_o here_o for_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n than_o it_o will_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o by_o the_o phrase_n he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n we_o can_v understand_v none_o but_o our_o saviour_n himself_o which_o be_v altogether_o beside_o the_o business_n forasmuch_o as_o he_o only_o be_v without_o sin_n in_o that_o sense_n but_o if_o we_o take_v the_o phrase_n in_o the_o latitude_n before_o intimate_v that_o be_v for_o voluntary_a wilful_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n then_o the_o sense_n be_v both_o easy_a and_o comfortable_a namely_o that_o the_o man_n who_o be_v true_o a_o christian_n have_v not_o only_o the_o profession_n but_o the_o new_a nature_n temper_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o be_v a_o man_n and_o so_o encompass_v with_o temptation_n and_o difficulty_n as_o every_o one_o be_v in_o this_o world_n he_o can_v avoid_v all_o surreption_n yet_o the_o powerful_a principle_n of_o christianity_n settle_v in_o his_o heart_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o preserve_v he_o at_o least_o ordinary_o from_o rebellion_n and_o wilful_a disobedience_n and_o this_o way_n of_o interpret_n these_o and_o the_o like_a passage_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v strong_o countenance_v by_o what_o we_o find_v luk._n 1._o 6._o where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o zachary_n and_o elizabeth_n that_o they_o be_v both_o of_o they_o righteous_a before_o god_n walk_v in_o all_o the_o commandment_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n blameless_a that_o be_v they_o be_v sincere_o good_a and_o virtuous_a person_n their_o heart_n be_v principled_a with_o the_o fear_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o though_o they_o be_v not_o without_o the_o error_n and_o fail_n incident_a to_o humanity_n yet_o they_o strict_o make_v conscience_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o do_v not_o deliberate_o depart_v from_o the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n and_o that_o passage_n concern_v david_n 1_o king_n 15._o 5._o seem_v sufficient_a to_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o doubt_n where_o it_o be_v say_v david_n do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o turn_v not_o aside_o from_o any_o thing_n he_o command_v he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n save_v only_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o vriah_n the_o hittite_n notwithstanding_o the_o scripture_n reckon_v up_o several_a fail_n of_o david_n his_o passion_n for_o absalon_n his_o number_v the_o people_n his_o approaching_z too_o near_o the_o lord_n be_v anoint_v when_o he_o cut_v off_o the_o skirt_n of_o saul_n garment_n for_o which_o his_o heart_n smite_v he_o his_o despondency_n
of_o mind_n and_o mistrust_n that_o he_o shall_v one_o day_n fall_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o saul_n his_o rage_n against_o nabal_n etc._n etc._n but_o in_o regard_n these_o be_v but_o imperfect_o voluntary_a therefore_o they_o make_v no_o blot_n in_o his_o character_n but_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o vriah_n the_o fact_n be_v horrible_a there_o be_v time_n for_o deliberation_n the_o use_n of_o cunning_a and_o contrivance_n and_o therefore_o full_a consent_n wherefore_o this_o be_v quite_o of_o another_o consideration_n from_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o leave_v such_o a_o stain_n upon_o he_o as_o require_v many_o tear_n and_o prayer_n and_o a_o very_a serious_a and_o signal_n repentance_n to_o cleanse_v he_o from_o §_o vi_o thus_o much_o i_o have_v think_v sufficient_a for_o the_o clear_n the_o distinction_n between_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n and_o presumption_n but_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o mistake_n equal_o common_a and_o dangerous_a which_o wherever_o it_o take_v place_n do_v not_o only_o render_v all_o we_o have_v hitherto_o say_v useless_a but_o be_v of_o fatal_a consequence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n it_o be_v to_o this_o effect_n when_o man_n be_v about_o the_o commission_n of_o some_o great_a and_o enormous_a sin_n it_o be_v not_o unusual_a for_o they_o to_o find_v some_o reluctancy_n and_o abhorrence_n within_o themselves_o now_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o they_o think_v that_o although_o they_o yield_v to_o the_o temptation_n and_o commit_v the_o sin_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v esteem_v altogether_o a_o voluntary_a transgression_n but_o will_v admit_v of_o great_a abatement_n by_o reason_n of_o such_o combat_n and_o conflict_n which_o they_o find_v in_o themselves_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n they_o apply_v that_o passage_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 7._o 15._o that_o which_o i_o do_v i_o allow_v not_o for_o what_o i_o will_v that_o do_v i_o not_o but_o what_o i_o will_v not_o that_o i_o do_v and_o that_o which_o follow_v also_o vers_fw-la 17._o so_o than_o it_o be_v no_o more_o i_o that_o do_v it_o but_o sin_n that_o dwell_v in_o i_o but_o to_o remove_v so_o dangerous_a a_o mistake_n it_o will_v be_v well_o consider_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o however_o some_o have_v learned_a to_o call_v such_o a_o reluctancy_n as_o aforesaid_a by_o the_o specious_a name_n of_o the_o combat_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n or_o the_o regenerate_a and_o unregenerate_a part_n as_o the_o same_o man_n love_v to_o speak_v it_o be_v certain_o nothing_o else_o but_o mere_o some_o remain_v of_o natural_a conscience_n in_o man_n and_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o some_o measure_n in_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o man_n that_o be_v in_o all_o but_o those_o who_o conscience_n be_v sear_v and_o utter_o insensible_a it_o be_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o conscience_n itself_o which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o kind_n of_o internal_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n implant_v by_o god_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o a_o man_n may_v more_o easy_o destroy_v any_o of_o his_o outward_a sense_n than_o quite_o extinguish_v this_o the_o apostle_n take_v notice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o roman_n chap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 15._o who_o vice_n be_v yet_o so_o notorious_a as_o that_o they_o be_v utter_o out_o of_o capacity_n of_o be_v account_v regenerate_v man_n indeed_o if_o a_o man_n find_v in_o himself_o so_o quick_a a_o sense_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o be_v so_o tender_a of_o all_o degree_n of_o evil_a that_o his_o conscience_n not_o only_o check_v but_o call_v he_o off_o and_o restrain_v he_o upon_o the_o first_o appearance_n or_o approach_n of_o sin_n this_o as_o i_o have_v intimate_v before_o will_v be_v a_o good_a sign_n of_o regeneration_n and_o such_o beginning_n of_o evil_a so_o resist_v will_v not_o be_v impute_v as_o wilful_a transgression_n but_o when_o a_o man_n conscience_n only_o check_v he_o but_o he_o go_v on_o and_o commit_v the_o sin_n the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o it_o be_v only_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sear_a conscience_n and_o yet_o such_o a_o man_n be_v in_o a_o fair_a way_n to_o that_o also_o for_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o body_n by_o be_v often_o rub_v and_o hurt_v grow_v at_o last_o callous_a and_o insensible_a so_o the_o conscience_n be_v often_o resist_v in_o its_o intimation_n and_o stifle_v and_o overbear_v by_o the_o fury_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n grow_v at_o last_o stupid_a and_o dead_a so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 1._o 28._o because_o they_o like_v not_o to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o mind_n he_o give_v they_o up_o to_o vain_a imagination_n and_o because_o they_o give_v themselves_o to_o sensuality_n he_o give_v they_o up_o to_o unnatural_a lust_n and_o so_o by_o degree_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n to_o a_o state_n of_o stupidity_n a_o spirit_n of_o injudiciousness_n to_o lose_v the_o feel_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o extenuate_v the_o guilt_n of_o a_o man_n sin_n that_o his_o heart_n smite_v he_o for_o it_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o his_o presumption_n that_o he_o go_v on_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o if_o a_o man_n can_v say_v he_o do_v not_o so_o well_o know_v his_o duty_n as_o he_o shall_v and_o therefore_o his_o conscience_n not_o be_v right_o inform_v do_v not_o give_v he_o warning_n of_o it_o or_o that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o hurry_n and_o can_v not_o consider_v or_o confess_v his_o rashness_n and_o precipitancy_n these_o be_v some_o mitigation_n for_o as_o s._n clemens_n well_o pronounce_v 〈◊〉_d that_o which_o be_v involuntary_a be_v sudden_a and_o where_o a_o man_n can_v deliberate_v 2._o he_o scarce_o consent_v but_o when_o the_o case_n be_v such_o that_o a_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v he_o know_v what_o he_o do_v he_o think_v of_o it_o and_o condemn_v it_o and_o yet_o do_v it_o this_o sure_o be_v a_o aggravation_n if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v so_o it_o be_v say_v a_o generous_a heathen_a 〈◊〉_d plutarch_n by_o name_n a_o most_o unmanly_a and_o brutish_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n that_o know_v what_o he_o shall_v do_v soft_o and_o effeminate_o to_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o the_o swing_n of_o intemperate_a passion_n in_o short_a if_o when_o a_o man_n confess_v the_o truth_n must_v say_v he_o have_v reason_n against_o what_o he_o do_v but_o confront_v it_o his_o conscience_n shame_v he_o but_o he_o resolve_v to_o be_v shameless_a he_o have_v weapon_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o resist_v temptation_n but_o he_o cast_v they_o down_o and_o yield_v all_o which_o be_v imply_v when_o a_o man_n say_v his_o conscience_n smite_v he_o when_o he_o go_v about_o a_o sin_n but_o nevertheless_o he_o persist_v and_o commit_v it_o i_o say_v if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o voluntary_a sin_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n incident_a to_o mankind_n §_o vii_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o guilt_n or_o malignity_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o general_a now_o brief_o for_o the_o various_a state_n and_o mansion_n of_o sinner_n which_o we_o shall_v the_o more_o easy_o understand_v if_o we_o first_o consider_v the_o several_a degree_n of_o virtue_n or_o so_o many_o high_a and_o low_a capacity_n as_o there_o be_v of_o be_v good_a and_o holy_a and_o i_o know_v not_o where_o to_o find_v these_o more_o exact_o reckon_v up_o and_o describe_v then_o by_o s._n clement_n of_o alexandria_n who_o make_v four_o station_n of_o perfection_n 〈◊〉_d 1._o not_o to_o sin_n at_o all_o which_o say_v he_o be_v the_o felicity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o to_o be_v sure_a not_o the_o condition_n of_o any_o mere_a man_n in_o this_o world_n 2._o not_o to_o commit_v any_o wilful_a or_o voluntary_a sin_n which_o be_v the_o attainment_n of_o the_o perfect_a man_n or_o true_a gnostick_n 1._o as_o he_o use_v to_o speak_v 3._o rare_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o inadvertency_n or_o involuntary_a lapse_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o good_a proficient_a in_o religion_n 4._o and_o last_o when_o a_o man_n have_v sin_v to_o recover_v himself_o early_o by_o repentance_n and_o not_o lie_v under_o the_o guilt_n nor_o much_o less_o grow_v into_o a_o habit_n of_o sin_n which_o low_a degree_n though_o it_o be_v vast_o different_a from_o every_o of_o the_o former_a yet_o it_o be_v tolerable_a and_o acceptable_a through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v anon_o now_o in_o some_o proportion_n to_o this_o discourse_n we_o will_v suppose_v 4_o station_n or_o degree_n of_o wickedness_n 1._o such_o as_o do_v nothing_o but_o sin_n which_o we_o only_o mention_v for_o method-sake_n for_o as_o we_o be_v certain_a non_fw-la datur_fw-la summum_fw-la
malum_fw-la or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o be_v absolute_o evil_a as_o the_o manichee_n imagine_v so_o it_o be_v very_o questionable_a whether_o the_o very_a devil_n himself_o do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v evil_a but_o it_o be_v out_o of_o all_o question_n with_o i_o that_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o vicious_o incline_v man_n do_v some_o good_a and_o for_o those_o that_o can_v assert_v the_o most_o virtuous_a action_n of_o unregenerate_a man_n to_o be_v express_a sin_n they_o may_v pretend_v what_o patron_n they_o will_v of_o their_o opinion_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a neither_o scripture_n nor_o reason_n will_v countenance_v it_o for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o best_a action_n of_o such_o man_n be_v not_o acceptable_a as_o the_o condition_n of_o eternal_a life_n because_o they_o be_v disjoin_v from_o habitual_a sanctification_n and_o true_a holiness_n yet_o that_o they_o be_v not_o therefore_o sin_n will_v sufficient_o appear_v by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v not_o long_o since_o in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n neither_o because_o they_o be_v defective_a in_o some_o circumstance_n do_v they_o cease_v to_o be_v good_a or_o become_v sin_n for_o then_o the_o best_a performance_n of_o the_o best_a man_n in_o this_o world_n will_v be_v sin_n too_o because_o they_o be_v also_o defective_a in_o circumstance_n 2._o the_o second_o or_o rather_o first_o rank_n of_o sinner_n consist_v of_o such_o as_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o great_a and_o enormous_a sin_n whether_o of_o one_o kind_a or_o of_o many_o i_o confess_v at_o the_o first_o sight_n one_o will_v think_v these_o shall_v be_v divide_v into_o two_o class_n whereof_o the_o first_o shall_v be_v those_o profligate_v wretch_n and_o son_n of_o belial_n who_o perfect_o abandon_v themselves_o to_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o fury_n of_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o add_v drunkenness_n to_o thirst_n as_o the_o scripture_n express_v it_o or_o run_v from_o one_o kind_n of_o sin_n to_o another_o with_o a_o kind_n of_o greediness_n as_o if_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o love_v evil_a for_o its_o own_o sake_n or_o have_v a_o spite_n both_o at_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o second_o shall_v be_v those_o more_o reserve_v and_o cautious_a sinner_n who_o perhaps_o may_v carry_v it_o very_o demure_o in_o many_o respect_n but_o maintain_v some_o bosom_n sin_n which_o be_v as_o dear_a to_o they_o as_o their_o right_a eye_n and_o as_o necessary_a as_o their_o right_a hand_n and_o this_o they_o hope_v god_n will_v indulge_v they_o oh_o it_o be_v a_o little_a one_o and_o their_o soul_n shall_v live_v i_o say_v i_o shall_v in_o civility_n have_v provide_v these_o a_o form_n by_o themselves_o and_o not_o set_v they_o with_o the_o open_a and_o scandalous_a sinner_n but_o that_o i_o observe_v god_n make_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o his_o servant_n you_o be_v say_v the_o apostle_n to_o who_o you_o obey_v and_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n whether_o a_o man_n have_v many_o master_n or_o one_o he_o be_v equal_o a_o slave_n that_o be_v lead_v captive_a either_o way_n and_o so_o 8._o james_n in_o that_o most_o remarkable_a passage_n chap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 10._o whosoever_o shall_v keep_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o offend_v in_o one_o point_n be_v guilty_a of_o all_o of_o which_o seem_a paradox_n he_o give_v account_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n for_o he_o that_o say_v do_v not_o commit_v adultery_n say_v also_o do_v not_o kill_v etc._n etc._n i._n e._n the_o reverence_n of_o every_o branch_n of_o god_n law_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n and_o right_a to_o prescribe_v to_o we_o which_o he_o impeache_n whosoever_o dispense_v with_o himself_o in_o the_o habitual_a breach_n of_o any_o one_o of_o his_o command_n for_o whatever_o particular_a he_o choose_v to_o transgress_v in_o he_o derogate_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a beside_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o all_o sin_n can_v stand_v together_o some_o sin_n be_v as_o repugnant_a and_o contradictory_n to_o each_o other_o as_o all_o be_v to_o virtue_n and_o moreover_o non_fw-la omnis_fw-la fert_fw-la omne_fw-la tellus_fw-la it_o may_v be_v not_o the_o humour_n or_o interest_n or_o not_o suitable_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o some_o man_n to_o act_v some_o sin_n when_o yet_o it_o be_v neither_o love_n of_o virtue_n nor_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n which_o make_v he_o abstain_v from_o it_o these_o therefore_o be_v just_o join_v together_o namely_o all_o such_o as_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o one_o or_o more_o notorious_a sin_n 3._o a_o three_o rank_n be_v such_o as_o though_o they_o live_v not_o in_o the_o habit_n yet_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o act_n of_o some_o very_a great_a and_o flagitious_a crime_n for_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n very_o deadly_a even_o in_o single_a act_n as_o either_o contain_v a_o complication_n of_o many_o wickedness_n together_o as_o sacrilege_n adultery_n sedition_n or_o such_o as_o can_v never_o be_v revoke_v nor_o amends_o be_v make_v for_o they_o as_o take_v away_o a_o man_n life_n or_o never_o repeat_v nor_o repent_v of_o as_o to_o murder_v a_o man_n self_n and_o several_a other_o now_o these_o be_v of_o so_o deadly_a a_o nature_n every_o man_n that_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o virtue_n or_o care_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n ought_v ever_o to_o be_v sufficient_o guard_v against_o they_o and_o at_o utter_a defiance_n of_o they_o and_o he_o that_o can_v be_v so_o careless_a as_o to_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o any_o such_o betray_v the_o great_a atheism_n and_o security_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o miscarriage_n of_o david_n in_o the_o business_n of_o bathshebah_n and_o vriah_n lay_v such_o a_o horrible_a blot_n upon_o he_o and_o need_v all_o that_o repentance_n whereof_o we_o have_v the_o footstep_n in_o the_o 51._o psalm_n 4._o the_o four_o and_o last_o rank_n be_v they_o that_o avoid_v both_o the_o habit_n and_o the_o act_n of_o great_a sin_n yet_o allow_v themselves_o in_o the_o frequent_a commission_n of_o lesser_a and_o persevere_v in_o they_o without_o repentance_n by_o lesser_a sin_n i_o mean_v both_o such_o as_o i_o reckon_v up_o before_o under_o the_o name_n of_o infirmity_n and_o more_o particular_o such_o as_o these_o follow_v when_o a_o man_n dare_v not_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o beastly_a sensuality_n yet_o will_v too_o much_o humour_n and_o caress_n his_o body_n in_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o pleasure_n or_o will_v not_o steal_v and_o cozen_v but_o will_v be_v covetous_a and_o have_v his_o heart_n too_o much_o upon_o the_o world_n that_o dare_v not_o cast_v off_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o will_v indulge_v himself_o to_o be_v remiss_a and_o flat_a in_o they_o and_o several_a of_o this_o nature_n too_o easy_a to_o be_v observe_v now_o these_o kind_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a in_o that_o partly_o our_o conscience_n not_o be_v present_o startle_v at_o they_o as_o at_o great_a crime_n we_o more_o easy_o admit_v they_o or_o they_o insensible_o steal_v upon_o we_o from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o become_v frequent_a and_o so_o arise_v to_o a_o great_a number_n and_o seem_v to_o equal_v that_o way_n what_o they_o have_v not_o in_o weight_n these_o therefore_o if_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o pass_v unregarded_a grow_v to_o a_o great_a danger_n since_o no_o danger_n be_v little_a when_o once_o it_o be_v esteem_v so_o and_o beside_o though_o these_o may_v pass_v for_o inadvertency_n when_o they_o be_v once_o or_o rare_o commit_v yet_o it_o must_v be_v a_o vicious_a neglect_n of_o ourselves_o when_o they_o be_v frequent_a and_o ordinary_a forasmuch_o as_o all_o sincere_a virtue_n be_v awaken_v to_o great_a diligence_n by_o every_o sensible_a declension_n to_o which_o add_v especial_o that_o whatsoever_o sin_n and_o how_o little_a soever_o it_o be_v be_v not_o repent_v of_o when_o it_o be_v come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n be_v by_o that_o mean_v become_v a_o voluntary_a transgression_n increase_v its_o guilt_n ex_fw-la post_fw-la pacto_fw-la these_o be_v the_o principal_a station_n of_o sin_n or_o the_o several_a way_n upon_o which_o a_o man_n be_v denominate_v a_o sinner_n in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o wise_a man_n but_o to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v render_v this_o important_a point_n as_o clear_a as_o we_o can_v and_o now_o also_o come_v more_o direct_o to_o the_o parable_n before_o we_o we_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o psalmist_n david_n distribution_n of_o sinner_n into_o a_o threefold_a classis_fw-la psal_n 1._o vers_fw-la 1._o bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o ungodly_a nor_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n nor_o sit_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o
himself_o on_o this_o wise_a whatever_o my_o case_n be_v now_o sure_o i_o be_v make_v in_o the_o image_n of_o god_n place_v under_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o providence_n as_o it_o be_v of_o his_o family_n and_o table_n heaven_n and_o earth_n minister_v to_o i_o i_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o low_a and_o favourite_n of_o the_o upper_a world_n as_o if_o the_o one_o be_v make_v on_o purpose_n to_o exercise_v and_o divert_v i_o and_o the_o other_o to_o receive_v and_o reward_v i_o i_o have_v a_o nature_n capable_a of_o immortality_n and_o have_v eternal_a life_n design_v for_o i_o as_o the_o inheritance_n of_o a_o son_n and_o my_o task_n of_o obedience_n be_v as_o easy_a and_o honourable_a as_o my_o hope_n be_v glorious_a for_o i_o have_v no_o hard_a burden_n lay_v upon_o i_o nothing_o require_v of_o i_o but_o what_o be_v proportionable_a to_o my_o power_n and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o my_o mind_n no_o restraint_n be_v lay_v upon_o my_o passion_n but_o such_o as_o be_v evident_o both_o necessary_a for_o the_o world_n and_o good_a for_o myself_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v draw_v into_o a_o argument_n of_o harshness_n and_o severity_n in_o god_n nor_o make_v apology_n for_o my_o transgression_n all_o my_o faculty_n be_v whole_a and_o entire_a i_o be_v neither_o tempt_v by_o necessity_n nor_o oppress_v by_o any_o fate_n i_o be_v therefore_o happy_a enough_o and_o why_o be_o i_o not_o so_o still_o it_o be_v true_a that_o humane_a nature_n have_v miscarry_v since_o it_o come_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o i_o carry_v the_o scar_n of_o that_o common_a wound_n yet_o be_v the_o damage_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n so_o repair_v by_o the_o second_o that_o mankind_n be_v leave_v inexcusable_a in_o all_o its_o actual_a transgression_n but_o especial_o in_o a_o dissolute_a and_o impenitent_a course_n of_o rebellion_n beside_o i_o see_v other_o who_o circumstance_n be_v in_o all_o point_v the_o same_o with_o i_o and_o their_o difficulty_n and_o temptation_n no_o less_o to_o live_v holy_o and_o comfortable_o have_v either_o escape_v the_o too_o common_a pollution_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o early_a compliance_n with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n or_o at_o least_o quick_o recover_v themselves_o by_o repentance_n i_o find_v therefore_o that_o i_o may_v have_v live_v in_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n in_o serenity_n of_o mind_n quiet_a of_o conscience_n sense_n of_o my_o own_o integrity_n and_o comfortable_a hope_n of_o unspeakable_a glory_n in_o contemplation_n of_o which_o i_o may_v have_v defy_v death_n and_o live_v in_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n but_o i_o have_v be_v mere_o fool_v by_o my_o own_o incogitancy_n and_o undo_v by_o my_o own_o choice_n for_o proceed_v he_o 2._o i_o have_v forfeit_v all_o this_o by_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o be_v so_o sottish_a as_o to_o prefer_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o my_o own_o humour_n before_o all_o the_o aforesaid_a felicity_n i_o have_v be_v ingrateful_a towards_o my_o great_a benefactor_n break_v the_o law_n of_o my_o creation_n confront_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o most_o high_a be_v insolent_a towards_o a_o mighty_a majesty_n violate_v just_a and_o righteous_a commandment_n sin_v against_o light_n knowledge_n and_o conscience_n add_v presumption_n to_o folly_n wilfullness_n to_o weakness_n despise_a counsel_n exhortation_n promise_n assistance_n my_o sin_n be_v many_o in_o number_n horrible_a in_o their_o aggravation_n deadly_a in_o their_o continuance_n and_o my_o perseverance_n in_o they_o by_o this_o mean_n i_o have_v not_o only_o wrought_v disorder_n in_o the_o world_n but_o disorder_v my_o own_o soul_n spoil_v my_o own_o power_n suffer_v passion_n to_o get_v head_n of_o my_o reason_n cloud_v my_o understanding_n and_o so_o by_o former_a sin_n render_v it_o in_o a_o manner_n necessary_a that_o i_o sin_n still_o for_o when_o i_o will_v do_v good_a evil_a be_v present_a with_o i_o i_o find_v a_o law_n in_o my_o member_n rebel_a against_o the_o law_n of_o my_o mind_n and_o carry_v i_o into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o this_o body_n of_o death_n i_o have_v drive_v away_o the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o put_v myself_o under_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n become_v his_o slave_n and_o drudge_n i_o know_v nothing_o now_o of_o the_o comfort_n of_o innocence_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n i_o be_v a_o continual_a torture_n to_o i_o i_o have_v lose_v the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n and_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o he_o be_v dreadful_a to_o i_o by_o all_o which_o together_o life_n be_v a_o burden_n and_o yet_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n be_v intolerable_a such_o reflection_n and_o consideration_n as_o these_o break_v the_o very_a heart_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o resolve_v he_o into_o sigh_n and_o tear_n 3._o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o worst_a of_o the_o case_n for_o in_o the_o three_o place_n he_o consider_v what_o be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o this_o this_o miserable_a life_n say_v the_o sinner_n can_v last_v always_o death_n will_v arrest_v i_o short_o and_o present_v i_o before_o a_o just_a tribunal_n the_o grave_n will_v ever_o ong_z cover_v i_o but_o not_o be_v able_a to_o conceal_v i_o for_o i_o must_v come_v to_o judgement_n methinks_v i_o hear_v already_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o last_o trump_n let_v the_o dead_a arise_v let_v they_o come_v to_o judgement_n i_o see_v the_o angel_n as_o apparitor_n gather_v all_o the_o world_n together_o and_o present_v they_o before_o that_o dreadful_a tribunal_n how_o shall_v i_o be_v able_a with_o my_o guilty_a conscience_n to_o appear_v upon_o that_o huge_a theatre_n before_o god_n angel_n and_o man_n methinks_v i_o see_v the_o devil_n stand_v at_o my_o right_a hand_n to_o aggravate_v those_o fault_n which_o he_o prompt_v i_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o i_o behold_v the_o book_n open_v and_o all_o the_o debauchery_n extravagancy_n and_o folly_n of_o my_o whole_a life_n lay_v open_a christ_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n come_v in_o flame_a fire_n to_o take_v vengeance_n upon_o they_o that_o have_v not_o know_v he_o nor_o obey_v his_o gospel_n how_o shall_v i_o endure_v his_o presence_n how_o shall_v i_o escape_v his_o eye_n i_o can_v elude_v his_o judgement_n nor_o evade_v his_o sentence_n come_v then_o you_o rock_n and_o fall_v upon_o i_o and_o you_o mountain_n cover_v i_o from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o from_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n but_o the_o rock_n rend_v in_o sunder_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o earth_n disclose_v their_o dead_a the_o earth_n dissolve_v the_o heaven_n vanish_v as_o a_o scroll_n and_o i_o hear_v the_o dreadful_a sentence_n depart_v you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n methinks_v i_o hear_v christ_n jesus_n thus_o upbraid_v i_o you_o have_v listen_v to_o the_o devil_n and_o not_o to_o i_o i_o will_v have_v save_v you_o but_o you_o will_v not_o be_v rule_v by_o i_o you_o have_v choose_v the_o way_n of_o death_n now_o therefore_o you_o shall_v be_v fill_v with_o your_o own_o way_n i_o forewarn_v you_o what_o will_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o your_o course_n but_o you_o will_v have_v your_o full_a swing_n of_o pleasure_n for_o the_o present_a whatever_o come_v of_o it_o hereafter_o you_o laugh_v at_o judgement_n and_o it_o be_v come_v in_o earnest_n you_o have_v have_v your_o time_n of_o jollity_n and_o sensual_a transport_n and_o now_o your_o portion_n be_v weep_v and_o wail_v and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n o_o therefore_o say_v the_o sinner_n that_o i_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v curse_a be_v the_o day_n that_o bring_v i_o forth_o and_o the_o sun_n that_o shine_v upon_o i_o will_v the_o womb_n have_v be_v my_o grave_n and_o i_o have_v never_o see_v the_o light_n thus_o my_o guilty_a conscience_n anticipate_v its_o own_o punishment_n and_o i_o be_o torment_v before_o my_o time_n 4._o but_o be_v there_o no_o hope_n leave_v must_v i_o lie_v down_o thus_o in_o sorrow_n and_o despair_n these_o thing_n i_o may_v just_o expect_v but_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o incumbent_a upon_o i_o i_o be_o yet_o alive_a and_o they_o say_v there_o be_v hope_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n the_o door_n be_v not_o yet_o shut_v against_o i_o hell_n have_v not_o yet_o close_v her_o mouth_n upon_o i_o i_o have_v hear_v god_n be_v a_o merciful_a god_n and_o thereupon_o i_o presume_v hitherto_o and_o abuse_v his_o goodness_n but_o sure_o his_o mercy_n be_v above_o the_o measure_n of_o a_o man_n if_o they_o be_v infinite_a like_o himself_o he_o have_v more_o goodness_n than_o i_o have_v ingratitude_n possible_o there_o may_v be_v some_o hope_n leave_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o this_o
to_o receive_v he_o till_o he_o soon_o perceive_v who_o it_o be_v but_o then_o seize_v with_o shame_n he_o make_v from_o he_o with_o all_o the_o speed_n he_o can_v the_o apostle_n forget_v his_o age_n and_o gravity_n follow_v he_o with_o all_o his_o might_n cry_v out_o my_o son_n my_o son_n do_v thou_o fly_v thy_o father_n thy_o age_a unarmed_a father_n fear_v i_o not_o i_o come_v not_o arm_v to_o destroy_v thou_o but_o desirous_a to_o save_v thou_o i_o will_v pray_v for_o thou_o i_o will_v intercede_v with_o christ_n jesus_n on_o thy_o behalf_n i_o be_o ready_a to_o lay_v down_o my_o life_n to_o save_v thy_o soul_n the_o revolt_a youth_n hear_v this_o make_v a_o stand_n and_o then_o with_o eye_n cast_v down_o and_o weapon_n lay_v aside_o begin_v to_o tremble_v and_o at_o last_o weep_v bitter_o be_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o historian_n rebaptise_v in_o his_o own_o tear_n then_o s._n john_n embrace_v he_o pray_v for_o he_o fast_n with_o he_o instruct_v he_o and_o leave_v he_o not_o till_o he_o have_v not_o only_o restore_v he_o to_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n but_o settle_v he_o in_o the_o public_a ministry_n thereof_o the_o story_n be_v very_o admirable_a in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o as_o wherein_o among_o other_o thing_n we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o first_o place_n how_o quick_o bad_a company_n insinuate_v its_o contagion_n and_o corrupt_v youthful_a mind_n and_o that_o neither_o fine_a part_n nor_o the_o best_a education_n be_v sufficient_a security_n for_o a_o virtuous_a course_n unless_o apollo_n water_n as_o well_o as_o paul_n plant_n and_o god_n also_o give_v the_o increase_n again_o it_o be_v worth_a observe_n how_o easy_a and_o sudden_a the_o transition_n be_v from_o a_o luxurious_a to_o a_o lawless_a life_n this_o young_a man_n begin_v his_o risk_n in_o riot_n and_o end_v it_o in_o robbery_n although_o this_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n for_o beside_o that_o intemperance_n make_v man_n bold_a and_o rash_a and_o fit_a for_o any_o desperate_a enterprise_n they_o that_o be_v come_v to_o that_o that_o they_o care_v not_o what_o they_o spend_v be_v usual_o force_v not_o to_o regard_v how_o they_o get_v it_o we_o note_v also_o from_o this_o story_n that_o great_a wit_n and_o curious_a temper_n be_v like_o razor_n mettle_n quick_o turn_v and_o if_o they_o miscarry_v they_o become_v the_o most_o notorious_a debauchee_n but_o if_o they_o be_v well_o set_v and_o hold_v right_a become_v most_o eminent_o useful_a moreover_o we_o may_v here_o also_o take_v notice_n how_o a_o sense_n of_o guilt_n and_o dis-ingenuity_n baffle_v a_o man_n spirit_n deject_v his_o courage_n disarm_v and_o subdue_v he_o whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n conscience_n of_o sincerity_n and_o good_a design_n spirit_n and_o actuate_v a_o man_n above_o his_o age_n temper_n and_o common_a capacity_n but_o that_o which_o i_o principal_o remark_n in_o the_o story_n be_v the_o paternal_a affection_n in_o the_o age_a apostle_n towards_o this_o dissolute_a and_o lose_v young_a man_n how_o fresh_a the_o concern_v for_o he_o be_v in_o his_o thought_n when_o he_o come_v into_o those_o part_n again_o where_o he_o leave_v he_o with_o what_o strictness_n he_o require_v the_o depositum_fw-la of_o the_o bishop_n how_o he_o forget_v himself_o to_o recover_v he_o what_o charm_v there_o be_v in_o the_o countenance_n voice_n motion_n of_o the_o age_a father_n how_o strange_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o be_v young_a hector_n run_v away_o from_o a_o old_a apostle_n a_o arm_a captain_n not_o dare_v to_o stand_v before_o unarm_v and_o infirm_a old_a age_n to_o observe_v the_o spirit_n the_o passion_n the_o flame_a love_n of_o a_o good_a man_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o desperate_a sinner_n and_o in_o all_o this_o to_o see_v a_o lively_a resemblance_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o man_n for_o god_n do_v not_o only_o as_o i_o have_v say_v before_o receive_v man_n upon_o their_o return_n but_o move_v towards_o they_o invite_v nay_o draw_v they_o to_o himself_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o positive_o harden_v sinner_n that_o he_o take_v off_o their_o hardness_n he_o allure_v they_o by_o his_o promise_n prevent_v they_o by_o his_o grace_n way-lays_a they_o by_o his_o providence_n call_v upon_o they_o by_o his_o word_n melt_v they_o by_o his_o kindness_n work_v upon_o they_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o this_o spirit_n take_v all_o advantageous_a season_n watch_v the_o mollia_fw-la tempora_fw-la fandi_fw-la suggest_v thought_n to_o their_o mind_n hold_v their_o mind_n close_a and_o intent_n give_v they_o a_o prospect_n of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o by_o several_a other_o way_n without_o violence_n to_o their_o faculty_n help_v forward_o their_o return_n to_o god_n §_o v._o 4._o last_o as_o the_o earthly_a father_n for_o joy_n of_o his_o son_n return_v forget_v all_o his_o anger_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o pass_v by_o his_o ingratitude_n and_o dissolution_n of_o manner_n and_o treat_v he_o with_o infinite_a demonstration_n of_o kindness_n fall_v on_o his_o neck_n and_o kiss_v he_o so_o do_v our_o heavenly_a father_n cast_v all_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o penitent_a '_o behind_o his_o back_n blot_v they_o out_o of_o his_o book_n make_v no_o severe_a reflection_n no_o bitter_a expostulation_n no_o upbraid_n but_o pass_v a_o act_n of_o perfect_a amnesty_n and_o oblivion_n justin_n martyr_n in_o his_o work_n against_o trypho_n bring_v in_o our_o saviour_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o sense_n be_v that_o god_n take_v man_n as_o they_o be_v and_o consider_v not_o how_o evil_a they_o have_v be_v so_o that_o now_o they_o become_v sincere_o good_a this_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n frequent_o proclaim_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o god_n chap._n 18._o especial_o vers_fw-la 22._o all_o his_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v shall_v not_o be_v once_o mention_v against_o he_o but_o in_o his_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v he_o shall_v live_v for_o as_o if_o man_n apostatise_v from_o hopeful_a and_o virtuous_a beginning_n it_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o avail_v they_o that_o they_o set_v out_o well_o and_o begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n whenas_o they_o end_v in_o the_o flesh_n upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v a_o very_a vain_a thing_n for_o they_o to_o go_v about_o to_o comfort_v themselves_o against_o their_o present_a looseness_n by_o remember_v the_o time_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o the_o great_a passion_n they_o have_v sometime_o have_v for_o religion_n but_o which_o now_o they_o have_v apostatise_v from_o 4._o have_v lose_v their_o first_o love_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o that_o be_v a_o sinner_n but_o now_o be_v not_o i._n e._n be_v now_o sincere_o return_v from_o his_o licentiousness_n to_o his_o duty_n shall_v never_o have_v his_o former_a disobedience_n impute_v to_o he_o by_o god_n this_o truth_n philo_n represent_v handsome_o in_o his_o allegorical_a way_n abrahamo_fw-la when_o gloss_v upon_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v of_o enoch_n after_o his_o translation_n he_o be_v not_o find_v because_o god_n have_v translate_v he_o he_o paraphrase_n on_o this_o manner_n god_n say_v he_o have_v change_v he_o from_o a_o evil_n to_o a_o virtuous_a man_n the_o trace_n of_o his_o former_a wickedness_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v find_v then_o if_o no_o such_o thing_n have_v ever_o be_v commit_v but_o this_o gracious_a procedure_n of_o god_n with_o penitent_a sinner_n deserve_v to_o be_v more_o full_o and_o particular_o unfold_v and_o if_o we_o diligent_o consider_v what_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o of_o the_o greatness_n of_o god_n pardon_v mercy_n we_o shall_v observe_v these_o three_o remarkable_a circumstance_n all_o pregnant_a of_o unspeakable_a consolation_n 1._o he_o pardon_v great_a and_o many_o sin_n not_o only_o light_a provocation_n 2._o he_o forgive_v repeat_v folly_n and_o relapsed_a sinner_n 3._o his_o pardon_n be_v full_a and_o absolute_a 1._o first_o among_o man_n there_o be_v some_o sin_n that_o be_v scarce_o if_o at_o all_o think_v to_o be_v pardonable_a as_o where_o there_o be_v malice_n and_o treachery_n involve_v in_o the_o fact_n or_o where_o there_o be_v contumely_n add_v to_o the_o injury_n and_o sometime_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o person_n injure_v so_o inhance_v the_o offence_n as_o that_o it_o be_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o pardon_v as_o for_o instance_n in_o treason_n against_o the_o supreme_a power_n but_o most_o certain_o there_o be_v all_o these_o and_o many_o more_o aggravation_n in_o most_o voluntary_a sin_n commit_v against_o god_n and_o yet_o he_o pardon_v exod._n 34._o 7._o he_o pardon_v iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n i._n e._n sin_n of_o all_o kind_n and_o degree_n whatsoever_o except_v only_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v
allegorical_a way_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n p._n 8_o 9_o of_o the_o figure_n and_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n p._n 10_o 11_o 12._o of_o the_o danger_n and_o mischief_n of_o allegorical_a interpretation_n p._n 13._o and_o the_o caution_n of_o the_o author_n in_o this_o particular_a p._n 15._o chap._n ii_o the_o self-contradiction_n among_o the_o adversary_n of_o christianity_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n some_o accuse_v it_o as_o too_o difficult_a a_o institution_n other_o as_o a_o doctrine_n of_o looseness_n p._n 17_o 18._o a_o famous_a but_o feign_a story_n of_o constantine_n m._n to_o that_o purpose_n p._n 19_o the_o special_a occasion_n of_o the_o jew_n mistake_n of_o our_o saviour_n design_n p._n 20._o three_o rank_n of_o the_o jewish_a religionist_n a_o mistake_n of_o they_o build_v upon_o that_o distinction_n p._n 23._o their_o misunderstanding_n the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o they_o on_o mount_n sinai_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophet_n p._n 25._o upon_o account_n of_o both_o which_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o mistake_v our_o saviour_n who_o therefore_o vindicate_v himself_o by_o this_o parable_n p._n 27._o a_o literal_a paraphrase_n of_o this_o parable_n p._n 28._o particular_o who_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o elder_a and_o who_o by_o the_o young_a son_n p._n 35._o the_o division_n and_o part_n of_o the_o parable_n p._n 43._o chap._n iii_o the_o three_o sort_n of_o law_n mankind_n be_v under_o viz._n natural_a divine_a and_o humane_a and_o that_o all_o sin_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o some_o of_o these_o the_o mischief_n of_o mistake_n herein_o p._n 45._o sin_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o a_o know_a law_n and_o that_o god_n have_v some_o way_n or_o other_o sufficient_o promulge_v his_o law_n p._n 51._o the_o danger_n of_o mistake_n herein_o p._n 54._o all_o sin_n be_v voluntary_a caution_n in_o that_o point_n p._n 56._o a_o remarkable_a passage_n in_o s._n james_n paraphrase_a p._n 61._o the_o difference_n between_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n and_o presumption_n p._n 65._o instance_n of_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n p._n 66._o instance_n of_o presumptuous_a sin_n p._n 68_o s._n john_n 1_o ep._n 3._o chap._n 4._o verse_n open_v p._n 69._o about_o reluctancy_n of_o conscience_n and_o whether_o that_o abate_v of_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n p._n 71._o of_o the_o several_a station_n of_o virtue_n and_o divers_a rank_n of_o sinner_n p._n 74._o chap._n iu._n the_o sinner_n progress_n pride_n be_v ordinary_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o a_o sinful_a course_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o apostasy_n of_o angel_n the_o fall_n of_o man_n the_o temptation_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o method_n of_o the_o gospel_n p._n 83._o neglect_v of_o god_n worship_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o step_n towards_o a_o wicked_a life_n the_o dependence_n between_o piety_n and_o morality_n p._n 92._o riot_n and_o intemperance_n the_o three_o step_n towards_o hell_n a_o account_n of_o the_o talent_n god_n ordinary_o vouchsafe_v man_n and_o how_o vice_n imbezil_n they_o p._n 96._o when_o man_n have_v abuse_v their_o faculty_n and_o mis-spend_v their_o talent_n they_o become_v slave_n to_o satan_n p._n 106._o the_o drudgery_n he_o put_v they_o to_o p._n 109._o the_o desolate_a condition_n of_o a_o habitual_a sinner_n when_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n fail_v he_o p._n 116._o chap._n v._o the_o import_n of_o the_o phrase_n when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o that_o sin_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o madness_n p._n 121._o prove_v by_o the_o description_n of_o madness_n and_o the_o usual_a symptom_n of_o it_o p._n 123._o a_o objection_n against_o this_o assertion_n answer_v p._n 129._o the_o application_n and_o conclusion_n of_o the_o first_o part._n p._n 130._o part_n ii_o of_o repentance_n chap._n i._n the_o general_a importance_n of_o repentance_n and_o why_o notwithstanding_o little_a notice_n be_v take_v of_o it_o in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n p._n 135._o three_o part_n of_o repentance_n 1._o consideration_n what_o be_v mean_v thereby_o and_o the_o great_a necessity_n thereof_o p._n 140._o it_o be_v usual_o affliction_n which_o bring_v vicious_a man_n to_o consideration_n prosperity_n render_v they_o light_n and_o vain_a p._n 149._o the_o special_a consideration_n and_o thought_n of_o a_o penitent_a p._n 153._o chap._n ii_o of_o resolution_n the_o second_o step_n towards_o repentance_n what_o be_v mean_v thereby_o and_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n thereof_o against_o the_o devil_n sense_n custom_n example_n and_o reason_n itself_o p._n 162._o the_o property_n of_o a_o penitent_a resolution_n p._n 167._o first_o it_o be_v serious_a and_o deliberate_a not_o rash_a and_o sudden_a second_o it_o be_v peremptory_a p._n 171._o three_o it_o must_v be_v present_a not_o dilatory_a p._n 173._o last_o it_o be_v uniform_a and_o universal_a p._n 176._o the_o principal_a motive_n that_o bring_v the_o sinner_n when_o he_o consider_v to_o a_o resolution_n of_o repentance_n 1._o that_o it_o will_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n even_o yet_o p._n 179._o 2._o not_o impossible_a to_o reform_v p._n 187._o 3._o that_o it_o be_v easy_a p._n 191._o 4._o absolute_o necessary_a p._n 194._o chap._n iii_o of_o confession_n and_o contrition_n the_o nature_n and_o instance_n of_o hearty_a contrition_n p._n 199._o the_o efficacy_n and_o availableness_n thereof_o as_o do_v right_o to_o the_o divine_a sovereignty_n to_o his_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n to_o his_o omniscience_n to_o the_o holiness_n and_o pity_n of_o his_o nature_n p._n 205._o it_o give_v security_n against_o relapse_n into_o sin_n p._n 208._o chap._n iu._n of_o actual_a reformation_n it_o consist_v in_o 1._o a_o singular_a care_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o p._n 212._o 2._o conscientious_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n p._n 216._o 3._o submission_n to_o his_o providence_n p._n 221._o chap._n v._n a_o recital_n of_o several_a opinion_n which_o debauch_n man_n mind_n in_o this_o great_a affair_n of_o repentance_n p._n 226._o several_a argument_n demonstrate_v the_o absurdity_n of_o all_o those_o opinion_n joint_o and_o the_o necessity_n of_o such_o reformation_n as_o be_v before_o describe_v p._n 229._o exception_n remove_v p._n 238._o part_n iii_o chap._n i._o of_o reconciliation_n the_o passionate_a story_n of_o jacob_n and_o joseph_n parallel_n to_o this_o of_o the_o prodigal_n son_n p._n 242._o the_o notice_n god_n take_v of_o the_o beginning_n of_o goodness_n and_o the_o use_n of_o that_o consideration_n p._n 247._o god_n spirit_n assist_v all_o beginning_n of_o good_a p._n 250._o a_o memorable_a story_n out_o of_o eusebius_n and_o reflection_n thereupon_o p._n 254._o god_n full_o and_o free_o pardon_v all_o sin_n upon_o repentance_n p._n 257._o 1._o great_a and_o many_o sin_n p._n 259._o 2._o relapsed_a sinner_n p._n 261._o the_o novatian_a doctrine_n 3._o without_o reservation_n p._n 263._o application_n of_o the_o former_a doctrine_n 1._o the_o comfortableness_n of_o a_o state_n of_o pardon_n p._n 265._o 2._o the_o great_a obligation_n to_o love_v god_n p._n 267._o 3._o that_o we_o imitate_v the_o divine_a goodness_n in_o our_o deal_n with_o our_o brethren_n p._n 268._o 4._o it_o shall_v lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n p._n 269._o chap._n ii_o of_o sanctification_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o best_a robe_n p._n 273._o in_o what_o sense_n sanctification_n go_v before_o justification_n and_o in_o what_o sense_n it_o follow_v after_o it_o p._n 275._o three_o remarkable_a difference_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o sanctification_n in_o a_o beginner_n and_o in_o a_o grow_v christian_a p._n 277._o by_o what_o mean_v those_o full_a measure_n of_o sanctification_n be_v attain_v p._n 284._o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o by_o the_o ring_n this_o be_v intimate_v p._n 290._o the_o difference_n between_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o the_o gift_n or_o residence_n of_o it_o p._n 291._o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o the_o residence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o several_a respect_n p._n 293._o a_o passage_n of_o the_o revel_n 2._o 17._o open_v p._n 297._o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o some_o good_a man_n have_v no_o experience_n of_o the_o residence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n p._n 300._o how_o to_o distinguish_v the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n from_o our_o own_o fancy_n or_o the_o illusion_n of_o satan_n p._n 303._o chap._n iu._n the_o great_a trust_n god_n repose_v in_o those_o he_o pardon_v and_o their_o obligation_n to_o faithfulness_n and_o activity_n in_o his_o service_n p._n 306._o several_a way_n wherein_o a_o pious_a man_n may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n without_o invade_v the_o ministerial_a office_n p._n 312._o the_o peculiar_a fitness_n of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v convert_v from_o a_o evil_a course_n for_o this_o purpose_n in_o many_o respect_n p._n 314._o a_o brief_a description_n of_o
neglect_v it_o these_o reason_n and_o authority_n together_o will_v i_o doubt_v not_o justify_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o this_o parable_n notwithstanding_o that_o there_o may_v be_v the_o full_a security_n against_o the_o mischief_n specify_v in_o the_o entrance_n of_o this_o point_n i_o will_v take_v care_n that_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n no_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o bare_a warrant_n of_o similitude_n or_o figurative_a resemblance_n but_o whatsoever_o shall_v be_v deliver_v shall_v be_v both_o ground_v upon_o some_o express_a and_o literal_a text_n of_o scripture_n and_o attest_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o now_o these_o thing_n premise_v i_o proceed_v more_o close_o to_o pursue_v my_o purpose_n in_o the_o particular_a handle_n of_o the_o parable_n chap._n ii_o the_o occasion_n and_o exposition_n of_o this_o parable_n the_o content_n §_o i._o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n contradict_v each_o other_o some_o accuse_v it_o of_o too_o great_a difficulty_n other_o as_o a_o doctrine_n of_o licentiousness_n the_o occasion_n of_o this_o latter_a misprision_n of_o it_o among_o the_o gentile_n a_o fabulous_a story_n of_o constantine_n conversion_n the_o occasion_n of_o the_o jew_n misapprehension_n §_o ii_o three_o rank_n of_o jew_n a_o maxim_n of_o they_o build_v upon_o that_o distinction_n the_o crass_a sense_n they_o have_v of_o the_o mosaic_a covenant_n which_o thing_n in_o special_a give_v rise_v to_o their_o calumny_n against_o his_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n from_o which_o he_o vindicate_v himself_o by_o this_o parable_n §_o iii_o a_o literal_a paraphrase_n upon_o the_o parable_n §_o iv._o the_o true_a interpretation_n of_o the_o parable_n who_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o elder_a and_o who_o by_o the_o young_a brother_n the_o part_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n it_o be_v a_o necessary_a rule_n among_o all_o expositor_n to_o look_v attentive_o on_o the_o occasion_n and_o from_o the_o rise_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o scope_n and_o tendency_n of_o the_o discourse_n and_o this_o be_v most_o especial_o requisite_a to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o figurative_a passage_n in_o regard_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o like_a but_o it_o be_v also_o unlike_a nor_o so_o resemble_v any_o one_o thing_n but_o in_o some_o respect_n it_o may_v resemble_v another_o and_o therefore_o here_o like_o those_o that_o sail_n in_o a_o narrow_a channel_n where_o the_o star_n or_o the_o card_n be_v too_o general_a director_n they_o be_v force_v to_o sail_v by_o coast_v as_o they_o call_v it_o so_o must_v we_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o a_o parable_n where_o there_o be_v not_o always_o to_o be_v expect_v a_o determinate_a and_o necessary_a sense_n of_o every_o phrase_n as_o in_o more_o direct_a discourse_n govern_v ourselves_o by_o the_o general_a aim_n and_o be_v sure_a to_o set_v out_o right_a at_o first_o from_o the_o design_n of_o it_o now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o true_a occasion_n of_o this_o parable_n it_o be_v of_o use_n to_o note_n that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o lot_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o when_o he_o be_v arraign_v by_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v accuse_v by_o such_o as_o agree_v no_o better_a among_o themselves_o then_o with_o the_o truth_n and_o who_o several_a testimony_n more_o impeach_v the_o credit_n of_o each_o other_o then_o press_v he_o against_o who_o they_o be_v suborn_v so_o it_o have_v often_o fare_v with_o his_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n to_o be_v accuse_v of_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o each_o other_o insomuch_o that_o common_o the_o several_a imputation_n mutual_o confute_v each_o other_o have_v joint_o vindicate_v instead_o of_o asperse_v christianity_n the_o special_a instance_n which_o i_o be_o now_o concern_v to_o assign_v of_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o the_o same_o institution_n have_v by_o different_a person_n be_v accuse_v of_o difficulty_n and_o facility_n as_o a_o intolerable_a burden_n by_o some_o as_o a_o doctrine_n of_o looseness_n and_o licentiousness_n by_o other_o the_o former_a of_o these_o accuser_n have_v common_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o loose_a pretender_n to_o christianity_n who_o because_o the_o gospel_n require_v that_o we_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o soul_n and_o strength_n that_o we_o live_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n that_o we_o restrain_v not_o only_o the_o outward_a act_n of_o sin_n but_o subdue_v the_o very_a passion_n and_o inclination_n thereto_o and_o upon_o such_o like_a account_n cry_v out_o durus_fw-la sermo_fw-la that_o it_o be_v a_o strict_a and_o severe_a law_n and_o if_o this_o be_v evangelical_n obedience_n it_o be_v impossible_a and_o who_o then_o can_v be_v save_v and_o to_o help_v themselves_o out_o of_o these_o difficulty_n they_o run_v into_o wild_a persuasion_n that_o either_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o who_o deliver_v this_o institution_n must_v in_o his_o own_o person_n so_o perform_v it_o instead_o of_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v save_v as_o to_o excuse_v they_o the_o do_v it_o or_o else_o god_n must_v be_v please_v by_o miracle_n to_o overbear_v they_o into_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o but_o since_o these_o man_n profess_v christianity_n i_o leave_v they_o to_o be_v silence_v by_o the_o express_a declaration_n of_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 11._o 10._o my_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o my_o burden_n be_v light_a the_o contrary_a sort_n be_v those_o i_o be_o more_o concern_v in_o at_o present_a namely_o such_o as_o reproach_n christianity_n as_o a_o doctrine_n of_o ease_n and_o looseness_n touch_v who_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o former_a objection_n that_o this_o second_o sort_n of_o man_n must_v be_v absolute_a stranger_n to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o religion_n they_o thus_o accuse_v i._n e._n they_o must_v be_v either_o jew_n or_o gentile_n for_o the_o pagan_n they_o either_o hear_v that_o faith_n be_v insist_v upon_o as_o the_o prime_a qualification_n of_o a_o christian_a look_v therefore_o upon_o the_o whole_a religion_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o bare_a credulity_n a_o mere_a facility_n of_o mind_n or_o a_o supine_n abandon_v one_o self_n to_o the_o dictate_v and_o suggestion_n of_o other_o or_o else_o consider_v that_o this_o religion_n neither_o require_v nor_o practise_v the_o troublesome_a and_o costly_a sacrifice_n then_o in_o use_n among_o other_o people_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o make_v any_o account_n of_o those_o nice_a observance_n and_o very_o austere_a rite_n that_o be_v in_o great_a reputation_n with_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o judge_v it_o therefore_o to_o be_v a_o very_a cheap_a and_o easy_a thing_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n or_o last_o observe_v that_o many_o who_o be_v conscious_a of_o have_v live_v wicked_o heretofore_o betake_v themselves_o to_o and_o find_v both_o cure_n and_o comfort_n in_o this_o institution_n they_o thereupon_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v a_o asylum_n and_o sanctuary_n to_o looseness_n and_o debauchery_n upon_o some_o or_o all_o of_o these_o account_n the_o pagan_n be_v general_o abuse_v into_o the_o aforesaid_a misprision_n of_o christianity_n touch_v the_o three_o and_o last_o of_o which_o stumble_v block_n i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v unacceptable_a to_o the_o reader_n that_o i_o rehearse_v a_o famous_a story_n from_o the_o ecclesiastical_a historian_n to_o this_o effect_n when_o the_o great_a constantine_n to_o his_o own_o immortal_a glory_n and_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o christianity_n espouse_v that_o religion_n the_o pagan_n to_o slur_n he_o and_o religion_n together_o devise_v this_o tale_n of_o he_o that_o he_o have_v base_o murder_v his_o brother_n crispus_n and_o other_o of_o his_o near_a kindred_n and_o feel_v some_o remorse_n in_o his_o conscience_n for_o so_o great_a barbarity_n apply_v himself_o to_o sopater_n the_o philosopher_n and_o successor_n of_o plotinus_n to_o be_v direct_v by_o he_o to_o some_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o expiation_n but_o sopater_n tell_v he_o that_o philosophy_n afford_v no_o remedy_n in_o so_o desperate_a a_o case_n he_o then_o say_v the_o story_n go_v to_o the_o christian_a bishop_n to_o get_v ease_n to_o his_o guilty_a and_o affright_a conscience_n and_o they_o ready_o receive_v and_o encourage_v he_o that_o a_o little_a baptismal_a water_n will_v wash_v out_o all_o that_o stain_n and_o ease_v the_o smart_n he_o hereupon_o find_v this_o a_o religion_n wherein_o a_o man_n may_v reconcile_v the_o gratification_n of_o the_o most_o exorbitant_a passion_n with_o a_o quiet_a mind_n become_v a_o christian_n theodoret_n who_o relate_v this_o fable_n think_v as_o well_o he_o may_v that_o it_o concern_v his_o profession_n of_o christianity_n to_o show_v the_o falsehood_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o after_o he_o have_v first_o retort_v it_o upon_o the_o pagan_n themselves_o show_v that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v true_a
it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o have_v be_v allow_v among_o they_o in_o the_o case_n of_o their_o famous_a hercules_n he_o afterward_o demonstrate_v the_o utter_a absurdity_n and_o impossibility_n of_o the_o fiction_n in_o regard_n it_o may_v appear_v by_o authentic_a record_n that_o crispus_n be_v alive_a long_o after_o constantine_n become_v christian_n survive_v to_o the_o twenty_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n and_o subscribe_v law_n with_o he_o notwithstanding_o the_o story_n sufficient_o evidence_n that_o the_o pagan_n have_v entertain_v such_o a_o sinister_a conceit_n of_o christianity_n as_o that_o it_o favour_v vice_n and_o licentiousness_n and_o thereupon_o be_v prejudice_v against_o it_o but_o to_o pass_v over_o their_o crass_a misapprehension_n and_o come_v to_o the_o jew_n they_o also_o have_v alike_o dishonourable_a opinion_n of_o the_o christian_a institution_n as_o a_o doctrine_n of_o looseness_n and_o these_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v take_v up_o partly_o upon_o occasion_n that_o they_o observe_v our_o saviour_n to_o lay_v no_o great_a stress_n upon_o their_o idle_a tradition_n which_o they_o be_v infinite_o scrupulous_a about_o partly_o also_o because_o though_o they_o can_v not_o but_o observe_v that_o he_o be_v a_o most_o holy_a and_o diligent_a observer_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o in_o some_o case_n as_o that_o of_o the_o sabbath_n and_o such_o like_a he_o interpret_v it_o ex_fw-la aequo_fw-la &_o bono_fw-mi and_o make_v the_o letter_n submit_v to_o the_o reason_n and_o sense_n of_o it_o whereupon_o they_o cry_v out_o he_o dissolve_v the_o law_n neither_o be_v it_o a_o small_a accession_n to_o their_o suspicion_n that_o upon_o all_o occasion_n he_o expose_v the_o sanctimoniousness_n of_o their_o admire_a pharisee_n who_o reputation_n be_v so_o great_a with_o they_o that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o think_v all_o religion_n be_v strike_v at_o when_o the_o inward_a rottenness_n of_o those_o paint_a sepulcher_n be_v discover_v but_o above_o all_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v confirm_v in_o this_o ill_a opinion_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o doctrine_n when_o they_o note_v that_o whereas_o the_o grave_n and_o demure_a pharisee_n the_o learned_a scribe_n the_o chief_a priest_n and_o ruler_n and_o all_o the_o zealot_n of_o their_o religion_n stand_v at_o a_o distance_n and_o defy_v this_o new_a doctrine_n those_o that_o resort_v to_o our_o saviour_n and_o become_v his_o disciple_n be_v general_o person_n not_o only_o of_o mean_a quality_n but_o have_v be_v many_o of_o they_o former_o infamous_a for_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n for_o so_o we_o find_v in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n then_o draw_v near_o unto_o he_o all_o the_o publican_n and_o sinner_n for_o to_o hear_v he_o and_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n murmur_v say_v this_o man_n receive_v sinner_n and_o eat_v with_o they_o whereupon_o our_o saviour_n take_v up_o this_o and_o other_o parable_n in_o this_o chapter_n for_o the_o more_o clear_a understanding_n of_o which_o occasion_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o whole_a parable_n these_o thing_n follow_v be_v to_o be_v consider_v §_o ii_o dilucid_n 1._o that_o the_o jew_n as_o to_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n be_v wont_a to_o distinguish_v themselves_o into_o three_o rank_n or_o class_n the_o first_o and_o most_o eminent_a among_o they_o be_v the_o pharisee_n or_o separatist_n as_o their_o name_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d proper_o import_v call_v also_o frequent_o in_o their_o own_o write_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o may_v apposite_o render_v friary_n or_o fraternity_n a_o very_a precise_a and_o strict_a sort_n of_o man_n in_o their_o way_n as_o who_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o the_o most_o strict_a measure_n of_o ritual_a observance_n fast_v twice_o a_o week_n frequent_a and_o curious_a in_o their_o wash_n long_o in_o their_o prayer_n broad_a in_o their_o phylactery_n demure_a in_o their_o behaviour_n stately_a in_o their_o mien_n starch_a and_o stiff_a in_o every_o thing_n they_o have_v a_o custom_n of_o disfigure_v their_o face_n to_o seem_v pale_a and_o mortify_a and_o as_o they_o have_v artificial_a face_n so_o they_o have_v conscience_n too_o wondrous_a tender_a and_o sensible_a of_o little_a punctilio_n and_o the_o very_a trifle_n that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o road_n of_o their_o sect_n but_o brawny_a and_o insensible_a of_o the_o high_a violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n their_o religion_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o clockwork_n draw_v up_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o move_v in_o a_o certain_a order_n but_o without_o life_n or_o sense_n in_o short_a they_o have_v all_o the_o outward_a show_n of_o admirable_a man_n but_o nothing_o else_o their_o devotion_n be_v calculate_v to_o take_v man_n not_o to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o better_v their_o interest_n and_o reputation_n with_o the_o people_n not_o to_o benefit_v the_o world_n or_o improve_v their_o own_o temper_n however_o what_o by_o their_o own_o confident_a pretension_n and_o what_o by_o the_o credulity_n of_o those_o that_o take_v all_o for_o gold_n that_o glister_v these_o man_n obtain_v the_o reputation_n of_o the_o first_o rate_n of_o religionist_n in_o the_o second_o rank_n be_v those_o which_o be_v call_v sapientum_fw-la discipuli_fw-la the_o disciple_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n these_o do_v not_o constitute_v a_o peculiar_a sect_n as_o the_o former_a neither_o do_v they_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o all_o the_o punctuality_n and_o phantastry_n which_o the_o other_o do_v but_o they_o be_v such_o as_o apply_v themselves_o diligent_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o law_n and_o govern_v themselves_o by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o great_a rabbin_n and_o by_o such_o interpretation_n as_o they_o have_v be_v please_v to_o make_v upon_o the_o text._n these_o i_o take_v it_o be_v those_o who_o be_v common_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o scribe_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o sometime_o lawyer_n also_o for_o that_o those_o two_o name_n be_v of_o the_o same_o signification_n seem_v to_o be_v evident_a by_o s._n luk._n 11._o 44_o 45._o when_o our_o saviour_n have_v a_o great_a while_n inveigh_v against_o the_o pharisee_n and_o at_o last_o have_v join_v the_o scribe_n with_o they_o then_o answer_v one_o of_o the_o lawyer_n and_o say_v master_n now_o thou_o reproache_v we_o also_o and_o these_o man_n whether_o call_v lawyer_n or_o scribe_n or_o wise_a man_n though_o they_o distinguish_v themselves_o by_o no_o peculiar_a garb_n and_o cognizance_n as_o the_o former_a nor_o make_v a_o sect_n in_o religion_n yet_o because_o they_o devote_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o their_o religious_a write_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o conservator_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o arrive_v at_o a_o great_a opinion_n of_o sanctity_n insomuch_o that_o there_o be_v a_o well_o know_v say_v among_o the_o jew_n that_o if_o but_o two_o man_n be_v to_o be_v save_v or_o have_v a_o part_n in_o the_o other_o world_n the_o one_o will_v certain_o be_v a_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o the_o other_o a_o scribe_n and_o in_o relation_n to_o this_o opinion_n of_o they_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n matth._n 5._o 20._o except_o your_o righteousness_n exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n you_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n i._n e._n if_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n indeed_o you_o must_v outstrip_v those_o two_o admire_a sort_n of_o man_n as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o outgo_v all_o other_o the_o three_o rank_n be_v ordinary_a jew_n call_v in_o contempt_n populus_fw-la terrae_fw-la the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n who_o live_v a_o common_a life_n without_o any_o nicety_n of_o observation_n or_o peculiar_a note_n of_o distinction_n these_o man_n may_v perhaps_o live_v honest_o and_o it_o may_v be_v also_o exceed_v both_o the_o former_a in_o real_a virtue_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o they_o exact_v of_o themselves_o nothing_o singular_a nor_o affect_v any_o curiosity_n they_o have_v no_o remark_n upon_o they_o but_o be_v value_v much_o after_o the_o rate_n that_o we_o common_o signify_v when_o we_o say_v a_o good_a honest_a moral_a well-meaning_a man_n but_o now_o for_o such_o as_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o live_v in_o any_o open_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n such_o as_o fornication_n and_o the_o like_a these_o be_v hold_v and_o that_o deserve_o enough_o in_o no_o rank_n of_o religion_n and_o among_o these_o they_o reckon_v publican_n also_o that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v native_a jew_n become_v instrument_n of_o the_o roman_a power_n collect_v tribute_n for_o they_o of_o their_o own_o nation_n and_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o of_o these_o be_v in_o no_o other_o estimation_n than_o heathen_n for_o so_o we_o find_v publican_n and_o sinner_n heathen_n and_o publican_n common_o join_v together_o under_o the_o same_o brand_n of_o reproach_n and_o contempt_n
go_v quite_o back_o again_o and_o undo_v all_o he_o have_v do_v beside_o the_o agony_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o strong_a convulsion_n which_o he_o must_v suffer_v that_o cast_v off_o a_o long_o settle_v and_o habitual_a course_n of_o sin_n to_o which_o add_v that_o whatever_o diligence_n or_o zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n a_o late_a convert_n that_o come_v into_o the_o vineyard_n as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o eleven_o hour_n may_v express_v at_o last_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o have_v do_v god_n a_o great_a dishonour_n heretofore_o whereas_o he_o we_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v one_o that_o come_v in_o at_o the_o first_o hour_n labour_v all_o day_n in_o god_n work_n and_o equal_o carry_v on_o the_o affair_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o his_o own_o comfort_n here_o and_o salvation_n hereafter_o now_o all_o these_o thing_n consider_v if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o man_n so_o rash_a and_o injudicious_a as_o notwithstanding_o to_o press_v all_o man_n without_o distinction_n in_o order_n to_o their_o title_n to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o hope_n of_o heaven_n to_o make_v the_o same_o severe_a reflection_n upon_o themselves_o or_o to_o show_v the_o like_a sensible_a and_o discernible_a change_n in_o their_o life_n let_v they_o know_v by_o this_o unskilfulness_n of_o they_o they_o unreasonable_o minister_v trouble_v to_o the_o best_a and_o happy_a of_o man_n and_o have_v a_o design_n quite_o contrary_a to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n who_o profess_v he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o in_o the_o seven_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n he_o speak_v of_o just_a man_n which_o need_v no_o repentance_n that_o be_v have_v no_o need_n to_o make_v a_o change_n of_o their_o whole_a course_n and_o begin_v a_o new_a as_o notorious_a sinner_n ought_v to_o do_v both_o which_o place_n i_o take_v to_o be_v clear_o interpret_v and_o to_o the_o sense_n we_o be_v assign_v to_o they_o by_o that_o other_o passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n jo._n 13._o 10._o he_o that_o be_v wash_v need_v not_o save_v to_o wash_v his_o foot_n only_o that_o be_v he_o that_o be_v already_o engage_v in_o a_o holy_a course_n and_o habituate_v to_o the_o way_n of_o piety_n have_v only_o need_v to_o be_v due_o cleanse_v from_o those_o occasional_a soil_n and_o defilement_n which_o the_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n suffer_v no_o man_n whole_o to_o escape_v but_o not_o to_o enter_v upon_o a_o new_a state_n or_o begin_v a_o whole_a course_n of_o repentance_n to_o which_o effect_n i_o understand_v those_o word_n of_o origen_n in_o his_o book_n against_o celsus_n 〈◊〉_d christ_n jesus_n say_v he_o be_v send_v indeed_o a_o physician_n to_o cure_v and_o recover_v sinner_n but_o to_o improve_v and_o instruct_v those_o further_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v already_o virtuous_a i_o will_v conclude_v and_o confirm_v all_o i_o have_v say_v of_o this_o kind_n with_o the_o sense_n of_o manasses_n which_o he_o express_v in_o his_o famous_a penitential_a prayer_n thou_o o_o lord_n that_o be_v the_o god_n of_o the_o just_a have_v not_o appoint_v repentance_n to_o the_o just_a as_o to_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n etc._n etc._n but_o thou_o have_v appoint_v repentance_n unto_o i_o who_o be_o a_o sinner_n etc._n etc._n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o determination_n who_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o elder_a brother_n and_o then_o we_o can_v be_v much_o to_o seek_v who_o be_v denote_v by_o the_o young_a for_o what_o we_o have_v now_o say_v be_v grant_v it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o by_o the_o young_a son_n be_v describe_v all_o such_o person_n as_o have_v run_v a_o dangerous_a risk_a of_o sin_n and_o impiety_n that_o have_v commit_v gross_a and_o heinous_a transgression_n and_o continue_v in_o a_o state_n of_o disobedience_n and_o impenitency_n after_o such_o manner_n as_o the_o publican_n and_o sinner_n in_o the_o text_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v do_v these_o be_v say_v to_o forsake_v their_o father_n house_n and_o presence_n to_o misspend_v their_o portion_n in_o riotous_a live_n who_o yet_o at_o last_o be_v reduce_v to_o extremity_n come_v to_o themselves_o turn_v serious_a penitent_n bewail_v their_o folly_n resolve_v upon_o amendment_n implore_v pardon_n double_v their_o diligence_n and_o care_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o of_o old_a sinner_n become_v young_a saint_n whereupon_o they_o be_v by_o a_o gracious_a god_n admit_v to_o pardon_n and_o reconciliation_n and_o adoption_n for_o these_o the_o best_a robe_n be_v fetch_v out_o the_o fat_a calf_n slay_v and_o upon_o their_o conversion_n as_o a_o thing_n utter_o despair_v of_o and_o unexpected_a there_o be_v joy_n in_o heaven_n and_o among_o the_o holy_a angel_n these_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n but_o be_v now_o quicken_v and_o revive_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n they_o be_v stranger_n and_o alien_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o now_o become_v of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o now_o these_o two_o point_n be_v resolve_v of_o we_o have_v a_o key_n by_o which_o we_o may_v easy_o open_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o whole_a parable_n so_o that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v necessary_a that_o i_o insist_v long_o upon_o a_o general_a interpretation_n nevertheless_o lest_o there_o shall_v seem_v one_o difficulty_n not_o sufficient_o provide_v against_o or_o any_o man_n shall_v yet_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n how_o if_o the_o elder_a brother_n denote_v sincere_o good_a man_n it_o can_v stand_v with_o their_o character_n to_o grumble_v at_o the_o merciful_a reception_n of_o poor_a penitent_n as_o here_o he_o be_v represent_v to_o do_v and_o moreover_o it_o may_v raise_v another_o doubt_n if_o the_o elder_a brother_n be_v set_v to_o describe_v man_n of_o constant_a and_o unblemished_a sanctity_n how_o such_o a_o person_n shall_v be_v fit_a to_o denote_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o be_v certain_o very_o evil_a and_o corrupt_a man_n unless_o a_o plain_a account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o these_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o either_o we_o have_v not_o hit_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o parable_n or_o the_o parable_n do_v not_o answer_v to_o the_o occasion_n wherefore_o to_o these_o i_o answer_v joint_o that_o our_o saviour_n the_o more_o effectual_o to_o convince_v these_o jew_n that_o reproach_v and_o censure_v he_o proceed_v with_o they_o upon_o their_o own_o hypothesis_n namely_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o they_o be_v as_o eminent_o good_a and_o holy_a man_n as_o they_o either_o take_v themselves_o or_o pretend_v to_o be_v and_o that_o the_o publican_n and_o sinner_n be_v indeed_o as_o bad_a as_o they_o esteem_v they_o i_o mean_v he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o signify_v that_o these_o censorious_a person_n be_v indeed_o good_a man_n for_o upon_o all_o occasion_n we_o see_v he_o upbraid_v their_o rottenness_n and_o hypocrisy_n but_o because_o they_o out_o of_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o sanctity_n and_o contempt_n of_o other_o reproach_v his_o carriage_n in_o this_o matter_n therefore_o the_o design_n to_o show_v they_o that_o if_o that_o be_v true_a which_o be_v utter_o false_a and_o they_o as_o good_a man_n as_o they_o be_v extreme_o bad_a yet_o upon_o due_a consideration_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o blame_v his_o management_n of_o himself_o and_o gracious_a condescension_n to_o sinner_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v you_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n wonder_v that_o instead_o of_o apply_v myself_o to_o your_o conversation_n who_o be_v man_n of_o great_a note_n for_o sanctity_n and_o devotion_n and_o never_o blemish_v with_o any_o great_a disorder_n i_o rather_o choose_v to_o lay_v out_o myself_o upon_o the_o recovery_n of_o flagitious_a and_o desperate_a sinner_n now_o see_v your_o own_o unreasonableness_n in_o this_o instance_n you_o will_v allow_v a_o father_n to_o be_v more_o passionate_o concern_v for_o and_o express_v a_o great_a joy_n upon_o the_o recovery_n of_o a_o lose_a son_n than_o he_o usual_o do_v about_o he_o that_o be_v always_o with_o he_o and_o out_o of_o danger_n and_o if_o that_o son_n who_o have_v never_o depart_v from_o his_o father_n and_o so_o never_o give_v he_o occasion_n for_o those_o change_n of_o passion_n shall_v expostulate_v with_o his_o father_n for_o his_o affectionateness_n in_o such_o a_o case_n you_o will_v in_o your_o own_o thought_n blame_v he_o as_o envious_a and_o undutiful_a now_o apply_v this_o to_o yourselves_o and_o think_v as_o well_o as_o you_o can_v of_o yourselves_o yet_o upon_o the_o premise_n you_o will_v see_v no_o reason_n to_o calumniate_v my_o endeavour_n of_o reclaim_v sinner_n or_o my_o kindness_n and_o benignity_n towards_o they_o upon_o their_o repentance_n by_o this_o time_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o whole_a
notion_n of_o god_n be_v either_o extinct_a by_o the_o profaneness_n of_o his_o life_n or_o languish_v by_o the_o neglect_n of_o religious_a duty_n there_o be_v no_o angel_n guardian_n about_o his_o soul_n no_o generous_a disdain_n of_o sin_n in_o his_o heart_n he_o have_v neither_o the_o help_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o man_n upon_o all_o which_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o depart_v from_o our_o father_n house_n live_v beside_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o without_o the_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n to_o actuate_v those_o notion_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o all_o sin_n and_o folly_n wherefore_o as_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n begin_v the_o mutiny_n in_o our_o soul_n against_o god_n so_o neglect_v his_o presence_n suffer_v it_o to_o grow_v to_o a_o dangerous_a head_n and_o as_o that_o be_v the_o first_o step_n towards_o a_o wicked_a course_n this_o be_v the_o second_o 3._o three_o the_o prodigal_n have_v now_o get_v from_o under_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o father_n give_v himself_o a_o full_a swinge_n of_o liberty_n live_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sottish_o and_o vicious_o and_o by_o that_o mean_v quick_o exhaust_v the_o stock_n his_o father_n have_v give_v he_o wherever_o there_o be_v temperance_n and_o prudent_a management_n a_o little_a will_v suffice_v and_o will_v quick_o grow_v to_o great_a riches_n by_o frugality_n and_o industry_n most_o of_o the_o great_a state_n and_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v raise_v as_o well_o as_o private_a fortune_n but_o luxury_n and_o riot_n have_v dilapidate_v and_o destroy_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o for_o these_o make_n continual_a abstraction_n without_o addition_n quick_o reduce_v the_o great_a sum_n to_o a_o cypher_n and_o bring_v he_o to_o want_v of_o all_o thing_n who_o before_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o but_o grace_n and_o wisdom_n to_o use_v that_o which_o he_o have_v this_o the_o prodigal_a son_n find_v true_a by_o sad_a experience_n and_o so_o it_o fare_v also_o with_o the_o sinner_n or_o mystical_a prodigal_n when_o once_o he_o have_v withdraw_v himself_o from_o god_n presence_n that_o be_v have_v cast_v off_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o break_v those_o reins_o that_o restrain_v his_o extravagancy_n he_o present_o rush_n into_o all_o kind_n of_o debauchery_n and_o in_o so_o do_v beside_o the_o black_a guilt_n he_o derive_v upon_o his_o conscience_n he_o waste_v and_o imbezil_n the_o very_a talent_n and_o ability_n god_n have_v endow_v he_o with_o for_o the_o more_o clear_a understanding_n of_o which_o we_o will_v brief_o but_o distinct_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o what_o be_v that_o portion_n or_o stock_n which_o god_n set_v mankind_n up_o withal_o 2._o how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n vice_n and_o dissolution_n of_o manner_n misspend_v and_o exhaust_v it_o the_o young_a son_n waste_v his_o substance_n with_o riotous_a live_n s_o t_o luke_n xv_o 13._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d theogn_n and_o for_o the_o former_a of_o these_o though_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o god_n according_a to_o his_o paternal_a prerogative_n and_o wisdom_n may_v and_o do_v various_o dispense_v his_o gift_n to_o his_o child_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o send_v none_o of_o they_o out_o into_o the_o world_n without_o some_o talent_n to_o employ_v themselves_o upon_o and_o to_o make_v a_o virtuous_a improvement_n of_o and_o among_o all_o of_o that_o kind_n these_o four_o follow_v be_v both_o the_o most_o rich_a and_o valuable_a in_o themselves_o and_o also_o such_o be_v the_o divine_a bounty_n most_o general_o bestow_v viz._n 1._o freedom_n of_o choice_n 2._o understanding_n mind_n or_o conscience_n 3._o experience_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o gracious_a intertexture_n of_o favour_n and_o chastisement_n in_o the_o course_n of_o providence_n 4._o special_a intimation_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o will_n in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o recount_v freedom_n of_o choose_v for_o ourselves_o as_o part_v of_o the_o common_a portion_n of_o mankind_n in_o general_a which_o i_o do_v the_o rather_o because_o i_o observe_v the_o father_n general_o to_o understand_v this_o to_o be_v the_o special_a intendment_n of_o this_o passage_n of_o the_o parable_n divisit_fw-la iis_fw-la substantiam_fw-la he_o divide_v unto_o they_o his_o live_n that_o be_v say_v s._n velimus_fw-la jerome_n he_o bind_v not_o man_n under_o the_o rigid_a bond_n of_o necessity_n whereby_o he_o shall_v be_v forcible_o overrule_v and_o determine_v to_o one_o thing_n but_o put_v he_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o make_v his_o own_o choice_n to_o the_o end_n that_o be_v hereby_o distinguish_v from_o beast_n and_o more_o like_o his_o maker_n he_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o virtue_n and_o reward_n and_o that_o as_o nothing_o shall_v make_v he_o miserable_a without_o his_o own_o act_n and_o consent_n so_o he_o may_v have_v the_o comfort_n and_o delight_n of_o cooperate_a free_o towards_o his_o own_o good_a and_o felicity_n that_o this_o accomplishment_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v a_o great_a and_o inestimable_a talon_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v forasmuch_o as_o hereby_o man_n be_v make_v to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v that_o be_v to_o be_v master_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o action_n and_o obnoxious_a to_o none_o but_o god_n himself_o be_v neither_o draw_v by_o invisible_a wire_n but_o move_v voluntary_o and_o from_o a_o inward_a principle_n nor_o hurry_v by_o external_a accident_n but_o steer_v his_o own_o course_n be_v not_o at_o the_o mercy_n of_o every_o temptation_n but_o can_v make_v his_o own_o choice_n in_o spite_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o god_n set_v out_o man_n into_o the_o world_n thus_o endow_v there_o be_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o question_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o be_v sure_a god_n make_v all_o thing_n good_a that_o be_v design_v for_o good_a end_n and_o also_o capable_a of_o attain_v they_o and_o he_o that_o sit_v all_o the_o inferior_a creation_n for_o their_o proper_a end_n most_o certain_o do_v not_o leave_v that_o excellent_a piece_n of_o his_o workmanship_n so_o defective_a as_o not_o to_o be_v endow_v with_o power_n sufficient_a for_o the_o pursuit_n and_o attainment_n of_o his_o peculiar_a happiness_n at_o least_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o infinite_a wisdom_n shall_v contrive_v such_o a_o creature_n as_o shall_v be_v only_o able_a to_o cross_v and_o act_v contrary_a to_o himself_o but_o not_o to_o comply_v with_o he_o which_o must_v be_v true_a if_o man_n have_v not_o original_o a_o power_n of_o choose_v good_a as_o well_o as_o evil_n again_o be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o there_o will_v be_v a_o absolute_a impossibility_n of_o give_v account_n how_o sin_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o of_o vindicate_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o tie_v that_o clog_n of_o a_o earthly_a body_n to_o a_o immortal_a soul_n but_o that_o by_o this_o concession_n the_o latter_a be_v make_v capable_a of_o govern_v the_o former_a and_o abundance_n other_o great_a phaenomena_n of_o providence_n which_o it_o be_v no_o time_n now_o to_o insist_v upon_o be_v plain_o insoluble_a otherwise_o then_o upon_o this_o supposition_n but_o we_o need_v not_o insist_v upon_o the_o proof_n of_o fact_n that_o this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o his_o first_o greation_n when_o he_o come_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o divine_n and_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o he_o since_o 3._o we_o have_v intimate_v already_o where_o the_o fault_n lie_v 3_o and_o shall_v show_v it_o more_o particular_o by_o and_o by_o 2._o the_o second_o talon_n of_o mankind_n be_v mind_n or_o conscience_n and_o i_o make_v use_n of_o both_o those_o term_n because_o i_o intend_v to_o join_v together_o both_o that_o which_o be_v call_v synteresis_fw-la and_o that_o which_o be_v call_v proper_o syneidesis_n or_o conscience_n by_o the_o former_a of_o which_o man_n have_v as_o it_o be_v a_o standard_n within_o himself_o of_o good_a and_o evil_n he_o may_v guide_v himself_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o his_o action_n and_o by_o the_o latter_a he_o be_v able_a to_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o and_o compare_v his_o action_n and_o carriage_n with_o the_o standard_n or_o law_n of_o reason_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o himself_o that_o be_v either_o blame_n and_o condemn_v or_o acquit_v and_o comfort_v himself_o according_o 1._o this_o talon_n the_o old_a saint_n justin_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o particle_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o original_a wisdom_n or_o a_o scien_fw-fr of_o the_o true_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o eternal_a word_n ingraft_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o every_o man_n etc._n and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o theophylact_v take_v to_o be_v especial_o mean_v in_o this_o text_n the_o substance_n
in_o sin_n beyond_o their_o interest_n nay_o their_o very_a vicious_a inclmation_n and_o even_o the_o capacity_n of_o their_o circumstance_n and_o constitution_n as_o if_o he_o design_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o only_o treasure_n up_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n but_o be_v miserable_o rack_v and_o torture_v here_o and_o torment_v before_o their_o time_n we_o count_v the_o water_n rack_v a_o very_a severe_a torture_n to_o have_v that_o element_n force_v down_o a_o man_n throat_n till_o all_o the_o vessel_n of_o his_o body_n be_v stretch_v and_o tympanize_v so_o that_o in_o stead_n of_o air_n he_o draw_v in_o water_n with_o his_o breath_n ready_a to_o stifle_v he_o and_o yet_o this_o torture_n we_o see_v the_o drunkard_n submit_v himself_o to_o at_o the_o devil_n command_n it_o be_v very_o dreadful_a to_o have_v our_o limb_n and_o nerve_n distend_v by_o pulley_n and_o such_o other_o engine_n and_o the_o lascivious_a man_n be_v sensible_a of_o something_o like_o this_o when_o he_o force_v nature_n to_o comply_v with_o his_o vicious_a fancy_n and_o a_o prevalent_a temptation_n when_o in_o some_o kind_n of_o execution_n they_o pour_v scald_a lead_v down_o the_o throat_n of_o the_o malefactor_n which_o the_o jew_n call_v the_o burn_a of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v doubtless_o very_o terrible_a but_o he_o that_o suffer_v revenge_n to_o fry_v in_o his_o bosom_n and_o eat_v out_o his_o very_a heart_n and_o bowel_n undergo_v something_o not_o very_o much_o inferior_a to_o say_v no_o more_o what_o more_o horrid_a torment_n can_v any_o tyrant_n invent_v or_o inflict_v or_o what_o more_o abominable_a ignominy_n can_v his_o malice_n expose_v any_o man_n to_o than_o the_o usual_a effect_n of_o sensuality_n do_v either_o execute_v upon_o a_o man_n person_n or_o stigmatize_v his_o name_n withal_o we_o see_v in_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n give_v place_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o whole_a or_o as_o we_o common_o speak_v private_a nature_n give_v place_n to_o public_a as_o the_o water_n ascend_v to_o prevent_v vacuity_n etc._n etc._n but_o in_o this_o little_a world_n man_n when_o the_o devil_n have_v get_v interest_n in_o he_o public_a nature_n humanity_n itself_o be_v violence_v for_o the_o lust_n of_o a_o private_a person_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n give_v we_o too_o sad_a a_o instance_n in_o the_o debauch_a heathen_a rom._n 1._o 26_o 27._o which_o passage_n i_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o explain_v this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o devil_n service_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o the_o difficult_a part_n of_o god_n service_n be_v easy_a and_o voluptuous_a i_o will_v conclude_v this_o particular_a contemserit_fw-la and_o sum_n up_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v in_o the_o word_n of_o chrysologus_fw-la behold_v say_v he_o the_o sad_a catastrophe_n of_o rash_a and_o incogitant_fw-la voluptuousness_n it_o turn_v he_o out_o into_o a_o strange_a country_n that_o may_v have_v live_v happy_a in_o his_o father_n house_n make_v a_o beggar_n of_o one_o that_o be_v rich_a change_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o son_n into_o that_o of_o a_o slave_n compel_v he_o to_o feed_v nasty_a swine_n who_o decline_v the_o service_n of_o a_o gracious_a father_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o full_a end_n of_o the_o sinner_n tragedy_n for_o 6._o the_o prodigal_n fare_n be_v as_o course_n as_o his_o employment_n be_v sordid_a he_o be_v force_v to_o feed_v upon_o husk_n some_o take_v the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a to_o signify_v bran_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o poet_n 24._o vivis_fw-la siliquis_fw-la &_o pane_fw-la secundo_fw-la but_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d proper_o signify_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o tree_n ceronia_n or_o charob_n which_o afford_v a_o course_n fare_v which_o extreme_a necessity_n sometime_o drive_v man_n to_o be_v content_a withal_o but_o let_v we_o see_v the_o moral_a of_o it_o origen_n understand_v by_o husk_n the_o delight_n of_o wanton_a poetry_n with_o which_o the_o devil_n usual_o feed_v and_o entertain_v loose_a person_n make_v they_o both_o fit_a and_o willing_a to_o his_o service_n i_o remember_v somewhere_o to_o have_v read_v and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v in_o clemens_n of_o alexandria_n that_o it_o be_v his_o opinion_n that_o pagan_a philosophy_n be_v hereby_o mean_v which_o be_v but_o the_o exterior_a cortex_fw-la or_o husk_n of_o true_a knowledge_n serve_v notwithstanding_o to_o amuse_v and_o busy_v the_o gentile_a world_n but_o i_o think_v our_o saviour_n mean_v nothing_o else_o hereby_o then_o to_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o pitiful_a entertainment_n the_o emptiness_n and_o unsatisfactoriness_n of_o all_o the_o income_n of_o sin_n that_o all_o the_o gratification_n by_o which_o the_o devil_n allure_v man_n into_o the_o base_a drudgery_n prove_v upon_o trial_n the_o appel_v of_o sodom_n perform_v nothing_o of_o what_o they_o promise_v solomon_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o a_o whorish_a woman_n will_v bring_v a_o man_n to_o a_o morsel_n of_o bread_n and_o it_o be_v true_a in_o proportion_n of_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o riot_n and_o luxury_n which_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o severe_a calamity_n to_o such_o kind_n of_o person_n because_o they_o usual_o in_o their_o prosperity_n caress_v themselves_o at_o the_o high_a rate_n imaginable_a pamper_v themselves_o and_o their_o lust_n together_o must_v needs_o feel_v the_o change_n from_o one_o extreme_a to_o the_o other_o to_o be_v exceed_o sharp_a and_o painful_a but_o let_v we_o see_v this_o a_o little_a more_o particular_o in_o order_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n saint_n john_n have_v sum_v up_o all_o the_o return_n of_o sin_n in_o these_o word_n 1_o jo._n 2._o 16._o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n or_o in_o other_o word_n bodily_a pleasure_n worldly_a profit_n and_o vain_a glory_n and_o all_o these_o when_o due_o consider_v will_v prove_v but_o husk_n such_o as_o our_o voluptuous_a prodigal_n now_o the_o devil_n vassal_n be_v constrain_v to_o feed_v upon_o first_o for_o bodily_a pleasure_n that_o be_v notorious_o the_o entertainment_n of_o beast_n rather_o than_o of_o man_n for_o it_o be_v they_o that_o have_v the_o quick_a sense_n and_o relish_v of_o it_o man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o himself_o when_o he_o yield_v to_o it_o and_o therefore_o seek_v recess_n and_o the_o dark_a as_o be_v aware_a that_o he_o condescend_v below_o himself_o when_o he_o stoop_v to_o it_o therefore_o certain_o god_n intend_v it_o as_o fodder_n for_o beast_n not_o food_n for_o man_n sauce_n be_v the_o most_o that_o it_o can_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v and_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reckon_v a_o man_n that_o can_v content_v himself_o with_o it_o or_o live_v as_o if_o he_o be_v make_v for_o it_o for_o beside_o that_o all_o wise_a man_n who_o have_v try_v it_o pronounce_v it_o to_o be_v but_o chaff_n and_o vanity_n even_o those_o who_o be_v so_o silly_a as_o to_o pursue_v it_o with_o the_o great_a eagerness_n and_o appetite_n find_v themselves_o empty_a and_o disappoint_v be_v constrain_v to_o hunt_v after_o variety_n and_o to_o weary_v themselves_o in_o go_v from_o one_o pleasure_n to_o another_o in_o hope_n to_o find_v that_o satisfaction_n which_o be_v never_o there_o to_o be_v have_v bodily_a pleasure_n be_v fit_o represent_v by_o the_o story_n we_o have_v of_o the_o feast_n and_o junketting_n of_o witch_n and_o fiend_n in_o which_o after_o great_a appearance_n of_o delicacy_n wherewithal_o the_o guest_n seem_v to_o satiate_v themselves_o they_o notwithstanding_o find_v themselves_o as_o empty_a as_o before_o the_o banquet_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v of_o another_o make_v and_o of_o a_o great_a capacity_n then_o to_o be_v fill_v with_o such_o trash_n it_o be_v only_o intellectual_a pleasure_n the_o content_n of_o wisdom_n the_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n the_o reflection_n upon_o have_v do_v some_o good_a which_o be_v the_o repast_n of_o a_o man_n and_o these_o be_v solid_a and_o last_a there_o be_v more_o true_a and_o manly_a delight_n in_o any_o one_o such_o instance_n then_o in_o all_o the_o caress_n of_o the_o epicure_n and_o then_o for_o profit_n it_o be_v very_o inconsiderable_a gain_n that_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o sin_n if_o account_n be_v just_o cast_v up_o for_o all_o those_o sin_n which_o have_v either_o any_o gusto_n of_o pleasure_n or_o air_n of_o credit_n attend_v they_o be_v usual_o costly_a and_o expensive_a and_o for_o those_o profitable_a sin_n of_o injustice_n covetousness_n oppression_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v usual_o encumber_v with_o so_o much_o anxiety_n follow_v with_o such_o guilt_n brand_v with_o so_o much_o reproach_n that_o there_o need_v a_o new_a arithmetic_n to_o be_v devise_v to_o make_v out_o the_o profit_n of_o they_o above_o all_o
those_o worldly_a object_n we_o late_o speak_v of_o all_o his_o spirit_n be_v engage_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o and_o with_o that_o heat_n and_o vehemency_n that_o nothing_o can_v stop_v their_o carrier_n nor_o bring_v they_o under_o the_o reins_o of_o reason_n no_o consideration_n of_o god_n or_o a_o world_n to_o come_v can_v come_v into_o play_n no_o check_n of_o conscience_n be_v attend_v to_o whatsoever_o come_v on_o it_o the_o passion_n must_v be_v obey_v lust_n must_v have_v its_o full_a swing_n be_v the_o danger_n or_o consequence_n of_o it_o what_o it_o will_n than_o for_o the_o usual_a symptom_n of_o distraction_n if_o we_o see_v a_o man_n that_o have_v unspeakable_a danger_n over_o his_o head_n insomuch_o that_o every_o man_n that_o see_v he_o bewail_v and_o pity_v he_o but_o he_o pity_v not_o himself_o if_o we_o see_v he_o disport_v upon_o the_o brink_n of_o a_o precipice_n and_o the_o ground_n break_v away_o under_o he_o nay_o if_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o court_v danger_n tear_v his_o own_o flesh_n and_o delight_n in_o his_o own_o mischief_n or_o again_o suppose_v we_o observe_v a_o man_n to_o have_v rich_a offer_v make_v he_o but_o he_o despise_v they_o and_o prefer_v trifle_n before_o they_o or_o to_o be_v most_o fierce_a and_o injurious_a to_o those_o who_o be_v most_o earnest_a to_o do_v he_o good_a do_v we_o not_o account_v these_o the_o token_n of_o distraction_n and_o be_v not_o the_o case_n the_o very_a same_o when_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o go_v on_o in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n that_o god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n have_v denounce_v damnation_n to_o and_o be_v secure_a when_o there_o be_v nothing_o between_o he_o and_o utter_a destruction_n but_o the_o frail_a thread_n of_o life_n the_o most_o uncertain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n when_o a_o man_n shall_v in_o fondness_n to_o some_o sin_n or_o other_o despise_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n word_n slight_a his_o promise_n laugh_v at_o his_o threaten_n and_o even_o defy_v the_o almighty_a when_o he_o shall_v express_v so_o much_o hate_v and_o indignation_n against_o none_o as_o those_o that_o reprove_v his_o folly_n advise_v he_o for_o his_o good_a and_o forewarn_v he_o of_o his_o danger_n in_o short_a that_o be_v every_o moment_n ready_a to_o drop_v into_o hell_n and_o yet_o go_v on_o careless_o and_o jolly_o be_v not_o this_o laughter_n of_o his_o risus_fw-la sardonius_n i._n e._n plain_o and_o notorious_o phrenetical_a in_o the_o high_a degree_n we_o read_v act_v 26._o 25._o that_o festus_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o much_o study_n have_v make_v st._n paul_n mad_a when_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o such_o a_o wonderful_a zeal_n in_o he_o for_o christianity_n that_o no_o difficulty_n will_v abate_v his_o edge_n no_o allurement_n or_o flattery_n withdraw_v he_o no_o menace_n affright_v he_o nor_o no_o suffering_n prevail_v at_o all_o upon_o he_o but_o st._n paul_n sufficient_o clear_v himself_o of_o that_o suspicion_n give_v a_o just_a and_o manly_a account_n of_o his_o persuasion_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o resolution_n and_o withal_o vers_fw-la 11._o he_o confess_v time_n be_v when_o he_o be_v mad_a indeed_o when_o he_o be_v hurry_v by_o his_o own_o passion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la to_o make_v all_o the_o opposition_n he_o be_v able_a against_o christianity_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v he_o i_o be_v exceed_o mad_a and_o outrageous_a against_o it_o but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o allowance_n to_o be_v make_v in_o his_o case_n he_o have_v be_v bread_n a_o pharisee_fw-mi the_o education_n in_o which_o sect_n have_v put_v he_o under_o the_o great_a prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n that_o can_v be_v possible_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o new_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n which_o character_n be_v enough_o to_o condemn_v it_o but_o beside_o it_o lay_v open_a to_o a_o great_a many_o disadvantage_n which_o it_o be_v unseasonable_a here_o to_o mention_v by_o reason_n of_o all_o which_o he_o think_v he_o shall_v do_v god_n good_a service_n to_o oppose_v it_o he_o therefore_o only_o obey_v his_o err_a conscience_n follow_v the_o best_a reason_n he_o then_o have_v and_o what_o he_o do_v amiss_o he_o do_v it_o ignorant_o and_o according_o god_fw-we have_v mercy_n on_o he_o but_o what_o can_v be_v pretend_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o habitual_a sinner_n against_o the_o common_a law_n of_o reason_n and_o morality_n can_v he_o plead_v ignorance_n or_o pretend_v conscience_n be_v morality_n a_o new_a opinion_n or_o be_v debauchery_n ever_o espouse_v for_o the_o dogma_fw-la of_o any_o famous_a sect_n be_v it_o ever_o a_o disputable_a point_n whether_o injustice_n adultery_n and_o other_o sensuality_n be_v vice_n or_o virtue_n do_v ever_o any_o man_n think_v he_o shall_v do_v god_n good_a service_n by_o comply_v with_o these_o nay_o be_v it_o not_o evident_a that_o the_o man_n we_o speak_v of_o contradict_v the_o very_a principle_n of_o reason_n the_o intimation_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n they_o violate_v all_o the_o law_n of_o wisdom_n go_v cross_n to_o all_o rule_n of_o prudence_n nay_o their_o very_a interest_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o self-preservation_n may_v we_o not_o therefore_o direct_v our_o discourse_n to_o such_o man_n as_o herod_n be_v say_v to_o have_v do_v a_o letter_n to_o cassius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o short_a cassius_z thou_o be_v mad_a but_o let_v we_o come_v to_o particular_n and_o we_o will_v begin_v with_o injustice_n have_v not_o god_n say_v that_o the_o unnighteous_a shall_v have_v no_o inheritance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n or_o of_o god_n and_o have_v we_o not_o see_v the_o experiment_n of_o those_o that_o have_v rake_v and_o tear_v for_o riches_n as_o if_o that_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n valuable_a and_o desirable_a and_o count_v all_o clear_a gain_n that_o can_v be_v get_v who_o yet_o when_o death_n have_v summon_v they_o to_o the_o righteous_a tribunal_n of_o god_n will_v glad_o have_v refund_v all_o again_o and_o have_v choose_v to_o have_v live_v the_o poor_a life_n in_o the_o world_n so_o they_o may_v have_v go_v out_o of_o it_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v there_o not_o just_a reason_n to_o expect_v that_o all_o unjust_a acquisition_n will_v one_o day_n prove_v like_o a_o barb_a arrow_n in_o a_o man_n flesh_n that_o must_v either_o be_v pluck_v back_o again_o and_o that_o not_o to_o be_v do_v without_o horrible_a pain_n and_o anguish_n or_o else_o will_v destroy_v he_o eternal_o be_v not_o these_o course_n condemn_v by_o heathen_n and_o by_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n do_v not_o such_o a_o man_n make_v himself_o the_o hate_n and_o scorn_n of_o other_o and_o a_o shame_n to_o himself_o what_o be_v there_o then_o prevail_v with_o any_o man_n to_o continue_v such_o a_o practice_n be_v there_o any_o necessity_n press_v he_o to_o it_o must_v a_o man_n be_v starve_v else_o be_v there_o any_o such_o unspeakable_a felicity_n in_o be_v rich_a that_o the_o temptation_n thereof_o be_v irresistible_a do_v any_o man_n live_v more_o comfortable_o by_o his_o ill-gotten_a good_n nay_o in_o truth_n these_o embitter_v the_o delight_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n do_v riches_n afford_v a_o man_n such_o security_n quiet_a and_o repose_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v at_o ease_n till_o he_o have_v attain_v it_o or_o be_v it_o not_o certain_a on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o solicitude_n of_o acquire_v it_o macerate_v a_o man_n with_o care_n and_o project_n night_n and_o day_n and_o when_o he_o have_v attain_v his_o end_n he_o lie_v at_o once_o under_o the_o joint_a inconvenience_n of_o abundance_n and_o of_o poverty_n the_o care_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o other_o wherefore_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o case_n but_o the_o impetuousness_n of_o a_o greedy_a grasp_a humour_n that_o bear_v down_o his_o reason_n fool_n he_o and_o destroy_v he_o and_o if_o a_o mild_a name_n than_o madness_n be_v due_a to_o this_o condition_n let_v soberman_n judge_v now_o take_v the_o voluptuous_a man_n to_o who_o no_o fruit_n be_v pleasant_a but_o that_o which_o be_v forbid_v and_o who_o know_v no_o measure_n of_o pleasure_n but_o a_o surfeit_n in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v very_o doubtful_a whether_o the_o quest_n of_o pleasure_n be_v not_o as_o troublesome_a as_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o be_v sweet_a at_o least_o if_o we_o lie_v together_o the_o tedious_a expectation_n the_o frequent_a frustration_n the_o certain_a expense_n of_o time_n fortune_n and_o health_n the_o secret_a guilt_n the_o constant_a fear_n of_o detection_n the_o shame_n and_o reproach_n upon_o discovery_n the_o press_a importunity_n of_o passion_n before_o enjoyment_n the_o folly_n and_o danger_n in_o the_o midst_n and_o the_o irksomeness_n and_o loathe_n after_o their_o
be_v easy_a to_o bring_v abundance_n of_o egregious_a instance_n hereof_o such_o as_o justin_n martyr_n st._n austin_n and_o other_o but_o to_o what_o i_o have_v say_v already_o i_o will_v only_o subjoin_v two_o or_o three_o scriptural_a observation_n and_o the_o first_o shall_v be_v what_o david_n say_v of_o himself_o psal_n 119._o vers_fw-la 59_o i_o think_v upon_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n to_o thy_o precept_n in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n in_o the_o story_n of_o isaac_n gen._n 24._o 63._o the_o scripture_n say_v of_o he_o he_o go_v out_o into_o the_o field_n to_o meditate_v in_o the_o evening_n the_o lxx_o render_v it_o he_o go_v out_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o talk_v with_o himself_o to_o entertain_v discourse_n with_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o for_o the_o convenience_n of_o do_v this_o he_o choose_v the_o solitude_n of_o the_o field_n and_o the_o cool_a and_o quiet_a of_o the_o evening_n and_o by_o this_o practice_n the_o holy_a ghost_n characterize_v he_o as_o though_o a_o young_a man_n yet_o begin_v to_o be_v both_o a_o wise_a and_o a_o pious_a person_n nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v omit_v which_o be_v record_v of_o ahab_n 1._o king_n 21._o 27._o that_o when_o god_n threaten_v he_o with_o the_o utter_a extirpation_n of_o his_o family_n for_o his_o wickedness_n he_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n sprinkle_v himself_o with_o ash_n and_o especial_o among_o the_o rest_n he_o walk_v soft_o that_o be_v although_o he_o do_v not_o hearty_o repent_v yet_o he_o know_v well_o how_o to_o dissemble_v the_o do_v it_o and_o act_v the_o part_n of_o a_o penitent_a in_o that_o serious_a and_o considerative_a posture_n i_o will_v conclude_v this_o point_n with_o a_o passage_n of_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n chap._n 31._o verse_n 18_o 19_o the_o word_n be_v these_o i_o have_v sure_o hear_v ephraim_n bemoan_v himself_o thus_o thou_o have_v chastise_v i_o and_o i_o be_v chastise_v as_o a_o bullock_n unaccustomed_a to_o the_o yoke_n turn_v thou_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v turn_v for_o thou_o be_v the_o lord_n my_o god_n sure_o after_o i_o be_v turn_v i_o repent_v and_o after_o i_o be_v instruct_v i_o smite_v upon_o my_o thigh_n i_o be_v ashamed_a yea_o even_o confound_v because_o i_o do_v bear_v the_o reproach_n of_o my_o youth_n a_o memorable_a scripture_n very_o full_a and_o apposite_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n and_o withal_o so_o pathetic_a as_o that_o it_o be_v almost_o match_n for_o this_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n we_o have_v before_o we_o the_o reflection_n upon_o both_o which_o together_o lead_v i_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o observe_v the_o occasion_n or_o what_o it_o be_v which_o put_v the_o prodigal_n into_o a_o considerative_a temper_n and_o that_o be_v the_o pressure_n of_o his_o want_n while_o wind_n and_o tide_n favour_v he_o and_o his_o affaris_fw-la be_v prosperous_a he_o make_v no_o reflection_n nor_o strike_v sail_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o now_o the_o tide_n forsake_v he_o he_o be_v becalm_v and_o then_o consider_v in_o like_a manner_n §_o iii_o it_o be_v usual_o some_o affliction_n or_o other_o which_o first_o awaken_v habitual_a sinner_n into_o consideration_n and_o the_o rudiment_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n or_o as_o serious_a considerativeness_n begin_v conversion_n so_o common_o some_o sharp_a affliction_n or_o other_o begin_v that_o seriousness_n it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o most_o easy_a and_o most_o frequent_o successful_a way_n of_o beget_v a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o of_o piety_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v by_o holy_a education_n in_o their_o youth_n while_o their_o heart_n be_v tender_a and_o tractable_a not_o prejudice_v by_o actual_a engagement_n not_o confirm_v by_o example_n nor_o harden_v by_o long_a custom_n and_o practice_n and_o when_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n anticipate_v the_o devil_n and_o prevent_v all_o his_o enterprise_n and_o perhaps_o if_o we_o look_v over_o the_o state_n of_o mankind_n we_o shall_v find_v among_o those_o that_o be_v sincere_o good_a the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o have_v become_v so_o after_o a_o long_a course_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v very_o small_a in_o comparison_n we_o may_v also_o allow_v it_o for_o truth_n which_o be_v make_v a_o common_a maxim_n that_o ingenuous_a mind_n be_v most_o wrought_v upon_o by_o obligation_n and_o favour_n that_o the_o strong_a effort_n be_v those_o which_o be_v make_v by_o kindness_n and_o goodness_n that_o this_o latter_a method_n will_v melt_v and_o dissolve_v such_o as_o will_v be_v break_v in_o piece_n by_o violence_n but_o this_o prejudices_fw-la not_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n for_o we_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o have_v lose_v their_o ingenuity_n old_a harden_a sinner_n who_o must_v first_o be_v break_v by_o the_o hammer_n of_o affliction_n before_o they_o will_v dissolve_v by_o the_o benign_a warmth_n of_o mercy_n and_o kindness_n these_o last_o indeed_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n and_o make_v a_o perfect_a change_n but_o fear_v and_o pain_n usual_o begin_v it_o but_o i_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o grant_v that_o perhaps_o it_o may_v fall_v out_o that_o some_o old_a sinner_n may_v have_v be_v reclaim_v by_o the_o read_n of_o a_o good_a book_n hear_v a_o serious_a sermon_n or_o by_o the_o grave_a admonition_n of_o a_o faithful_a friend_n without_o any_o press_a affliction_n to_o prepare_v he_o for_o it_o or_o as_o it_o be_v extort_v it_o from_o he_o notwithstanding_o i_o very_o believe_v if_o a_o estimate_n can_v be_v take_v the_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v exceed_o rare_a we_o find_v pharaoh_n and_o nabuchadnezzar_n humble_v by_o adversity_n and_o their_o stiff_a neck_n submit_v to_o those_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n power_n and_o sovereignty_n which_o no_o kindness_n or_o mercy_n will_v bring_v they_o to_o and_o manasses_n come_v out_o a_o true_a convert_n a_o new_a man_n out_o of_o the_o furnace_n of_o affliction_n and_o david_n himself_o confess_v of_o himself_o that_o before_o he_o be_v afflict_v he_o go_v astray_o but_o thereby_o he_o have_v learn_v to_o keep_v god_n commandment_n psal_n 119._o vers_fw-la 67._o but_o the_o whole_a scripture_n afford_v no_o one_o instance_n that_o i_o know_v of_o of_o such_o a_o person_n as_o we_o speak_v of_o cure_v by_o any_o other_o method_n than_o this_o and_o for_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n god_n himself_o say_v thus_o hos_fw-la 5._o 15._o i_o will_v go_v and_o return_v to_o my_o place_n till_o they_o acknowledge_v their_o transgression_n and_o seek_v my_o face_n in_o their_o affliction_n they_o will_v seek_v i_o early_o q._n d._n i_o will_v not_o only_o afflict_v my_o people_n but_o i_o will_v leave_v they_o under_o the_o pressure_n thereof_o and_o by_o this_o rack_n as_o it_o be_v extort_v from_o they_o a_o confession_n of_o my_o sovereignty_n and_o their_o own_o guilt_n for_o i_o have_v find_v by_o long_a trial_n that_o nothing_o else_o will_v work_v upon_o a_o stiff-necked_a generation_n but_o in_o their_o affliction_n i_o be_o sure_a they_o will_v earnest_o and_o instant_o seek_v after_o i_o it_o be_v not_o the_o peculiar_a jealousy_n of_o fabius_n concern_v the_o roman_a state_n which_o make_v he_o say_v se_fw-la secunda_fw-la magìs_fw-la quam_fw-la adversa_fw-la timere_fw-la that_o their_o danger_n be_v great_a lest_o they_o shall_v become_v rash_a and_o confident_a by_o some_o slight_a success_n then_o that_o their_o spirit_n shall_v be_v break_v by_o a_o disaster_n for_o all_o man_n that_o understand_v themselves_o and_o value_v their_o safety_n above_o their_o pleasure_n find_v they_o have_v reason_n more_o to_o suspect_v the_o soft_a charm_n of_o ease_n peace_n and_o plenty_n than_o the_o rough_a attack_n of_o adversity_n because_o among_o other_o thing_n a_o constant_a and_o stiff_a gale_n of_o prosperity_n carry_v man_n with_o too_o full_a sail_n to_o be_v check_v or_o control_v by_o counsel_n it_o present_v they_o with_o too_o many_o and_o great_a temptation_n to_o be_v easy_o resist_v minister_n to_o their_o confident_a presumption_n that_o either_o they_o be_v good_a enough_o already_o because_o they_o have_v so_o many_o argument_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n or_o at_o least_o that_o he_o overlook_v their_o miscarriage_n and_o conscience_n be_v either_o outface_v or_o have_v be_v so_o often_o silence_v and_o baffle_v that_o it_o dare_v scarce_o mutter_v till_o the_o apprehension_n of_o some_o great_a danger_n or_o misery_n authorise_v and_o provoke_v it_o but_o than_o it_o recover_v its_o speech_n and_o tell_v its_o errand_n to_o this_o purpose_n we_o have_v a_o famous_a instance_n in_o the_o brethren_n of_o joseph_n gen._n 37._o they_o prompt_v by_o envy_n have_v malicious_o plot_v the_o death_n or_o at_o least_o the_o perpetual_a servitude_n of_o their_o brother_n and_o proceed_v so_o far_o in_o it_o that_o to_o
their_o think_v it_o have_v take_v effect_n then_o they_o unworthy_o contrive_v to_o abuse_v the_o affection_n of_o their_o good_a old_a father_n with_o feign_a probability_n that_o his_o belove_a son_n be_v devour_v by_o wild_a beast_n and_o now_o they_o think_v all_o be_v well_o they_o have_v reak_v their_o malice_n and_o conceal_v their_o guilt_n they_o keep_v their_o countenance_n feed_v upon_o the_o sweet_n of_o revenge_n and_o all_o this_o while_n their_o conscience_n feel_v no_o regret_n till_o at_o last_o as_o god_n will_v have_v it_o they_o themselves_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o he_o they_o think_v they_o have_v make_v away_o their_o necessity_n compel_v they_o to_o go_v down_o to_o egypt_n and_o there_o the_o man_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o land_n look_v stern_o upon_o they_o pretend_v to_o take_v they_o for_o spy_n and_o threaten_v to_o deal_v severe_o with_o they_o then_o courage_n fail_v they_o and_o conscience_n recover_v we_o be_v very_o guilty_a say_v they_o of_o the_o blood_n of_o our_o brother_n when_o we_o see_v the_o anguish_n of_o his_o soul_n etc._n etc._n what_o be_v the_o matter_n now_o what_o alter_v the_o case_n how_o come_v joseph_n to_o their_o mind_n now_o who_o have_v be_v so_o long_o forget_v now_o they_o find_v they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o mercy_n and_o therefore_o sad_o remember_v how_o merciless_a they_o have_v be_v before_o now_o they_o pity_v poor_a joseph_n for_o who_o before_o they_o have_v no_o compassion_n now_o they_o have_v bowel_n when_o their_o own_o case_n be_v sad_a and_o their_o punishment_n lead_v they_o to_o a_o remembrance_n of_o their_o guilt_n thus_o we_o see_v affliction_n if_o it_o do_v not_o make_v man_n good_a yet_o at_o least_o it_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v at_o ease_n in_o their_o sin_n and_o so_o dispose_v they_o towards_o repentance_n but_o contrariwise_o prosperity_n raise_v the_o passion_n and_o depress_n conscience_n it_o have_v make_v many_o from_o hopeful_a and_o tolerable_a become_v bad_a and_o intolerable_a but_o scarce_o ever_o improve_v any_o from_o bad_a to_o good_a it_o be_v a_o well_o know_v story_n of_o zeno_n who_o be_v as_o intent_n as_o any_o other_o man_n upon_o the_o amass_n of_o wealth_n and_o as_o much_o take_v with_o the_o gaiety_n of_o the_o world_n so_o long_o as_o his_o merchandise_n succeed_v but_o when_o he_o shipwrack_v his_o fortune_n he_o recover_v his_o reason_n and_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o study_n of_o philosophy_n and_o the_o enrich_n of_o his_o mind_n naufragio_fw-la tutus_fw-la &_o foelix_fw-la infortunio_fw-la his_o undoe_v be_v his_o make_n and_o his_o misfortune_n prove_v his_o recovery_n and_o this_o the_o holy_a psalmist_n observe_v to_o be_v a_o common_a case_n for_o psal_n 55._o 19_o he_o give_v this_o account_n of_o man_n obstinate_a impiety_n because_o say_v he_o they_o have_v no_o change_n therefore_o they_o fear_v not_o god_n and_o saint_n peter_n also_o 2_o pet._n 3._o 4._o represent_v it_o as_o the_o common_a argument_n upon_o which_o such_o man_n encourage_v themselves_o in_o the_o contempt_n of_o all_o religion_n where_o say_v they_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n for_o since_o the_o father_n fall_v asleep_a all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v etc._n etc._n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v while_o there_o be_v visible_a interposition_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o god_n be_v wont_n present_o by_o some_o remarkable_a judgement_n or_o other_o to_o revenge_v himself_o upon_o those_o that_o violate_a his_o law_n and_o affront_v his_o majesty_n so_o long_o the_o world_n be_v keep_v in_o some_o awe_n and_o religion_n reverence_v but_o from_o such_o time_n as_o there_o have_v be_v a_o constant_a calm_a and_o no_o interruption_n of_o the_o course_n of_o common_a cause_n man_n have_v call_v in_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o providence_n at_o all_o in_o this_o world_n and_o if_o once_o they_o can_v persuade_v themselves_o god_n have_v leave_v off_o to_o mind_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o present_a world_n they_o will_v confident_o and_o with_o some_o colour_n of_o reason_n infer_v that_o then_o he_o will_v not_o call_v thing_n to_o account_v hereafter_o wherefore_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a method_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o reason_n and_o motive_n of_o religion_n by_o affliction_n first_o soften_a the_o obdurate_a heart_n by_o some_o sharp_a cross_n take_v down_o the_o pride_n confute_v the_o atheism_n cure_v the_o wantonness_n and_o delicacy_n of_o man_n temper_n and_o so_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o cool_a and_o thoughtful_a condition_n and_o to_o reason_n with_o themselves_o as_o the_o prodigal_n in_o the_o text._n from_o all_o which_o we_o learn_v both_o the_o hardness_n of_o a_o vicious_a heart_n in_o that_o nothing_o can_v pierce_v it_o but_o affliction_n and_o also_o the_o blindness_n and_o folly_n of_o man_n who_o so_o passionate_o desire_v prosperity_n together_o with_o the_o great_a usefullness_n of_o affliction_n and_o from_o all_o these_o that_o it_o proceed_v not_o from_o harshness_n and_o severity_n in_o god_n that_o he_o send_v calamity_n upon_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o there_o be_v a_o illustrious_a instance_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o of_o his_o goodness_n in_o those_o providential_a dispensation_n since_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o recover_v and_o make_v man_n good_a and_o happy_a §_o iv._o let_v we_o now_o see_v in_o the_o last_o place_n somewhat_o particular_o what_o be_v the_o consideration_n the_o prodigal_n entertain_v his_o thought_n upon_o in_o this_o his_o afflict_a condition_n and_o consult_v the_o text_n and_o carry_v along_o with_o we_o a_o just_a notion_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o case_n we_o shall_v find_v those_o reducible_a to_o these_o four_o point_n i._o he_o consider_v what_o the_o condition_n be_v he_o be_v fall_v from_o and_o how_o happy_a he_o may_v have_v be_v have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o his_o own_o folly_n how_o many_o hire_a servant_n etc._n etc._n q._n d._n i_o that_o be_o pinch_v with_o want_n now_o feel_v none_o in_o my_o father_n house_n i_o be_v liberal_o maintain_v honourable_o treat_v want_v nothing_o but_o the_o wisdom_n to_o understand_v my_o own_o felicity_n and_o in_o this_o condition_n i_o may_v have_v continue_v for_o neither_o do_v my_o father_n estate_n complain_v of_o the_o burden_n of_o my_o accommodation_n nor_o be_v he_o straight_o hand_v or_o abate_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o fatherly_a affection_n towards_o i_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o my_o own_o folly_n ruin_v i_o and_o then_o 2._o he_o proceed_v to_o deplore_v the_o sad_a estate_n he_o be_v fall_v into_o when_o i_o set_v out_o from_o my_o father_n house_n in_o quest_n of_o liberty_n do_v i_o ever_o dream_v of_o become_v a_o slave_n when_o i_o despise_v the_o liberal_a provision_n of_o his_o family_n do_v i_o or_o can_v i_o have_v think_v i_o shall_v come_v to_o want_v bread_n to_o feed_v upon_o husk_n how_o sad_a be_v the_o change_n how_o severe_a be_v my_o fate_n which_o i_o know_v no_o more_o how_o to_o bear_v then_o how_o to_o avoid_v but_o that_o be_v not_o the_o worst_a yet_o for_o 3._o he_o forethink_v what_o be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o this_o it_o be_v not_o only_o feed_v upon_o husk_n but_o i_o perish_v for_o hunger_n i_o have_v a_o prospect_n of_o nothing_o but_o death_n before_o i_o in_o the_o case_n i_o be_o in_o i_o be_o lose_v undo_v undo_v in_o the_o most_o dreadful_a circumstance_n for_o i_o perish_v and_o it_o be_v with_o hunger_n death_n make_v its_o sure_a approach_n and_o that_o in_o the_o most_o ghastly_a shape_n vivens_fw-la vidénsque_fw-la pereo_fw-la i_o see_v and_o feel_v myself_o die_v 4._o but_o yet_o in_o the_o last_o place_n he_o look_v about_o he_o to_o see_v if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o escape_n i_o be_o die_v say_v he_o but_o not_o quite_o dead_a while_o there_o be_v life_n there_o be_v hope_n who_o will_v not_o catch_v hold_n of_o any_o thing_n rather_o than_o perish_v and_o it_o agree_v not_o with_o my_o condition_n to_o stick_v at_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v minister_v the_o least_o probability_n of_o safety_n be_o not_o i_o a_o son_n though_o i_o be_o here_o a_o slave_n have_v i_o not_o a_o father_n and_o have_v not_o he_o pity_v why_o then_o do_v i_o stand_v still_o and_o die_v and_o not_o rather_o make_v the_o utmost_a experiment_n after_o this_o manner_n we_o may_v feel_v the_o pulse_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n to_o beat_v and_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o sinner_n who_o god_n have_v awaken_v by_o affliction_n move_v much_o after_o the_o same_o rate_n for_o first_o as_o soon_o as_o his_o eye_n be_v open_v he_o can_v choose_v but_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o blessedness_n of_o a_o state_n of_o innocency_n and_o reason_n with_o
work_v and_o who_o that_o either_o understand_v the_o frail_a contexture_n of_o his_o body_n or_o the_o many_o thousand_o accident_n it_o be_v subject_a to_o can_v be_v warranty_n for_o his_o own_o life_n one_o moment_n beyond_o the_o present_a or_o if_o that_o shall_v be_v continue_v who_o shall_v secure_v we_o that_o a_o day_n of_o grace_n shall_v last_v as_o long_o as_o we_o live_v who_o shall_v prescribe_v to_o the_o almighty_a that_o he_o shall_v wait_v our_o leisure_n and_o accept_v we_o at_o last_o all_o which_o thing_n consider_v he_o that_o only_o resolve_v to_o amend_v hereafter_o be_v certain_o resolve_v not_o to_o amend_v now_o and_o therefore_o be_v in_o no_o state_n of_o repentance_n nor_o in_o the_o way_n of_o mercy_n wherefore_o the_o true_a penitent_n resolve_v present_o to_o arise_v i_o have_v trifle_v too_o long_o already_o faith_n he_o it_o be_v no_o dally_v any_o long_o in_o a_o business_n of_o this_o nature_n i_o have_v be_v cozen_v by_o my_o own_o heart_n oft_o enough_o i_o will_v trust_v myself_o for_o day_n no_o long_o i_o do_v not_o find_v my_o heart_n either_o more_o willing_a or_o more_o able_a to_o perform_v by_o all_o the_o time_n i_o have_v give_v it_o but_o quite_o contrary_a my_o ability_n be_v less_o and_o my_o debt_n great_a my_o heart_n hard_o my_o affection_n more_o engage_v and_o less_o willing_a to_o come_v off_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o long_o i_o serve_v the_o devil_n he_o be_v ever_o the_o likely_a to_o manumit_v i_o nay_o i_o feel_v the_o long_o i_o serve_v he_o the_o heavy_a chain_n he_o lay_v upon_o i_o if_o he_o can_v persuade_v i_o that_o it_o be_v yet_o too_o soon_o to_o return_v to_o god_n he_o will_v by_o the_o same_o logic_n persuade_v i_o hereafter_o that_o it_o be_v too_o late_o and_o i_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o if_o my_o heart_n be_v bad_a to_o day_n it_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v worse_o to_o morrow_n i_o can_v think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o god_n spirit_n will_v strive_v with_o i_o the_o more_o i_o resist_v he_o nor_o dare_v i_o trust_v that_o grace_n shall_v abound_v the_o more_o my_o sin_n abound_v a_o day_n neglect_v now_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v may_v be_v as_o much_o as_o my_o soul_n be_v worth_a and_o may_v cost_v i_o eternity_n now_o by_o god_n grace_n i_o find_v it_o in_o my_o heart_n to_o return_v and_o now_o i_o will_v put_v it_o in_o execution_n i_o will_v no_o more_o venture_v upon_o uncertainty_n nor_o forgo_v what_o be_v in_o my_o power_n for_o what_o be_v not_o i_o will_v not_o promise_v to_o pay_v hereafter_o what_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a now_o to_o perform_v no_o more_o therefore_o of_o the_o sluggard_n yet_o a_o little_a sleep_n a_o little_a slumber_n a_o little_a fold_n of_o the_o hand_n to_o sleep_v i_o will_v now_o arise_v and_o return_v to_o my_o father_n and_o to_o my_o duty_n which_o be_v 4._o the_o four_o and_o last_o property_n of_o virtuous_a resolution_n namely_o it_o be_v a_o through_o and_o uniform_a resolution_n which_o take_v in_o the_o whole_a business_n and_o compass_n of_o religion_n the_o historian_n observe_v of_o the_o roman_n in_o the_o degenerate_a time_n of_o their_o commonwealth_n that_o now_o all_o their_o dispute_n be_v not_o a_o servirent_fw-la sed_fw-la cui_fw-la not_o for_o liberty_n but_o who_o shall_v be_v their_o lord_n and_o they_o fight_v not_o to_o assert_v or_o recover_v their_o freedom_n but_o mere_o to_o have_v the_o choice_n of_o their_o yoke_n and_o so_o whoever_o conquer_v they_o be_v certain_o slave_n in_o like_a manner_n some_o man_n be_v under_o conviction_n of_o conscience_n of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o the_o way_n they_o be_v in_o resolve_v upon_o a_o change_n but_o it_o be_v not_o to_o change_v themselves_o but_o their_o sin_n one_o for_o another_o the_o drunkard_n become_v covetous_a the_o loose_a and_o licentious_a person_n exchange_n his_o levity_n for_o morosity_n and_o from_o a_o common_a scandal_n become_v a_o busy_a body_n a_o judge_n and_o very_o censorious_a and_o so_o the_o man_n be_v disguise_v rather_o then_o amend_v and_o have_v a_o new_a master_n but_o be_v nevertheless_o a_o slave_n other_o perhaps_o there_o be_v who_o will_v go_v further_o and_o part_n with_o a_o sin_n without_o a_o succedaneum_fw-la or_o entertain_v any_o other_o in_o its_o room_n because_o it_o may_v happen_v that_o such_o a_o sin_n be_v grow_v less_o agreeable_a to_o their_o constitution_n too_o chargeable_a for_o their_o profit_n too_o dangerous_a to_o their_o reputation_n and_o peradventure_o also_o too_o uneasy_a for_o their_o conscience_n but_o there_o be_v some_o other_o sin_n they_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n think_v of_o forego_v thus_o the_o scripture_n observe_v of_o some_o king_n of_o israel_n that_o be_v great_a reformer_n and_o express_v a_o mighty_a zeal_n against_o the_o idolatry_n of_o ahab_n and_o other_o corruption_n who_o yet_o all_o their_o day_n stick_v close_o to_o the_o sin_n of_o jeroboam_n the_o son_n of_o nebat_fw-la that_o kind_n of_o idolatry_n be_v bind_v up_o with_o their_o interest_n and_o therefore_o must_v not_o be_v lay_v aside_o indeed_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o matter_n well_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o power_n of_o a_o enlighten_v conscience_n to_o be_v such_o as_o to_o prevail_v with_o any_o man_n to_o resolve_v either_o to_o forsake_v any_o one_o sin_n upon_o condition_n he_o may_v secure_o enjoy_v all_o the_o rest_n or_o at_o least_o not_o to_o stick_v at_o any_o one_o duty_n of_o religion_n if_o thereby_o he_o may_v expiate_v his_o other_o commission_n and_o omission_n and_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o corrupt_a doctrine_n among_o they_o very_o agreeable_a to_o this_o humour_n namely_o that_o if_o a_o man_n observe_v some_o one_o remarkable_a precept_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o excuse_v he_o upon_o the_o whole_a and_o that_o notion_n of_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o that_o question_n so_o often_o put_v to_o our_o saviour_n 35._o which_o be_v the_o great_a commandment_n of_o the_o law_n for_o they_o dispute_v among_o themselves_o upon_o that_o supposition_n 28._o which_o be_v the_o one_o sure_a point_n to_o trust_v to_o 18._o whether_o to_o sacrifice_n as_o some_o hold_v or_o to_o circumcision_n as_o other_o or_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n as_o a_o three_o etc._n etc._n i_o say_v their_o intent_n be_v to_o ask_v his_o opinion_n what_o branch_n of_o the_o law_n god_n most_o insist_v upon_o that_o in_o compliance_n therewith_o they_o may_v compendious_o secure_v their_o own_o interest_n without_o the_o trouble_n of_o universal_a obedience_n but_o our_o saviour_n be_v aware_a of_o the_o subtlety_n direct_v they_o in_o all_o the_o place_n foremention_v to_o that_o paragraph_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v comprehensive_a of_o the_o whole_a viz._n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n etc._n etc._n the_o devil_n be_v so_o wary_a and_o frugal_a a_o trader_n that_o he_o will_v comply_v with_o the_o market_n and_o be_v content_a as_o i_o note_v before_o to_o barter_v one_o sin_n for_o another_o or_o rather_o to_o compound_v for_o half_a then_o to_o lose_v all_o and_o be_v also_o so_o good_a a_o philosopher_n as_o to_o know_v malum_fw-la oritur_fw-la ex_fw-la quolibet_fw-la defectu_fw-la &_o bonum_fw-la constat_fw-la ex_fw-la integris_fw-la causis_fw-la that_o the_o volùntary_a omission_n of_o any_o one_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n null_v our_o obedience_n and_o that_o one_o sin_n will_v damn_v a_o man_n as_o well_o as_o many_o for_o he_o that_o retain_v a_o love_n to_o any_o one_o sin_n can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o resolution_n against_o sin_n or_o to_o hate_v sin_n for_o itself_o and_o god_n be_v resolve_v to_o have_v we_o entire_o he_o or_o not_o at_o all_o for_o he_o that_o make_v any_o exception_n or_o reservation_n that_o capitulate_v with_o god_n deal_v not_o with_o he_o as_o with_o a_o god_n he_o therefore_o that_o take_v up_o a_o penitent_a resolution_n be_v uniform_a and_o universal_a therein_o full_o decree_n with_o himself_o to_o omit_v nothing_o that_o he_o know_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n nor_o to_o dispense_v with_o himself_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o thing_n how_o grateful_a soever_o to_o he_o that_o he_o know_v to_o be_v a_o sin_n i_o know_v say_v he_o god_n by_o his_o sovereignty_n have_v a_o just_a title_n to_o my_o whole_a life_n and_o to_o all_o my_o power_n he_o have_v oblige_v i_o beyond_o all_o that_o ever_o i_o can_v correspond_v with_o he_o be_v jealous_a of_o his_o honour_n and_o hate_v to_o be_v serve_v deceitful_o and_o by_o half_n he_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o rival_n no_o sharer_n with_o he_o he_o see_v all_o my_o wander_n and_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o revenge_v my_o
forty_o night_n and_o nineveh_n shall_v be_v destroy_v notwithstanding_o the_o absoluteness_n of_o the_o sentence_n and_o the_o nearness_n of_o the_o execution_n the_o ninevite_n be_v not_o out_o of_o hope_n but_o that_o if_o repentance_n be_v interpose_v their_o ruin_n may_v yet_o be_v prevent_v and_o it_o succeed_v according_o with_o they_o for_o as_o they_o believe_v god_n word_n by_o the_o prophet_n expect_v nothing_o but_o sudden_a destruction_n if_o they_o have_v not_o repent_v so_o they_o trust_v in_o the_o goodness_n and_o exorableness_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n upon_o repentance_n apply_v themselves_o serious_o thereto_o and_o be_v preserve_v wherefore_o say_v the_o relent_a sinner_n forasmuch_o as_o although_o i_o know_v not_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n yet_o this_o i_o know_v that_o nothing_o can_v set_v limit_n thereto_o but_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o he_o be_v never_o so_o straighten_a but_o that_o if_o the_o case_n be_v pitiable_a and_o he_o see_v reason_n of_o mercy_n he_o can_v show_v it_o consistent_o with_o his_o justice_n here_o i_o will_v cast_v anchor_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o render_v myself_o a_o object_n of_o mercy_n and_o trust_v upon_o his_o goodness_n i_o never_o yet_o hear_v that_o any_o man_n miscarry_v in_o this_o bottom_n or_o that_o a_o penitent_a be_v cast_v away_o i_o have_v often_o hear_v that_o god_n will_v have_v save_v man_n but_o they_o will_v not_o but_o i_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o that_o resort_v penitent_o to_o his_o mercy_n and_o be_v reject_v nor_o do_v i_o think_v that_o hell_n itself_o can_v furnish_v one_o instance_n of_o the_o man_n that_o can_v upbraid_v god_n goodness_n and_o say_v i_o will_v but_o god_n will_v not_o thus_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v everlasting_o pregnant_a of_o encouragement_n to_o repentance_n and_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o motion_n to_o godward_o be_v it_o not_o for_o which_o never_o any_o have_v be_v reclaim_v from_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n or_o begin_v a_o reformation_n but_o so_o much_o of_o that_o 2._o in_o the_o second_o place_n another_o encouragement_n to_o this_o penitent_a resolution_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o be_v a_o apprehension_n that_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o become_v perfect_o new_a man_n notwithstanding_o our_o pre-ingagement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n opinion_n of_o absolute_a impossibility_n as_o we_o have_v note_v before_o be_v equal_a to_o real_a impotency_n check_v all_o motion_n nip_v all_o endeavour_n in_o the_o very_a bud_n stifle_n and_o lay_v asleep_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o hope_v and_o apprehension_n of_o feasibleness_n spirit_n all_o industry_n actuate_v all_o faculty_n raise_v the_o spirit_n and_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o the_o great_a action_n in_o the_o world_n some_o dare_a man_n have_v effect_v thing_n beyond_o their_o own_o expectation_n but_o no_o brave_a exploit_n be_v ever_o perform_v by_o such_o as_o despair_v of_o accomplish_v it_o nor_o be_v ever_o any_o force_n defeat_v that_o do_v praelibare_fw-la victoriam_fw-la and_o resolve_v to_o conquer_v when_o once_o a_o conceit_n have_v possess_v the_o midianite_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v conquer_v by_o gideon_n army_n 7._o though_o ground_v only_o upon_o a_o odd_a dream_n of_o a_o brown_a loaf_n tumble_v down_o upon_o their_o tent_n their_o heart_n present_o melt_v in_o they_o their_o spirit_n be_v emasculate_v and_o a_o mighty_a host_n become_v a_o easy_a prey_n to_o the_o inconsiderable_a number_n which_o gideon_n lead_v against_o they_o and_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n will_v never_o suffer_v israel_n to_o be_v lead_v on_o to_o the_o conquest_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n so_o long_o as_o the_o rumour_n of_o giant_n and_o anakim_v and_o wall_v city_n run_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n nor_o until_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o confidence_n that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o conquer_v that_o good_a land_n in_o like_a manner_n if_o the_o sinner_n think_v either_o his_o sin_n too_o great_a to_o be_v forgive_v or_o that_o it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o mend_v i._n e._n either_o despair_n of_o god_n grace_n or_o of_o his_o mercy_n he_o be_v utter_o lose_v indeed_o that_o therefore_o which_o put_v he_o forward_o upon_o resolution_n be_v a_o apprehension_n that_o god_n grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o the_o return_v prodigal_n say_v it_o be_v true_a i_o find_v i_o have_v go_v a_o great_a way_n from_o my_o father_n house_n and_o weary_a myself_o with_o my_o own_o wander_n yet_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o i_o may_v reach_v home_o again_o and_o i_o say_v the_o sinner_n have_v go_v a_o great_a way_n towards_o my_o own_o undo_n have_v indulge_v my_o passion_n and_o dethrone_v my_o reason_n enslave_v my_o will_n weaken_v all_o my_o power_n and_o harden_v my_o own_o conscience_n by_o a_o long_a course_n and_o custom_n of_o sin_n yet_o in_o the_o word_n of_o holy_a job_n there_o be_v hope_n of_o a_o tree_n if_o it_o be_v cut_v down_o that_o it_o will_v sprout_v again_o and_o that_o the_o tender_a branch_n thereof_o will_v not_o cease_v though_o the_o root_n thereof_o wax_v old_a in_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o stock_n thereof_o die_v in_o the_o ground_n yet_o through_o the_o scent_n of_o water_n it_o will_v bud_v and_o bring_v forth_o bough_n like_o a_o plant_n job_n 14._o 7_o 8_o 9_o though_o i_o have_v weaken_v my_o power_n yet_o i_o be_o a_o man_n still_o though_o i_o have_v destroy_v myself_o yet_o there_o be_v hope_n in_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o his_o hand_n be_v not_o shorten_v that_o he_o can_v save_v tul_o be_v report_v to_o have_v affirm_v repentance_n to_o be_v impossible_a lose_v namely_o for_o a_o man_n to_o retrieve_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o a_o new_a course_n contrary_a to_o that_o to_o which_o he_o have_v be_v long_o habituate_v and_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v very_o difficult_a so_o to_o do_v as_o may_v sufficient_o appear_v both_o by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v already_o and_o also_o by_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 13._o 23._o can_v the_o aethiopian_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 where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n intimate_v inveterate_a custom_n to_o be_v equal_a to_o nature_n itself_o and_o according_o we_o find_v by_o too_o sad_a experience_n that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o that_o do_v exuere_fw-la hominem_fw-la shake_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o custom_n facilis_fw-la descensus_fw-la averni_fw-la sed_fw-la revocare_fw-la gradus_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o the_o conversion_n of_o old_a sinner_n be_v call_v a_o new_a birth_n and_o a_o new_a creation_n in_o the_o language_n of_o holy_a scripture_n notwithstanding_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o rich_a man_n that_o it_o be_v hard_a for_o a_o camel_n to_o go_v through_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o needle_n then_o for_o such_o a_o man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n yet_o to_o prevent_v mistake_n add_v with_o man_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o with_o god_n all_o thing_n be_v possible_a so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n he_o can_v cause_v dry_a bone_n to_o live_v and_o of_o stone_n raise_v up_o child_n to_o abraham_n the_o holy_a spirit_n can_v awaken_v those_o power_n that_o be_v in_o a_o dead_a sleep_n conscience_n be_v not_o so_o callous_a but_o it_o may_v be_v render_v soft_a and_o sensible_a again_o the_o will_n and_o other_o faculty_n of_o man_n though_o they_o be_v pervert_v yet_o be_v not_o extinct_a and_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n may_v exert_v themselves_o in_o a_o new_a strain_n oppose_v their_o old_a custom_n and_o introduce_v new_a habit_n as_o custom_n bear_v down_o and_o overgrew_n nature_n former_o so_o new_a custom_n may_v supplant_v the_o old_a one_o and_o make_v a_o new_a nature_n it_o be_v a_o well-known_a story_n that_o when_o zopyrus_n a_o great_a pretender_n to_o the_o skill_n of_o read_v man_n temper_n and_o inclination_n in_o their_o countenance_n have_v pronounce_v of_o socrates_n that_o he_o be_v a_o lewd_a and_o intemperate_a man_n the_o company_n who_o know_v well_o the_o remarkable_a virtue_n of_o socrates_n laugh_v the_o cunning_a man_n out_o of_o countenance_n till_o socrates_n relieve_v he_o say_v that_o indeed_o his_o inclination_n be_v natural_o such_o as_o zopyrus_n have_v pronounce_v but_o that_o philosophy_n and_o the_o culture_n and_o care_n of_o himself_o have_v alter_v he_o to_o what_o he_o be_v but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o they_o contain_v both_o more_o excellent_a institution_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n than_o all_o philosophy_n and_o more_o effectual_a method_n of_o reclaim_v and_o recover_v man_n from_o vice_n and_o debauchery_n so_o in_o the_o history_n thereof_o they_o afford_v we_o the_o
most_o frequent_a and_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o such_o conversion_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o have_v manasses_n who_o be_v a_o idolater_n 21._o a_o witch_n and_o do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n above_o all_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o amorites_n who_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o most_o profligate_v people_n in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o become_v at_o last_o a_o true_a penitent_a a_o holy_a and_o a_o virtuous_a person_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o omit_v st._n paul_n who_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o from_o a_o blasphemer_n a_o persecutor_n and_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n he_o become_v a_o exemplary_a christian_a and_o a_o zealous_a apostle_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o before_o he_o destroy_v we_o have_v great_a number_n of_o the_o most_o obstinate_a and_o wicked_a jew_n convert_v and_o no_o less_o of_o roman_n corinthian_n ephesian_n and_o of_o all_o other_o city_n and_o country_n who_o have_v grow_v old_a and_o harden_v in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n but_o become_v new_a and_o holy_a man_n particular_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o of_o the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o have_v be_v fornicator_n idolater_n adulterer_n effeminate_a thief_n covetous_a drunkard_n and_o yet_o be_v wash_v be_v sanctify_v be_v justify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 9_o 10_o 11._o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o impossible_a say_v the_o sinner_n but_o i_o may_v also_o recover_v myself_o out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n i_o find_v it_o in_o my_o power_n to_o choose_v evil_a why_o may_v i_o not_o hope_v to_o be_v able_a to_o choose_v good_a nothing_o determine_v or_o necessitate_v i_o heretofore_o to_o sin_n why_o may_v i_o not_o then_o cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o custom_n and_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n apply_v myself_o to_o my_o duty_n this_o be_v a_o second_o consideration_n which_o inflame_v the_o penitent_a to_o a_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n which_o when_o he_o have_v in_o earnest_n enter_v upon_o he_o find_v 3._o as_o his_o three_o inducement_n not_o only_o to_o be_v possible_a but_o also_o easy_a at_o least_o far_o beyond_o what_o he_o heretofore_o imagine_v it_o be_v perhaps_o not_o a_o extenuate_a but_o a_o just_a reflection_n which_o the_o historian_n make_v upon_o all_o the_o famous_a exploit_n of_o alexander_n the_o great_a in_o asia_n and_o in_o the_o indies_n which_o have_v swell_v his_o name_n to_o such_o a_o bulk_n primus_fw-la ausus_fw-la est_fw-la vana_fw-la contemnere_fw-la that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o his_o more_o than_o humane_a courage_n or_o conduct_v which_o give_v he_o those_o success_n but_o that_o he_o have_v the_o luck_n or_o the_o sagacity_n to_o see_v through_o and_o despise_v the_o pageantry_n and_o empty_a show_n of_o force_n and_o formidableness_n which_o those_o soft_a and_o luxurious_a nation_n be_v only_o furnish_v with_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n he_o that_o can_v but_o once_o despise_v those_o ludibria_fw-la oculorum_fw-la those_o scare-crow_n and_o fantastical_a idea_n which_o man_n own_a fear_n and_o cowardice_n represent_v to_o they_o he_o will_v present_o find_v the_o business_n of_o religion_n easy_a and_o expedite_a and_o that_o it_o be_v but_o resolve_v generous_o and_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v the_o way_n of_o virtue_n though_o through_o the_o folly_n of_o man_n it_o be_v a_o unfrequented_a path_n yet_o be_v it_o no_o sad_a and_o uncomfortable_a way_n no_o man_n abridge_n himself_o the_o delight_n of_o life_n by_o become_v virtuous_a no_o just_a contentment_n be_v deny_v he_o no_o power_n or_o so_o much_o as_o passion_n he_o have_v that_o be_v altogether_o deny_v its_o proper_a satisfaction_n there_o be_v no_o inhuman_a austerity_n require_v of_o we_o no_o contradiction_n to_o our_o reason_n or_o violence_n to_o our_o nature_n impose_v upon_o we_o god_n be_v no_o hard_a pharaoh_n that_o seek_v to_o break_v we_o with_o bitter_a bondage_n require_v the_o tale_n of_o brick_n without_o straw_n he_o do_v not_o bid_v we_o continue_v in_o the_o fire_n and_o not_o burn_v or_o require_v we_o to_o converse_v with_o the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n and_o escape_v the_o pollution_n but_o only_o to_o moderate_v our_o desire_n to_o mind_n ourselves_o to_o set_v our_o intention_n right_a and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o resolve_v to_o do_v what_o we_o can_v both_o to_o avoid_v the_o occasion_n and_o to_o escape_v the_o infection_n and_o as_o for_o that_o great_a bugbear_n custom_n why_o may_v we_o not_o break_v the_o fetter_n of_o our_o own_o make_n and_o dissolve_v a_o habit_n of_o our_o own_o beginning_n sin_n itself_o be_v weak_a and_o timorous_a and_o bashful_a at_o first_o but_o it_o get_v strength_n by_o time_n and_o by_o degree_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n it_o be_v to_o be_v supplant_v oppose_v beginning_n of_o good_a to_o beginning_n of_o evil_a and_o a_o habit_n will_v be_v obtain_v and_o we_o shall_v confront_v one_o custom_n with_o another_o he_o that_o go_v forth_o weep_v bear_v precious_a seed_n shall_v doubtless_o come_v again_o rejoice_v and_o bring_v his_o sheaf_n with_o he_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n be_v therefore_o easy_a because_o it_o be_v recommend_v by_o our_o own_o reason_n though_o sense_n oppose_v it_o for_o the_o present_a let_v we_o be_v true_a to_o the_o former_a and_o the_o latter_a must_v and_o will_v give_v way_n a_o law_n enact_v by_o our_o own_o consent_n use_v to_o find_v a_o ready_a and_o cheerful_a compliance_n that_o which_o be_v vote_v within_o we_o and_o carry_v by_o the_o free_a suffrage_n of_o our_o mind_n sure_o can_v never_o be_v account_v harsh_a and_o difficult_a and_o such_o be_v all_o the_o law_n of_o virtue_n the_o rule_v thereof_o be_v convenient_a for_o the_o community_n suitable_a to_o our_o own_o nature_n and_o as_o fit_v for_o we_o to_o consent_v to_o as_o for_o god_n to_o enact_v all_o the_o opposition_n which_o the_o devil_n or_o the_o flesh_n can_v make_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o our_o mind_n will_v quick_o cease_v if_o we_o stand_v firm_a to_o ourselves_o reason_n be_v as_o able_a to_o restrain_v sense_n as_o that_o be_v to_o bewitch_v and_o fascinate_v our_o mind_n or_o at_o least_o if_o we_o stop_v our_o ear_n we_o shall_v avoid_v all_o its_o charm_n charm_v it_o never_o so_o cunning_o beside_o all_o the_o importunity_n of_o the_o flesh_n will_v from_o such_o time_n as_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v deny_v grow_v sensible_o weak_a and_o weak_a and_o for_o the_o devil_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o much_o incourage_v his_o attempt_n as_o our_o irresolution_n and_o feeble_a opposition_n he_o be_v both_o a_o more_o proud_a and_o a_o more_o cunning_a enemy_n then_o to_o endure_v too_o many_o repulse_n without_o hope_n of_o success_n he_o know_v well_o enough_o he_o can_v force_v we_o and_o if_o he_o can_v corrupt_v we_o will_v not_o long_a labour_n in_o vain_a this_o the_o apostle_n st._n james_n assure_v we_o of_o resist_v the_o devil_n and_o he_o will_v flee_v from_o you_o st._n james_n 4._o 7._o above_o all_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o set_v in_o with_o we_o and_o make_v all_o easy_a to_o we_o if_o we_o cease_v to_o resist_v and_o quench_v his_o motion_n how_o that_o work_v in_o and_o upon_o we_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o discover_v for_o as_o the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v and_o we_o hear_v the_o sound_n thereof_o but_o know_v not_o whence_o it_o come_v 3._o nor_o whither_o it_o go_v so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n 8._o notwithstanding_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o 13._o and_o that_o that_o spirit_n have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o we_o without_o do_v any_o violence_n to_o we_o and_o that_o its_o aid_n be_v incomparable_o great_a than_o the_o devil_n opposition_n 4._o for_o great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o we_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n 13._o and_o this_o be_v our_o great_a encouragement_n to_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a because_o god_n work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n the_o mischief_n of_o all_o be_v therefore_o our_o want_n of_o resolution_n that_o we_o do_v but_o dally_v and_o trifle_v in_o this_o great_a business_n and_o hence_o all_o the_o difficulty_n arise_v quo_fw-la minùs_fw-la timoris_fw-la eo_fw-la minùs_fw-la fermè_fw-la periculi_fw-la coward_n run_v the_o great_a danger_n in_o war_n and_o irresolute_a man_n find_v the_o most_o opposition_n and_o the_o great_a difficulty_n in_o a_o course_n of_o virtue_n do_v we_o but_o collect_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v quick_o find_v the_o face_n of_o thing_n alter_v and_o all_o discouragement_n vanish_v all_o
call_v thy_o son_n i_o deserve_v to_o be_v utter_o abandon_v exclude_v your_o care_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o your_o thought_n as_o i_o cast_v myself_o out_o of_o your_o family_n and_o so_o the_o penitent_a i_o be_o so_o far_a lord_n from_o deserve_v thy_o favour_n or_o eternal_a life_n that_o i_o deserve_v not_o the_o least_o crum_n from_o thy_o table_n less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o all_o thy_o mercy_n nay_o i_o acknowledge_v i_o have_v deserve_v to_o go_v with_o sorrow_n to_o my_o grave_n and_o to_o undergo_v the_o dreadful_a viol_n of_o thy_o wrath_n it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o the_o prodigal_n do_v not_o only_o thus_o condemn_v himself_o while_o he_o anxious_o stand_v expect_v his_o doom_n from_o his_o father_n but_o even_o then_o when_o his_o father_n have_v express_v compassion_n to_o he_o have_v run_v to_o meet_v he_o and_o kiss_v he_o for_o so_o vers_n 21._o we_o find_v he_o repeat_v his_o own_o condemnation_n in_o the_o same_o word_n as_o before_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o observe_v the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n after_o he_o have_v obtain_v pardon_n and_o the_o great_a favour_n of_o apostleship_n to_o be_v continual_o rip_v up_o his_o former_a sin_n and_o condemn_v himself_o for_o they_o as_o if_o the_o wound_n bleed_v afresh_o as_o often_o as_o it_o be_v touch_v thus_o the_o penitent_a always_o judge_n and_o condemn_v himself_o that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v judge_v of_o the_o lord_n by_o severity_n towards_o himself_o he_o recommend_v himself_o to_o the_o divine_a mercy_n poenit._n for_o as_o tertullian_n express_v it_o in_o quantum_fw-la non_fw-la peperceris_fw-la tibi_fw-la in_fw-la tantum_fw-la deus_fw-la tibi_fw-la parcet_fw-la if_o we_o like_o phineas_n stand_v up_o and_o execute_v judgement_n the_o plague_n will_v be_v stay_v he_o that_o anticipate_v the_o day_n of_o judgement_n by_o erect_v a_o private_a but_o impartial_a tribunal_n prevent_v the_o dreadfullness_n of_o that_o day_n in_o short_a if_o we_o be_v just_a god_n will_v be_v merciful_a and_o therefore_o when_o the_o penitent_a have_v be_v accuser_n witness_n and_o judge_v against_o himself_o he_o may_v then_o with_o hope_n of_o success_n become_v 4._o in_o the_o four_o place_n intercessor_n for_o himself_o also_o and_o deprecate_v the_o divine_a displeasure_n and_o implore_v his_o favour_n so_o the_o son_n do_v here_o make_v i_o as_o one_o of_o thy_o hire_a servant_n q._n d._n let_v i_o not_o be_v utter_o cast_v out_o of_o thy_o family_n but_o have_v at_o least_o this_o instance_n of_o thy_o favour_n that_o i_o may_v still_o retain_v some_o relation_n to_o thou_o and_o so_o the_o penitent_a now_o that_o he_o have_v receive_v his_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n within_o himself_o sue_v out_o his_o pardon_n o_o take_v not_o my_o confession_n mere_o as_o a_o argument_n of_o my_o guilt_n but_o as_o a_o evidence_n of_o my_o contrition_n break_v not_o the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n it_o be_v thy_o prerogative_n o_o lord_n to_o pardon_v and_o what_o pleasure_n be_v there_o in_o my_o blood_n will_v the_o lord_n be_v angry_a for_o ever_o will_v his_o jealousy_n burn_v like_o fire_n o_o consider_v my_o frame_n remember_v i_o be_o but_o dust_n and_o ash_n call_v to_o mind_v thy_o mercy_n of_o old_a thou_o be_v god_n and_o not_o man_n and_o as_o much_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a than_o the_o earth_n so_o be_v thy_o mercy_n above_o the_o mercy_n of_o a_o man_n turn_v thy_o face_n away_o from_o my_o sin_n and_o blot_v out_o all_o my_o transgression_n make_v i_o a_o clean_a heart_n o_o god_n and_o renew_v a_o right_a spirit_n in_o i_o cast_v i_o not_o away_o from_o thy_o presence_n and_o take_v not_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n from_o i_o give_v i_o the_o comfort_n of_o thy_o help_n again_o and_o establish_v i_o with_o thy_o free_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 51._o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o saint_n cyprian_n report_v it_o to_o have_v be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a penitent_n out_o of_o their_o quick_a and_o prick_a sense_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o more_o effectual_o to_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o his_o church_n earnest_o to_o implore_v the_o martyr_n that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o suffering_n and_o sharp_a agony_n they_o will_v remember_v they_o in_o their_o prayer_n think_v such_o affectionate_a intercession_n of_o those_o that_o pour_v out_o their_o blood_n and_o request_n together_o must_v needs_o be_v available_a both_o with_o god_n and_o man_n but_o the_o penitent_a address_n himself_o also_o to_o a_o high_a and_o more_o prevalent_a advocate_n who_o add_v the_o incense_n of_o his_o own_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o man_n and_o make_v they_o come_v up_o as_o sweet_a odour_n before_o the_o almighty_a and_o who_o be_v exalt_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n to_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v give_v success_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o such_o contrite_a person_n to_o which_o add_v that_o not_o only_o the_o deep_a apprehension_n of_o guilt_n and_o of_o danger_n which_o such_o a_o person_n we_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v under_o must_v needs_o mkee_v he_o ardent_a and_o importunate_a and_o to_o cry_v mighty_o to_o god_n but_o also_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v wont_a to_o assist_v such_o with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n which_o be_v unutterable_a §_o ii_o now_o for_o the_o acceptableness_n of_o this_o penitent_a confession_n of_o which_o we_o be_v speak_v although_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n take_v no_o delight_n in_o the_o pitiful_a moan_n in_o the_o tear_n and_o lamentation_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o most_o true_a that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o address_n and_o complemental_a form_n by_o the_o accent_n of_o man_n voice_n by_o the_o rhetoric_n of_o tear_n nor_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n because_o he_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o passion_n as_o man_n be_v yet_o have_v demonstrate_v already_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n that_o the_o divine_a majesty_n have_v no_o restraint_n upon_o he_o but_o what_o himself_o please_v and_o that_o all_o his_o action_n towards_o his_o creature_n be_v so_o subject_a to_o his_o wisdom_n that_o whenever_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n for_o mercy_n he_o can_v show_v it_o notwithstanding_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o rigour_n of_o his_o law_n or_o the_o demand_n of_o his_o justice_n if_o now_o we_o also_o make_v it_o appear_v from_o his_o own_o mouth_n and_o from_o those_o discovery_n which_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o that_o the_o aforesaid_a humble_a and_o contrite_a address_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o therefore_o require_v by_o he_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o pardon_n then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o they_o will_v in_o their_o kind_n be_v as_o acceptable_a to_o his_o divine_a majesty_n and_o as_o successful_a on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o sinner_n as_o the_o penitent_a son_n submission_n be_v with_o his_o earthly_a parent_n and_o this_o will_v be_v easy_o evident_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o whereas_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n lie_v principal_o in_o the_o dishonour_n it_o reflect_v upon_o the_o divine_a perfection_n such_o penitential_a acknowledgement_n as_o we_o have_v describe_v do_v in_o great_a measure_n repair_v that_o injury_n and_o do_v right_a to_o all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n as_o we_o will_v instance_n in_o particular_a 1._o sin_n be_v a_o invasion_n of_o god_n authority_n and_o sovereignty_n over_o we_o inasmuch_o as_o he_o that_o wilful_o break_v any_o law_n of_o god_n proclaim_v himself_o svi_fw-la juris_fw-la or_o lawless_a and_o say_v with_o those_o in_o the_o gospel_n we_o will_v not_o have_v this_o lord_n to_o rule_v over_o we_o now_o penitent_a acknowledgement_n though_o it_o can_v recall_v the_o act_n which_o be_v past_a yet_o it_o revoke_v and_o retract_v the_o affront_n and_o settle_v god_n authority_n again_o 2._o sin_n be_v a_o impeachment_n of_o god_n wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n at_o once_o for_o he_o that_o allow_v himself_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o a_o sin_n lay_v a_o imputation_n upon_o god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v either_o not_o foresee_v what_o liberty_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v allow_v to_o his_o creature_n or_o have_v not_o order_v the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o thing_n with_o that_o decency_n and_o benignity_n that_o mankind_n can_v comfortable_o acquiesce_v in_o without_o temptation_n to_o entrench_v upon_o that_o for_o his_o own_o necessary_a accommodation_n now_o on_o the_o contrary_a confession_n take_v shame_n and_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n to_o ourselves_o and_o justify_v the_o wisdom_n and_o equity_n of_o all_o god_n constitution_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o may_v take_v that_o expression_n luk._n 7._o 29._o the_o publican_n justify_v god_n
be_v baptize_v with_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n i._n e._n they_o enter_v into_o a_o penitential_a state_n which_o john_n baptism_n initiate_v they_o into_o condemn_v themselves_o and_o proclaim_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n method_n 3._o sin_n be_v a_o tacit_n denial_n of_o god_n omniscience_n the_o sinner_n say_v with_o they_o in_o the_o psalmist_n tush_o do_v god_n see_v and_o be_v there_o knowledge_n in_o the_o most_o high_a psal_n 73._o 11._o and_o with_o those_o other_o in_o job_n how_o do_v god_n know_v can_v he_o judge_v through_o the_o dark_a cloud_n thick_a cloud_n be_v a_o cover_n to_o he_o that_o he_o see_v not_o and_o he_o walk_v in_o the_o circuit_n of_o heaven_n job_n 22._o 13_o 14._o either_o they_o conclude_v with_o the_o epicurean_o that_o it_o be_v below_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n to_o mind_v the_o affair_n of_o man_n or_o that_o it_o will_v create_v he_o too_o much_o trouble_v and_o business_n or_o some_o odd_a conceit_n or_o other_o they_o may_v well_o be_v presume_v to_o have_v who_o dare_v adventure_n to_o sin_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o all-seeing_a eye_n will_v give_v the_o most_o kerbing_a check_n to_o sin_n that_o can_v be_v and_o indeed_o this_o attribute_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o glorious_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o so_o necessary_a that_o it_o be_v not_o intelligible_a how_o he_o shall_v be_v god_n that_o be_v how_o he_o shall_v govern_v the_o world_n for_o the_o present_a or_o judge_v it_o hereafter_o without_o it_o and_o consequent_o it_o be_v if_o not_o the_o only_a foundation_n yet_o the_o immediate_a obligation_n to_o all_o worship_n and_o religious_a observance_n for_o suppose_v a_o god_n as_o the_o epicurean_o do_v that_o either_o can_v not_o or_o will_v not_o mind_v the_o action_n of_o man_n and_o make_v he_o otherwise_o as_o great_a excellent_a and_o adorable_a as_o we_o will_v yet_o will_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o restrain_v man_n from_o hypocrisy_n and_o contempt_n of_o he_o whilst_o they_o be_v under_o no_o apprehension_n that_o their_o action_n and_o carriage_n towards_o he_o be_v eye_v by_o he_o now_o he_o that_o ingenuous_o confess_v his_o sin_n and_o take_v shame_n to_o himself_o for_o it_o do_v honour_n to_o this_o divine_a perfection_n and_o uphold_v the_o pillar_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thereby_o recommend_v himself_o to_o the_o divine_a mercy_n it_o be_v the_o say_n of_o joshua_n to_o achan_n jos_n 7._o 9_o my_o son_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o confess_v thy_o fault_n q._n d._n thou_o have_v dishonour_v god_n by_o thy_o sin_n and_o both_o reproach_v his_o wisdom_n in_o make_v such_o a_o law_n and_o also_o call_v in_o question_n his_o omniscience_n by_o thy_o dare_a to_o violate_v it_o now_o therefore_o make_v he_o the_o best_a amends_o thou_o can_v by_o a_o ingenuous_a confession_n and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o though_o when_o thou_o be_v tempt_v to_o do_v wicked_o thou_o be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o promise_v thyself_o security_n yet_o now_o upon_o more_o deliberate_a thought_n thou_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v nothing_o can_v hide_v thou_o from_o he_o 4._o such_o acknowledgement_n as_o aforesaid_a do_v right_a to_o the_o holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o god_n for_o thereby_o the_o sinner_n express_v his_o shame_n and_o blush_v at_o his_o own_o impurity_n seem_v to_o loathe_v himself_o for_o his_o unlikeness_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o original_a perfection_n to_o which_o add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o beside_o that_o in_o this_o confession_n of_o sin_n the_o sinner_n place_n himself_o in_o the_o near_a posture_n and_o under_o the_o very_a eye_n of_o god_n and_o the_o quick_a apprehension_n of_o he_o and_o the_o great_a awefullness_n of_o his_o majesty_n he_o also_o put_v a_o brand_n and_o odious_a mark_n upon_o all_o sin_n and_o by_o his_o thus_o suffer_v for_o sin_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o soul_n condemn_v sin_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o withal_o express_v a_o great_a distaste_n of_o it_o show_v a_o abhorrence_n a_o mind_n alienate_v from_o it_o and_o so_o consequent_o by_o that_o sense_n of_o the_o bitterness_n of_o it_o give_v the_o best_a security_n against_o relapse_n into_o it_o again_o upon_o all_o which_o it_o be_v not_o untrue_o say_v quem_fw-la poenitet_fw-la peccâsse_fw-la paenè_fw-la est_fw-la innocens_fw-la and_o though_o it_o be_v best_a of_o all_o not_o to_o sin_n yet_o he_o be_v in_o a_o good_a degree_n towards_o innocency_n who_o be_v thus_o penitent_a for_o his_o offence_n and_o consequent_o in_o a_o fair_a way_n for_o pardon_n with_o respect_n to_o which_o the_o psalmist_n who_o both_o can_v and_o will_v if_o that_o will_v have_v do_v as_o well_o have_v bring_v the_o most_o costly_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n to_o have_v atone_v his_o sin_n and_o make_v his_o peace_n with_o he_o yet_o pronounce_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n to_o be_v only_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n and_o that_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a spirit_n god_n will_v not_o despise_v those_o other_o sacrifice_n it_o seem_v though_o god_n permit_v they_o and_o in_o some_o case_n accept_v yet_o be_v not_o of_o his_o institution_n at_o first_o only_o they_o be_v way_n which_o man_n think_v apt_a to_o express_v their_o homage_n and_o dependence_n upon_o god_n or_o by_o which_o to_o acknowledge_v their_o gratitude_n or_o by_o the_o cost_n of_o they_o to_o impose_v a_o mulct_n upon_o themselves_o for_o offend_v or_o otherwise_o by_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o use_n of_o those_o that_o attend_v immediate_o upon_o he_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o propitiate_v he_o towards_o they_o as_o if_o in_o the_o language_n of_o our_o saviour_n man_n seek_v this_o way_n to_o make_v to_o themselves_o friend_n of_o the_o mammon_n of_o unrighteousness_n notwithstanding_o in_o themselves_o all_o those_o costly_a oblation_n seem_v to_o reflect_v dishonour_n upon_o god_n as_o represent_v he_o a_o necessitous_a and_o indigent_a deity_n for_o which_o cause_n several_a of_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a philosopher_n of_o old_a forbid_v all_o costly_a sacrifice_n and_o require_v only_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v proper_o be_v repute_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o platonist_n express_v it_o i._n e._n the_o worship_n of_o a_o full_a and_o perfect_a be_v and_o such_o especial_o be_v this_o of_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n which_o as_o it_o be_v that_o which_o every_o man_n have_v to_o give_v that_o will_n so_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o all_o mankind_n to_o the_o common_a father_n of_o they_o and_o as_o it_o cost_v they_o least_o so_o it_o do_v the_o true_a honour_n to_o he_o and_o whereas_o paganism_n admit_v no_o repentance_n and_o in_o their_o philosophic_a write_n we_o meet_v often_o with_o expiation_n and_o lustration_n but_o no_o such_o thing_n as_o repentance_n the_o reason_n must_v be_v because_o they_o have_v no_o right_a notion_n of_o god_n common_o consider_v he_o only_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o rigid_a fate_n or_o of_o absolute_a sovereignty_n without_o any_o apprehension_n of_o benignity_n or_o compassion_n in_o he_o which_o whoso_o right_o understand_v god_n must_v needs_o conceive_v to_o be_v in_o he_o in_o a_o eminent_a degree_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o and_o he_o that_o so_o consider_v he_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o those_o instance_n of_o penitence_n we_o be_v now_o upon_o be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o he_o especial_o if_o they_o come_v attend_v with_o real_a reformation_n which_o we_o come_v now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o speak_v of_o as_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o penitent'_v resolution_n and_o the_o last_o and_o principal_a point_n of_o repentance_n chap._n iu._n of_o actual_a reture_n or_o reformation_n the_o content_n actual_a reformation_n consist_v in_o three_o thing_n 1._o care_v of_o god_n worship_n 2._o conscience_n of_o all_o his_o command_n 3._o submission_n to_o his_o providence_n all_o which_o be_v describe_v according_a to_o such_o measure_n as_o be_v practicable_a in_o themselves_o necessary_o require_v by_o god_n and_o conscientious_o observe_v by_o all_o true_a convert_v we_o have_v hitherto_o in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o parable_n see_v the_o former_o extravagant_a son_n perform_v the_o first_o part_n of_o his_o resolution_n confess_v his_o fault_n condemn_v his_o folly_n fall_v at_o his_o father_n foot_n and_o implore_v his_o pardon_n but_o there_o be_v something_o else_o mean_v when_o he_o say_v i_o will_v return_v to_o my_o father_n and_o he_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o filial_a reverence_n and_o obedience_n for_o the_o future_a be_v the_o best_a apology_n for_o his_o former_a transgression_n for_o though_o he_o know_v how_o great_a a_o interest_n the_o very_a relation_n of_o a_o son_n give_v in_o the_o affection_n of_o a_o father_n and_o
zeal_n as_o can_v but_o be_v very_o observable_a nay_o his_o fervour_n be_v so_o great_a in_o these_o thing_n that_o the_o only_a danger_n be_v of_o run_v into_o some_o excess_n lest_o he_o outgo_v the_o health_n and_o strength_n of_o his_o body_n and_o forget_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o common_a affair_n of_o life_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v great_a diversity_n in_o these_o passionate_a expression_n of_o devotion_n according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o man_n temper_n and_o constitution_n but_o yet_o in_o every_o true_a convert_n it_o be_v at_o the_o low_a quite_o another_o thing_n from_o the_o common_a flatness_n and_o formality_n that_o be_v too_o easy_a to_o be_v see_v in_o other_o man_n nay_o the_o transport_v of_o this_o kind_n in_o new_a convert_v be_v usual_o so_o great_a that_o it_o often_o give_v they_o occasion_n afterward_o to_o question_v their_o station_n and_o to_o doubt_v whether_o they_o have_v not_o apostatise_v and_o fall_v from_o their_o first_o love_n when_o they_o find_v they_o can_v maintain_v those_o springtide_n constant_o at_o the_o same_o height_n through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o this_o be_v to_o be_v add_v that_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o a_o man_n sincerity_n that_o he_o want_v some_o of_o the_o passionate_a expression_n of_o devotion_n which_o he_o have_v at_o first_o in_o regard_n then_o the_o fresh_a sense_n he_o have_v of_o his_o miscarriage_n of_o his_o horrible_a danger_n together_o with_o the_o ravish_a joy_n at_o the_o first_o glimpse_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ_n be_v able_a strange_o to_o move_v all_o his_o power_n and_o to_o draw_v even_o those_o bodily_a passion_n into_o compliance_n with_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o must_v certain_o flag_n afterward_o and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v a_o sure_a sign_n he_o be_v no_o convert_n i_o mean_v from_o a_o debauch_a and_o wicked_a life_n who_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o something_o extraordinary_a in_o this_o kind_n at_o first_o yet_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v no_o sign_n of_o decay_v in_o grace_n if_o he_o find_v not_o the_o like_o all_o along_o 2._o but_o to_o proceed_v second_o when_o the_o son_n arise_v and_o go_v to_o his_o father_n it_o be_v imply_v that_o he_o become_v obedient_a to_o his_o command_n as_o well_o as_o that_o he_o live_v in_o his_o presence_n and_o family_n and_o according_o the_o penitent_a in_o the_o next_o place_n content_v not_o himself_o with_o any_o or_o all_o of_o the_o forementioned_a act_n of_o devotion_n as_o not_o intend_v to_o put_v off_o god_n with_o complemental_a address_n for_o all_o worship_n without_o obedience_n be_v no_o better_a but_o apply_v himself_o with_o all_o humility_n and_o seriousness_n to_o frame_v his_o life_n according_a to_o his_o command_n heretofore_o he_o be_v a_o son_n of_o belial_n lawless_a and_o disobedient_a but_o now_o he_o say_v with_o st_n paul_n upon_o his_o conversion_n act_v 9_o 6._o what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v lord_n he_o have_v now_o find_v what_o hard_a service_n the_o devil_n put_v his_o vassal_n to_o and_o have_v have_v so_o bad_a a_o master_n of_o he_o he_o do_v not_o discourage_v himself_o with_o suspicion_n but_o submit_v his_o neck_n to_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v grievous_a as_o be_v of_o opinion_n with_o the_o falisci_n 5._o who_o tell_v fabricius_n melius_fw-la nos_fw-la sub_fw-la vestro_fw-la imperio_fw-la quam_fw-la sub_fw-la nostris_fw-la legibus_fw-la victuri_fw-la sumus_fw-la god_n service_n be_v perfect_a freedom_n and_o it_o be_v liberty_n enough_o to_o obey_v wisdom_n and_o goodness_n according_o he_o endeavour_v from_o henceforth_o to_o live_v in_o all_o the_o statute_n and_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n blameless_a and_o exercise_n himself_o to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n he_o confine_v not_o his_o care_n to_o some_o one_o branch_n or_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n which_o be_v the_o common_a guise_n of_o hypocrite_n but_o resolve_v to_o be_v universal_o good_a and_o holy_a for_o he_o not_o only_o consider_v that_o one_o sin_n be_v sufficient_a to_o ruin_v a_o man_n as_o well_o as_o many_o as_o one_o disease_n may_v destroy_v a_o man_n life_n as_o well_o as_o a_o complication_n but_o also_o he_o observe_v that_o the_o main_a difficulty_n of_o virtue_n lie_v in_o that_o man_n do_v not_o uniform_o carry_v on_o the_o whole_a business_n before_o they_o and_o so_o the_o devil_n get_v that_o ground_n in_o one_o place_n which_o he_o seem_v to_o lose_v in_o another_o beside_o the_o very_a principle_n that_o act_n and_o govern_v he_o be_v the_o hearty_a love_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n which_o make_v he_o have_v a_o equal_a hatred_n to_o all_o sin_n and_o a_o zeal_n of_o every_o duty_n he_o forsake_v all_o his_o debauch_n for_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o make_v experiment_n whether_o victory_n over_o his_o passion_n be_v not_o as_o delightful_a as_o the_o gratification_n of_o they_o and_o whether_o intellectual_a joy_n be_v not_o as_o ravish_v as_o sensual_a enjoyment_n and_o a_o regular_a conversation_n as_o easy_a and_o agreeable_a as_o the_o lawless_a and_o licentious_a he_o bring_v his_o sense_n in_o subjection_n to_o his_o reason_n and_o make_v all_o those_o power_n and_o faculty_n tributary_n to_o religion_n which_o before_o make_v war_n against_o it_o this_o head_n of_o i_o say_v he_o which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v employ_v in_o contrivance_n for_o the_o world_n or_o in_o cater_v for_o my_o lust_n shall_v now_o be_v exercise_v in_o study_v how_o i_o may_v do_v most_o honour_n to_o my_o maker_n this_o wit_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o go_v out_o in_o froth_n or_o in_o scoff_v at_o all_o that_o be_v serious_a shall_v now_o make_v apology_n for_o what_o before_o it_o blaspheme_v this_o tongue_n shall_v learn_v to_o bless_v that_o be_v use_v to_o curse_v and_o swear_v my_o hand_n shall_v now_o dispense_v as_o liberal_o to_o charitable_a purpose_n as_o they_o have_v sordid_o rake_v together_o before_o i_o will_v be_v as_o exemplary_a for_o sobriety_n and_o chastity_n as_o ever_o i_o be_v notorious_a for_o excess_n and_o wherever_o i_o have_v wrong_v any_o body_n in_o my_o deal_n i_o will_v now_o spare_v from_o myself_o to_o make_v they_o a_o recompense_n in_o short_a by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n from_o henceforward_o there_o be_v neither_o pleasure_n shall_v tempt_v i_o nor_o profit_n allure_v i_o nor_o ambition_n corrupt_v i_o nor_o example_n sway_v i_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o i_o know_v to_o be_v evil_a and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o shall_v neither_o difficulty_n discourage_v i_o nor_o tediousness_n of_o the_o course_n weary_v i_o in_o the_o race_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o he_o may_v always_o make_v good_a this_o ground_n and_o persevere_v in_o this_o course_n he_o call_v in_o all_o the_o auxiliary_n of_o divine_a grace_n place_n himself_o under_o the_o most_o advantageous_a circumstance_n and_o retrenche_n himself_o against_o all_o assault_n or_o surprisal_n herewithal_o he_o have_v a_o principal_a care_n to_o keep_v his_o thought_n pure_a and_o holy_a that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o combustible_a matter_n in_o he_o for_o the_o devil_n be_v fiery_a dart_n to_o take_v hold_n of_o nor_o any_o begin_n of_o a_o mutiny_n within_o he_o of_o the_o flesh_n against_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o mean_v a_o passage_n may_v be_v open_v to_o the_o enemy_n and_o yet_o when_o this_o be_v do_v he_o will_v be_v always_o upon_o his_o guard_n too_o not_o trust_v whole_o to_o the_o innocency_n of_o his_o intention_n as_o know_v both_o the_o subtlety_n and_o enterprize_v nature_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o this_o watch_n may_v be_v constant_o keep_v up_o he_o be_v sure_a not_o to_o allow_v himself_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o intemperance_n which_o will_v at_o least_o weaken_v his_o reason_n and_o inflame_v his_o passion_n and_o far_o he_o be_v very_a choice_n of_o his_o company_n and_o very_o desirous_a to_o fortify_v himself_o by_o good_a neighbourhood_n and_o acquaintance_n that_o he_o may_v be_v quicken_v by_o their_o example_n and_o last_o he_o will_v be_v always_o do_v some_o good_a thing_n or_o other_o that_o temptation_n may_v not_o find_v he_o at_o leisure_n to_o give_v it_o entertainment_n moreover_o in_o consideration_n that_o he_o have_v live_v a_o great_a while_n unprofitable_o and_o do_v far_o less_o than_o his_o duty_n he_o will_v strive_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o do_v more_o than_o be_v matter_n of_o express_a duty_n now_o to_o make_v amends_o for_o fomer_n fail_v and_o therefore_o be_v far_o from_o the_o cold_a and_o frugal_a piety_n of_o those_o man_n that_o make_v a_o great_a stir_v in_o seek_v the_o
something_o on_o man_n part_n though_o very_o little_a and_o that_o they_o call_v attrition_n by_o which_o they_o mean_v some_o slight_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n which_o they_o say_v together_o with_o the_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n or_o confession_n will_v reconcile_v a_o man_n to_o god_n without_o so_o much_o as_o contrition_n or_o true_a and_o hearty_a sorrow_n for_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n trent_n this_o be_v the_o express_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 4._o and_o be_v very_a like_o the_o common_a doctrine_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o confession_n and_o sacrifice_n be_v sufficient_a for_o repentance_n and_o reconciliation_n hebr._n as_o if_o sin_n have_v no_o great_a evil_n in_o itself_o or_o no_o great_a contrariety_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n only_o for_o form_n or_o order_n sake_n he_o think_v fit_a that_o some_o shame_n or_o mulct_n shall_v be_v put_v upon_o it_o and_o so_o a_o few_o tear_n or_o something_o of_o no_o great_a moment_n shall_v quit_v all_o the_o old_a score_n and_o purchase_v a_o new_a licence_n to_o sin_n again_o 3._o another_o opinion_n go_v further_a yet_o require_v not_o only_o external_a expression_n and_o the_o form_n and_o solemnity_n of_o repentance_n but_o real_a and_o hearty_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n that_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v real_o trouble_v and_o in_o great_a anguish_n for_o his_o sin_n and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v all_o be_v well_o from_o such_o trouble_n of_o conscience_n they_o date_n their_o conversion_n and_o this_o they_o be_v always_o reflect_v upon_o as_o a_o security_n not_o only_o against_o the_o sin_n commit_v before_o it_o but_o that_o from_o that_o time_n god_n see_v no_o more_o sin_n in_o they_o as_o if_o like_a as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o pool_n of_o bethesda_n when_o the_o angel_n have_v move_v the_o water_n all_o that_o step_v in_o be_v heal_v these_o man_n ordinary_o please_v themselves_o with_o melancholy_a complaint_n of_o themselves_o cry_v out_o of_o a_o naughty_a heart_n a_o hard_a heart_n etc._n etc._n and_o think_v this_o will_v do_v their_o business_n as_o if_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o patient_n be_v grow_v sensible_a of_o his_o case_n he_o be_v cure_v and_o to_o feel_v the_o smart_n be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o have_v the_o sore_o heal_v last_o a_o four_o sort_n go_v further_o yet_o and_o require_v not_o only_a contrition_n but_o resolution_n of_o obedience_n but_o content_v themselves_o and_o encourage_v man_n to_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o confidence_n though_o this_o resolution_n be_v never_o put_v in_o execution_n thus_o a_o great_a many_o saint_n be_v canonize_v from_o the_o gallow_n and_o the_o clinic_n or_o deathbed_n repentance_n be_v great_o countenance_v man_n commence_v saint_n per_fw-la saltum_fw-la as_o they_o say_v as_o the_o roman_n make_v gentleman_n momento_n turbinis_fw-la exit_fw-la marcus_n dama_n in_o the_o turn_n of_o a_o hand_n a_o lewd_a and_o flagitious_a person_n start_v up_o a_o great_a saint_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o opinion_n be_v they_o suppose_v that_o which_o be_v undoubted_o true_a that_o god_n know_v man_n heart_n but_o then_o they_o infer_v that_o which_o be_v very_o dangerous_a that_o therefore_o so_o that_o be_v turn_v right_a it_o be_v no_o matter_n with_o he_o whether_o there_o proceed_v any_o fruit_n worthy_a of_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n to_o all_o these_o i_o may_v further_o add_v those_o that_o reckon_v the_o change_n of_o opinion_n be_v of_o a_o admire_a sect_n come_v over_o with_o great_a zeal_n to_o a_o new_a party_n a_o demure_a garb_n a_o austere_a temper_n or_o at_o most_o some_o partial_a reformation_n to_o be_v sufficient_a sign_n of_o regeneration_n which_o fancy_n agree_v too_o well_o to_o the_o humour_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o man_n of_o this_o age_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o proceed_v further_o in_o reckon_v up_o these_o mistake_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o apply_v a_o particular_a confutation_n to_o doctrine_n so_o very_o absurd_a at_o the_o first_o view_n but_o i_o will_v now_o as_o i_o promise_v demonstrate_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n i_o have_v assert_v which_o will_v be_v a_o effectual_a detection_n of_o the_o fallacy_n of_o all_o these_o other_o now_o recire_v and_o this_o i_o will_v do_v by_o these_o four_o argument_n §_o ii_o first_o if_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v require_v of_o those_o that_o have_v live_v wicked_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o absolution_n and_o reconciliation_n to_o himself_o that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o sorry_a for_o their_o sin_n and_o resolve_v upon_o a_o new_a course_n but_o express_o call_v for_o actual_a performance_n of_o such_o resolution_n and_o real_a reformation_n then_o those_o must_v be_v strange_o bold_a and_o presumptuous_a man_n that_o will_v conceive_v hope_n of_o pardon_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n but_o that_o this_o which_o we_o assert_v and_o nothing_o less_o be_v the_o declare_a condition_n of_o mercy_n these_o follow_a passage_n among_o innumerable_a other_o do_v abundant_o evince_v the_o first_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chap._n i._o verse_n 11_o 13_o etc._n etc._n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrice_n unto_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n i_o be_o full_a of_o the_o burnt-offering_n of_o ram_n and_o the_o fat_a of_o feed_a beast_n and_o i_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o bullock_n or_o of_o lamb_n or_o of_o he-goat_n bring_v no_o more_o vain_a oblation_n incense_n be_v abomination_n to_o i_o the_o new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n the_o call_n of_o assembly_n i_o can_v away_o with_o it_o be_v iniquity_n even_o the_o solemn_a meeting_n and_o when_o you_o spread_v forth_o your_o hand_n i_o will_v hide_v my_o eye_n from_o you_o yea_o when_o you_o make_v many_o prayer_n i_o will_v not_o hear_v your_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o blood_n wash_v you_o make_v you_o clean_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n from_o before_o my_o eye_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o seek_v judgement_n relieve_v the_o oppress_v judge_v the_o fatherless_a plead_v for_o the_o widow_n come_v now_o and_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o say_v the_o lord_n though_o your_o sin_n be_v as_o scarlet_a they_o shall_v be_v as_o white_a as_o snow_n etc._n etc._n of_o like_a import_n be_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n chap._n 18._o verse_n 21_o 22_o 28._o but_o if_o the_o wicked_a will_v turn_v from_o all_o his_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v and_o keep_v all_o my_o statute_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o right_a he_o shall_v sure_o live_v he_o shall_v not_o die_v all_o the_o transgression_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v they_o shall_v not_o be_v mention_v unto_o he_o because_o he_o consider_v and_o turn_v away_o from_o all_o his_o transgression_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v he_o shall_v sure_o live_v he_o shall_v not_o die_v so_o also_o micah_n 6._o 6_o 7_o 8._o wherewithal_o shall_v i_o come_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o bow_v myself_o before_o the_o high_a god_n shall_v i_o come_v before_o he_o with_o the_o burnt-offering_n with_o calf_n of_o a_o year_n old_a will_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v with_o thousand_o of_o ram_n or_o with_o ten_o thousand_o river_n of_o oil_n shall_v i_o give_v my_o first-born_a for_o my_o transgression_n the_o fruit_n of_o my_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o soul_n he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n in_o all_o which_o place_n god_n put_v a_o slight_a upon_o all_o the_o most_o solemn_a expression_n of_o penitence_n when_o they_o be_v dis-joined_n from_o actual_a amendment_n of_o life_n and_o touch_v sacrifice_n it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o though_o that_o be_v a_o rite_n of_o god_n own_o allowance_n for_o the_o expiation_n of_o sin_n and_o have_v also_o conjoin_v with_o it_o the_o guilty_a person_n confession_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o that_o particular_o as_o maimonides_n assure_v we_o and_o consider_v the_o usual_a cost_n of_o the_o oblation_n be_v a_o mulct_n upon_o the_o sinner_n and_o some_o kind_n of_o reparation_n to_o god_n yet_o this_o be_v declare_v of_o no_o efficacy_n without_o reformation_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o in_o the_o new_a the_o case_n be_v plain_a if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o thus_o john_n the_o baptist_n preach_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o submit_v to_o the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n but_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n worthy_a of_o repentance_n matt._n 3._o 8._o and_o such_o be_v the_o discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o matth._n 7._o 21._o not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v
tell_v we_o shall_v never_o be_v forgive_v and_o that_o sin_n itself_o whatsoever_o it_o consist_v in_o be_v only_o upon_o this_o account_n unpardonable_a because_o it_o have_v a_o final_o impenitent_a temper_n join_v with_o it_o otherwise_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o such_o a_o sinner_n shall_v repent_v there_o will_v be_v no_o doubt_n of_o his_o pardon_n but_o bate_v that_o peculiar_a case_n there_o be_v no_o sin_n but_o god_n have_v pardon_v and_o will_v pardon_v i_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o say_v which_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n that_o ever_o be_v commit_v by_o mankind_n but_o i_o will_v instance_n in_o two_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v very_o great_a which_o yet_o have_v obtain_v pardon_n and_o they_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o crucify_a our_o saviour_n in_o the_o former_a of_o these_o there_o be_v the_o breach_n of_o a_o know_a law_n and_o that_o so_o new_o give_v as_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v forget_v and_o it_o be_v also_o a_o easy_a and_o reasonable_a law_n god_n have_v allow_v they_o all_o the_o tree_n in_o the_o garden_n and_o lay_v a_o interdict_v only_o upon_o that_o one_o and_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o have_v deny_v themselves_o that_o for_o god_n sake_n especial_o consider_v they_o come_v new_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n and_o see_v so_o fresh_o the_o display_v of_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v so_o many_o and_o great_a instance_n of_o his_o goodness_n towards_o themselves_o beside_o they_o have_v as_o yet_o no_o vitiate_a faculty_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o one_o example_n of_o sin_n before_o they_o but_o that_o of_o the_o devil_n which_o they_o have_v see_v to_o be_v most_o severe_o vindicate_v it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o be_v first_o in_o the_o transgression_n and_o a_o bold_a thing_n to_o venture_v to_o provoke_v god_n and_o to_o be_v the_o first_o instance_n of_o sin_n to_o all_o posterity_n they_o have_v the_o concern_v of_o all_o mankind_n upon_o they_o as_o who_o they_o know_v must_v stand_v or_o fall_v with_o they_o and_o have_v frequent_a token_n of_o god_n presence_n with_o they_o to_o sin_n under_o his_o eye_n and_o to_o hearken_v to_o the_o suggestion_n of_o a_o vile_a beast_n the_o serpent_n against_o god_n be_v prodigious_o strange_a and_o yet_o they_o do_v it_o and_o god_n be_v please_v to_o pardon_v they_o in_o the_o latter_a of_o the_o instance_n namely_o the_o jew_n crucify_a our_o saviour_n beside_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o person_n against_o who_o they_o sin_v put_v to_o death_n the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n there_o be_v design_v malice_n perjury_n and_o subornation_n contumely_n towards_o a_o holy_a person_n ingratitude_n towards_o one_o that_o have_v do_v they_o all_o the_o good_a they_o be_v capable_a of_o there_o be_v contradiction_n to_o the_o plain_a evidence_n of_o miracle_n of_o all_o kind_n and_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n notwithstanding_o all_o which_o the_o same_o st._n peter_n who_o act_v 2._o 23._o have_v charge_v they_o home_o in_o these_o word_n you_o man_n of_o israel_n have_v with_o wicked_a hand_n crucify_v and_o slay_v jesus_n of_o nazareth_n a_o man_n approve_v of_o god_n among_o you_o by_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n and_o sign_n which_o god_n by_o he_o do_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o you_o as_o you_o yourselves_o know_v etc._n etc._n yet_o in_o the_o 38._o verse_n he_o exhort_v the_o same_o man_n to_o repentance_n and_o to_o be_v baptize_v that_o they_o may_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o singular_a favour_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o these_o and_o several_a other_o instance_n of_o great_a sin_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v add_v we_o may_v cast_v in_o for_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o vastness_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n that_o he_o pardon_v not_o only_o single_a act_n of_o sin_n how_o heinous_a soever_o but_o long_a course_n and_o habit_n of_o sin_n and_o those_o of_o several_a nature_n and_o kind_n as_o in_o manasses_n and_o in_o the_o publican_n and_o harlot_n but_o that_o we_o may_v rise_v high_o yet_o in_o admiration_n of_o the_o divine_a clemency_n we_o observe_v 2._o in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o he_o pardon_v also_o relapse_v sinner_n they_o have_v a_o say_n non_fw-la licèt_fw-la in_o bello_fw-la he_o peccare_fw-la that_o the_o first_o fault_n in_o war_n be_v severe_o vindicate_v because_o there_o all_o error_n be_v fatal_a and_o searce_o leave_v a_o capacity_n of_o be_v repeat_v and_o there_o be_v some_o relation_n so_o near_o and_o intimate_v and_o their_o ligament_n so_o nice_a and_o curious_a that_o a_o breach_n in_o they_o can_v never_o be_v repair_v to_o knit_v again_o but_o the_o relation_n of_o a_o father_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o a_o god_n leave_v always_o room_n for_o pardon_n nay_o further_o they_o say_v say_v the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n if_o a_o man_n put_v away_o his_o wife_n and_o she_o go_v from_o he_o and_o become_v another_o man_n shall_v he_o return_v to_o she_o again_o but_o thou_o o_o israel_n have_v play_v the_o harlot_n with_o many_o lover_n yet_o return_v again_o unto_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n jer._n 2._o 1_o 2._o §_o vi_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o navatians_n carry_v a_o great_a breadth_n with_o it_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n which_o deny_v repentance_n to_o those_o that_o sin_v after_o baptism_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n it_o be_v think_v many_o holy_a man_n in_o those_o day_n defer_v their_o baptism_n as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v that_o they_o may_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n but_o go_v from_o that_o wash_n unspotted_a out_o of_o the_o world_n the_o opinion_n seem_v to_o proceed_v from_o extraordinary_a purity_n and_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o say_v prevail_v much_o and_o have_v a_o great_a reputation_n in_o those_o time_n and_o it_o seem_v it_o take_v its_o rise_n from_o a_o mistake_n of_o a_o passage_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n chap._n 6._o 4._o however_o it_o be_v damn_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o holy_a father_n of_o the_o church_n and_o particular_o st._n basil_n and_o gr._n nazianzen_n call_v it_o a_o damnable_a doctrine_n and_o destructive_a of_o soul_n in_o that_o it_o discourage_v and_o keep_v man_n off_o from_o repentance_n which_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o admit_v of_o if_o it_o be_v sincere_a and_o such_o as_o we_o have_v before_o describe_v it_o be_v true_a which_o clemens_n of_o alexandria_n have_v say_v etc._n that_o to_o make_v a_o common_a practice_n of_o sin_v and_o then_o pretend_v repentance_n as_o if_o we_o will_v give_v god_n and_o the_o devil_n their_o turn_n be_v a_o argument_n both_o of_o a_o impenitent_a and_o unbelieving_a temper_n for_o as_o he_o say_v afterward_o 〈◊〉_d these_o frequent_a repentance_n as_o it_o be_v of_o course_n betray_v rather_o a_o intention_n of_o sin_v again_o than_o any_o design_n of_o leave_v it_o and_o therefore_o find_v no_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o it_o be_v also_o certain_a that_o a_o man_n that_o have_v frequent_o relapse_v have_v thereby_o exceed_o multiply_v his_o guilt_n must_v needs_o feel_v very_o bitter_a pang_n and_o sharp_a remorse_n when_o he_o do_v return_v and_o will_v be_v ever_o after_o very_o apt_a to_o question_v his_o own_o sincerity_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o like_a as_o it_o be_v with_o bone_n which_o have_v be_v often_o out_o and_o set_v again_o they_o will_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o slip_v awry_o so_o this_o person_n will_v be_v just_o look_v upon_o as_o in_o great_a danger_n and_o therefore_o have_v a_o necessity_n of_o extraordinary_a watchfulness_n over_o himself_o but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o if_o such_o a_o man_n after_o several_a fall_n and_o slip_n shall_v stand_v right_a and_o firm_a at_o last_o and_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o now_o penitent_a state_n by_o the_o follow_a course_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n there_o be_v no_o question_n to_o be_v make_v of_o his_o acceptance_n with_o a_o merciful_a god_n for_o god_n do_v not_o proceed_v with_o man_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o we_o do_v our_o passion_n be_v stir_v many_o time_n and_o the_o provocation_n be_v too_o great_a for_o we_o to_o be_v able_a to_o concoct_v but_o he_o be_v pure_a mind_n and_o reason_n have_v no_o boil_a passion_n no_o revenge_n seek_v only_o the_o good_a of_o his_o creature_n and_o so_o they_o become_v at_o last_o capable_a of_o his_o favour_n and_o blessing_n he_o be_v content_v and_o have_v his_o end_n beside_o he_o that_o have_v make_v it_o our_o duty_n 4._o that_o as_o often_o as_o our_o brother_n offend_v against_o we_o and_o repent_v so_o often_o we_o shall_v forgive_v
he_o do_v not_o certain_o intend_v to_o be_v outdo_v by_o we_o in_o mercy_n the_o most_o glorious_a of_o all_o his_o attribute_n 3._o god_n pardon_n of_o sin_n upon_o repentance_n be_v full_a and_o complete_a without_o any_o reservation_n he_o retain_v no_o old_a grudge_n have_v no_o conceal_a spite_n never_o rip_v up_o the_o old_a quarrel_n never_o upbraid_v man_n with_o former_a folly_n but_o cast_v all_o behind_o he_o and_o bury_v they_o in_o oblivion_n it_o be_v not_o usual_o thus_o with_o man_n they_o have_v a_o distinction_n they_o will_v forgive_v they_o say_v but_o not_o forget_v and_o it_o be_v common_a with_o prince_n to_o seem_v to_o pardon_v only_o till_o they_o have_v opportunity_n of_o a_o full_a revenge_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o a_o man_n of_o such_o sincerity_n as_o david_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o reserve_n and_o yet_o so_o it_o be_v that_o after_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o swear_v to_o shimei_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o die_v 2_o sam._n 19_o 23._o notwithstanding_o 1_o king_n 2._o 9_o he_o give_v it_o in_o charge_n to_o his_o son_n and_o successor_n solomon_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o suffer_v his_o hoary_a head_n to_o come_v to_o the_o grave_n without_o blood_n but_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o with_o god_n his_o act_n of_o grace_n be_v without_o repentance_n on_o his_o part_n he_o never_o retract_v or_o revoke_v they_o never_o clog_v they_o with_o condition_n nor_o find_v out_o evasion_n afterward_o if_o he_o pardon_v all_o be_v well_o and_o secure_a he_o will_v never_o depart_v from_o it_o unless_o the_o sinner_n depart_v from_o his_o repentance_n and_o so_o exclude_v himself_o from_o pardon_n the_o italian_n have_v a_o proverbial_a say_n that_o they_o will_v forgive_v a_o enemy_n but_o never_o trust_v he_o for_o fashion_n sake_n they_o will_v seem_v to_o forgive_v that_o be_v they_o will_v cease_v to_o quarrel_n or_o they_o will_v not_o direct_o revenge_v themselves_o but_o they_o will_v only_o rake_v up_o the_o fire_n in_o its_o own_o ash_n they_o will_v retain_v a_o perpetual_a jealousy_n of_o such_o a_o person_n and_o malign_v he_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v say_v they_o hate_v he_o but_o it_o shall_v appear_v they_o do_v not_o love_v he_o thus_o like_o those_o long_a burn_a lamp_n which_o have_v be_v discover_v in_o old_a monument_n whilst_o they_o be_v keep_v close_o under_o ground_n they_o burn_v more_o slow_o but_o so_o much_o the_o more_o last_o so_o man_n suppress_v only_o their_o passion_n perpetuate_v it_o whereas_o perhaps_o it_o be_v more_o desirable_a they_o shall_v give_v it_o vent_v that_o so_o it_o may_v expire_v but_o god_n be_v not_o of_o a_o vindictive_a nature_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o he_o need_v not_o conceal_v his_o anger_n because_o he_o can_v execute_v it_o when_o he_o will_v and_o there_o can_v lie_v no_o necessity_n upon_o his_o affair_n to_o tempt_v he_o to_o pretend_v reconciliation_n when_o it_o be_v not_o cordial_a no_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o of_o truth_n his_o mercy_n be_v as_o the_o great_a mountain_n stable_n and_o firm_a those_o repent_v he_o pardon_v and_o those_o who_o he_o pardon_v he_o love_v and_o those_o he_o love_v he_o will_v trust_v and_o admit_v they_o to_o honour_n and_o treat_v they_o as_o friend_n with_o the_o great_a security_n and_o confidence_n by_o this_o mean_n he_o demonstrate_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n the_o largeness_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o the_o infallibility_n of_o his_o wisdom_n that_o he_o be_v above_o fear_n and_o above_o surprisal_n hereby_o he_o assure_v the_o great_a value_n he_o have_v for_o true_a goodness_n that_o it_o alone_o and_o nothing_o else_o comparable_o sway_v with_o he_o and_o hereby_o he_o lay_v the_o mighty_a obligation_n upon_o man_n to_o be_v good_a joseph_n and_o to_o persevere_v so_o thus_o augustus_n make_v herod_n of_o a_o formidable_a enemy_n become_v a_o faithful_a friend_n 10._o and_o several_a other_o have_v make_v the_o like_a experiment_n and_o now_o this_o will_v lead_v i_o immediate_o to_o the_o second_o stage_n of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o parable_n namely_o the_o accumulative_a kindness_n the_o father_n show_v to_o the_o son_n but_o i_o will_v crave_v the_o reader_n patience_n a_o little_a whilst_o i_o make_v a_o few_o practical_a reflection_n upon_o this_o we_o have_v say_v already_o §_o vii_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n beside_o all_o we_o have_v yet_o behind_o this_o that_o we_o have_v discourse_v hitherto_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o bless_a and_o comfortable_a condition_n of_o justification_n and_o peace_n with_o god_n o_o bless_a be_v the_o man_n who_o transgression_n be_v forgive_v and_o who_o sin_n be_v cover_v bless_a be_v the_o man_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n impute_v not_o iniquity_n psal_n 32._o 1_o 2._o to_o have_v all_o a_o man_n debt_n cancel_v his_o folly_n pass_v over_o and_o bury_v in_o forgetfulness_n his_o deformity_n cover_v his_o conscience_n quiet_v and_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n to_o shine_v upon_o he_o to_o have_v no_o frightful_a reflection_n upon_o what_o be_v past_a no_o dismal_a prospect_n of_o what_o be_v to_o come_v no_o old_a story_n rip_v up_o no_o former_a quarrel_n revive_v no_o latent_fw-la displeasure_n no_o rancour_n nor_o jealousy_n harbour_v against_o we_o this_o must_v needs_o fill_v a_o man_n with_o cheerfulness_n in_o all_o condition_n and_o bear_v he_o up_o above_o all_o adversity_n above_o poverty_n reproach_n sickness_n confinement_n and_o whatsoever_o can_v befall_v we_o in_o this_o world_n such_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o need_v to_o resort_v to_o drink_v and_o jollity_n to_o relax_v his_o thought_n to_o divert_v his_o anxiety_n to_o bear_v up_o his_o spirit_n he_o have_v comfort_n from_o within_o a_o continual_a feast_n in_o his_o own_o conscience_n who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o his_o charge_n it_o be_v god_n which_o justify_v who_o be_v he_o that_o condemn_v it_o be_v christ_n that_o die_v who_o shall_v separate_v he_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n etc._n etc._n rom._n 8._o 33_o 34_o 35._o the_o sting_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v take_v out_o since_o god_n have_v pardon_v his_o sin_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o a_o man_n know_v god_n be_v angry_a with_o he_o and_o his_o own_o conscience_n upbraid_v and_o dog_n he_o the_o sad_a remembrance_n of_o his_o many_o provocation_n terrify_v he_o and_o the_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o wrath_n to_o come_v alarm_n he_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o a_o case_n like_o that_o of_o belshazzar_n 5._o when_o the_o finger_n of_o a_o hand_n be_v see_v write_v upon_o the_o wall_n over_o he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o his_o jollity_n his_o countenance_n be_v change_v his_o thought_n be_v trouble_v the_o joint_n of_o his_o loin_n be_v loose_v and_o his_o knee_n smite_v one_o against_o another_o all_o the_o entertainment_n of_o sense_n do_v little_a in_o this_o case_n nay_o they_o be_v flat_a and_o insipid_a and_o the_o smile_n of_o the_o world_n no_o whit_n cheer_v a_o man_n so_o long_o as_o god_n frown_v upon_o he_o it_o be_v a_o ingenious_a device_n whereby_o a_o gentleman_n of_o this_o nation_n represent_v his_o condition_n in_o a_o public_a entertainment_n at_o court_n he_o set_v out_o a_o ship_n bitter_o oppress_v by_o a_o tempest_n and_o ready_a to_o perish_v under_o its_o difficulty_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o a_o rainbow_n appear_v towards_o which_o this_o word_n be_v address_v quid_fw-la tu_fw-la si_fw-la pereo_fw-la q._n d._n what_o be_o i_o the_o better_a for_o hope_n and_o smile_n for_o court_n favour_n and_o countenance_n whilst_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n my_o condition_n admit_v no_o delay_n and_o i_o be_o ruin_v in_o my_o private_a fortune_n but_o as_o the_o torment_n of_o guilt_n be_v incomparable_o more_o severe_a than_o the_o affliction_n of_o outward_a fortune_n so_o it_o be_v far_o more_o unreasonable_a to_o think_v to_o allay_v they_o by_o the_o blandishment_n of_o the_o world_n than_o the_o other_o by_o court_n holy_a water_n no_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o god_n mercy_n in_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n that_o can_v alleviate_v the_o trouble_n and_o abate_v the_o anguish_n of_o conscience_n and_o when_o he_o be_v please_v upon_o repentance_n to_o do_v that_o than_o he_o say_v to_o the_o soul_n as_o christ_n jesus_n say_v to_o the_o paralytic_n matth._n 9_o 2._o son_n be_v of_o good_a cheer_n thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o or_o as_o the_o same_o our_o saviour_n to_o zaccheus_n this_o day_n be_v salvation_n come_v to_o thy_o house_n 2._o second_o since_o god_n pardon_v sinner_n in_o that_o ample_a manner_n we_o have_v before_o express_v i._n e._n so_o frank_o as_o that_o neither_o the_o greatness_n multitude_n repetition_n or_o other_o aggravation_n of_o sin_n hinder_v he_o and_o so_o full_o
as_o that_o no_o old_a score_n remain_v upon_o record_n against_o the_o penitent_a it_o may_v raise_v in_o we_o great_a admiration_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n beget_v the_o most_o amiable_a notion_n of_o he_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o provoke_v we_o to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n so_o our_o saviour_n conclude_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o where_o most_o be_v forgive_v there_o must_v undoubted_o lie_v the_o great_a obligation_n of_o love_n and_o gratitude_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 5._o 7._o that_o scarce_o for_o a_o righteous_a man_n will_v one_o die_v but_o for_o a_o good_a man_n some_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v all_o god_n attribute_n of_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n be_v very_o amiable_a and_o lovely_a but_o this_o of_o his_o goodness_n in_o forgive_a sin_n come_v most_o home_n to_o we_o in_o that_o he_o do_v not_o rigid_o insist_v on_o his_o own_o right_n but_o comply_v with_o our_o necessity_n and_o relieve_v our_o misery_n to_o give_v and_o bestow_v benefit_n upon_o we_o be_v goodness_n but_o to_o forgive_v be_v great_a because_o here_o he_o dive_v himself_o of_o his_o own_o right_n recede_v from_o his_o own_o claim_n and_o that_o for_o our_o unspeakable_a benefit_n in_o short_a he_o seem_v not_o to_o consider_v himself_o but_o we_o only_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o mercy_n he_o be_v as_o good_a as_o good_a can_v be_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o shall_v love_v he_o as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o one_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o acceptable_a way_n of_o express_v that_o be_v that_o which_o 3_o three_o i_o make_v a_o three_o inference_n viz._n that_o we_o imitate_v this_o goodness_n and_o mercifullness_n of_o he_o this_o be_v press_v upon_o we_o by_o our_o saviour_n be_v you_o merciful_a as_o your_o father_n in_o heaven_n be_v merciful_a it_o be_v say_v of_o cato_n that_o the_o strict_a sanctity_n of_o his_o own_o life_n make_v he_o a_o severe_a and_o rigid_a magistrate_n he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o pardon_v in_o other_o man_n what_o he_o will_v not_o permit_v in_o himself_o if_o god_n who_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o immaculate_a be_v shall_v severe_o animadvert_v our_o fail_n we_o can_v not_o blame_v he_o though_o we_o be_v undo_v by_o it_o nay_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o great_a wonder_n to_o we_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o he_o do_v not_o do_v so_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o majesty_n the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o his_o law_n and_o such_o other_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n as_o we_o have_v former_o represent_v but_o it_o be_v the_o most_o absurd_a thing_n in_o nature_n that_o we_o who_o be_v great_a offender_n ourselves_o that_o have_v infinite_a need_n of_o mercy_n at_o god_n hand_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v cruel_a and_o vindictive_a towards_o each_o other_o that_o god_n shall_v cover_v our_o folly_n and_o we_o blazon_v those_o of_o other_o man_n shall_v he_o pardon_v we_o worm_n and_o we_o be_v remorseless_a towards_o our_o brethren_n do_v he_o consider_v humane_a infirmity_n bind_v up_o the_o wound_n of_o the_o contrite_a so_o as_o to_o leave_v no_o scar_n or_o blemish_v behind_o of_o all_o their_o former_a miscarriage_n and_o do_v we_o rake_v in_o the_o wound_n proclaim_v the_o folly_n uncover_v the_o nakedness_n and_o shame_n of_o our_o neighbour_n be_v it_o tolerable_a for_o we_o to_o equal_v ourselves_o with_o god_n or_o be_v offence_n great_a against_o we_o then_o against_o he_o shall_v we_o dare_v to_o do_v what_o we_o dare_v not_o wish_v shall_v be_v do_v to_o we_o do_v not_o we_o pray_v enter_v not_o into_o judgement_n with_o thy_o servant_n etc._n etc._n and_o confess_v that_o if_o god_n be_v extreme_a to_o mark_v what_o we_o have_v do_v amiss_o that_o none_o can_v abide_v it_o and_o do_v we_o scrupulous_o weigh_v severe_o aggravate_v and_o rigorous_o animadvert_v the_o sin_n of_o other_o against_o ourselves_o do_v god_n forgive_v we_o by_o talent_n and_o we_o unmerciful_o exact_v the_o utmost_a farthing_n indeed_o we_o may_v observe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o genius_n and_o custom_n of_o evil_a man_n to_o remember_v invidious_o the_o fault_n which_o penitent_a man_n have_v forsake_v to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v revenge_v themselves_o upon_o they_o for_o that_o change_n which_o condemn_v their_o own_o obstinate_a perseverance_n in_o such_o course_n or_o as_o hope_v to_o excuse_v or_o justify_v their_o constant_a naughtiness_n by_o remark_v the_o temporary_a compliance_n of_o those_o other_o with_o they_o who_o contrary_a course_n now_o shame_n and_o reproach_n they_o but_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o with_o all_o good_a man_n they_o partly_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o humanity_n partly_o to_o encourage_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o partly_o also_o to_o confirm_v and_o secure_v such_o as_o have_v repent_v from_o all_o temptation_n to_o apostasy_n draw_v a_o curtain_n over_o their_o former_a misdemeanour_n and_o forget_v what_o they_o have_v forsake_v and_o god_n have_v forgive_v therefore_o if_o we_o will_v either_o take_v pattern_n by_o god_n or_o they_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v so_o too_o last_o but_o above_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n pardon_n and_o the_o egregious_a circumstance_n thereof_o shall_v be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o all_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n when_o we_o remember_v how_o gracious_a a_o father_n we_o grieve_v by_o a_o wilful_a destroy_n of_o ourselves_o how_o much_o he_o pity_v we_o and_o belong_v for_o our_o return_n what_o a_o serene_a countenance_n hearty_a welcome_n full_a pardon_n gracious_a reception_n and_o how_o innumerable_a and_o inestimable_a blessing_n we_o shall_v have_v pour_v out_o upon_o we_o at_o our_o so_o do_v and_o this_o bring_v i_o again_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o penitent_a son_n entertainment_n to_o which_o therefore_o i_o now_o proceed_v chap._n ii_o of_o sanctification_n the_o content_n §_o i._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o best_a robe_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a phrase_n of_o scripture_n to_o set_v out_o the_o ornament_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o those_o of_o the_o body_n §_o ii_o sanctification_n in_o different_a respect_n both_o go_v before_o and_o follow_v after_o justification_n §_o iii_o three_o remarkable_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o measure_n of_o sanctification_n which_o god_n require_v and_o that_o which_o he_o accept_v for_o the_o present_a or_o the_o different_a stature_n of_o grace_n before_o justification_n and_o after_o it_o §_o iv._o the_o way_n by_o which_o god_n work_v man_n up_o to_o those_o high_a measure_n of_o sanctification_n which_o he_o require_v as_o 1._o by_o mighty_a obligation_n work_v upon_o their_o gratitude_n and_o ingenuity_n 2._o by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n 3._o by_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n §_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o never_o fail_a spring_n of_o kindness_n and_o good_a will_n in_o parent_n towards_o their_o child_n which_o flow_v with_o that_o life_n and_o vigour_n that_o nothing_o be_v able_a to_o dam_v it_o up_o or_o interrupt_v it_o so_o but_o that_o if_o it_o be_v obstruct_v one_o way_n it_o break_v out_o and_o discover_v itself_o another_o if_o the_o child_n prove_v singular_o good_a and_o virtuous_a then_o paternal_a affection_n bear_v a_o mighty_a stream_n overflow_v all_o its_o bank_n the_o parent_n feel_v a_o unspeakable_a delight_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o their_o child_n be_v then_o the_o crown_n of_o their_o age_n their_o joy_n and_o triumph_n if_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v but_o tolerable_a they_o be_v ready_a to_o interpret_v all_o to_o the_o best_a and_o prone_a to_o heap_v blessing_n and_o kindness_n upon_o they_o and_o if_o they_o degenerate_a and_o prove_v very_o bad_a and_o undutiful_a this_o though_o it_o check_v the_o tide_n yet_o can_v divert_v the_o current_n for_o at_o worst_a they_o can_v cease_v to_o pity_v they_o there_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n a_o everlasting_a propension_n in_o almighty_a god_n to_o do_v good_a to_o man_n insomuch_o that_o when_o they_o be_v very_o bad_a he_o pity_v they_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v good_a he_o love_v and_o bless_v they_o but_o when_o they_o become_v generous_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a he_o take_v complacency_n in_o they_o and_o all_o these_o different_a degree_n of_o divine_a favour_n we_o have_v lively_o represent_v to_o we_o in_o the_o parable_n before_o we_o but_o we_o be_v now_o upon_o the_o second_o of_o they_o namely_o the_o great_a and_o singular_a blessing_n which_o the_o father_n frank_o bestow_v upon_o his_o son_n now_o that_o he_o have_v repent_v of_o his_o extravagancy_n and_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o and_o under_o this_o rank_n we_o may_v reckon_v these_o three_o special_a instance_n first_o whereas_o the_o father_n observe_v his_o son_n to_o return_v in_o a_o
love_v so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o common_a enemy_n so_o it_o happen_v here_o that_o a_o convert_v zealous_o combat_v against_o some_o one_o vice_n in_o studious_a declension_n of_o that_o insensible_o slip_v into_o some_o degree_n of_o the_o other_o extreme_a and_o then_o find_v it_o a_o fresh_a difficulty_n vincere_fw-la eos_fw-la per_fw-la quos_fw-la vicisti_fw-la to_o conquer_v that_o other_o infirmity_n by_o which_o he_o conquer_v the_o former_a to_o which_o purpose_n it_o be_v remarkable_a concern_v that_o holy_a man_n st._n jerom_n whilst_o he_o live_v in_o the_o affluence_n of_o the_o city_n and_o use_v a_o free_a conversation_n he_o feel_v frequent_a temptation_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o set_v himself_o with_o all_o his_o might_n to_o mortify_v these_o and_o to_o do_v it_o effectual_o retire_v into_o a_o desert_n that_o he_o may_v both_o take_v away_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o those_o danger_n but_o whilst_o in_o that_o retirement_n he_o exercise_v himself_o to_o great_a severity_n and_o austerity_n he_o insensible_o grow_v into_o a_o unblamable_a asperity_n of_o temper_n which_o need_v a_o second_o labour_n to_o subdue_v i_o will_v not_o say_v as_o some_o do_v that_o as_o god_n will_v have_v some_o remainder_n of_o the_o seven_o nation_n preserve_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n to_o be_v continual_o as_o thorn_n in_o their_o eye_n and_o goad_n in_o their_o side_n so_o he_o order_v it_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o remainder_n of_o the_o old_a adam_n in_o we_o to_o keep_v we_o always_o humble_a and_o employ_v for_o certain_o god_n will_v have_v all_o sin_n expel_v our_o nature_n but_o this_o i_o say_v that_o as_o israel_n be_v true_o in_o possession_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n from_o such_o time_n as_o joshua_n have_v conquer_v those_o power_n that_o make_v head_n against_o they_o and_o have_v put_v the_o chief_a city_n and_o place_n of_o strength_n into_o their_o hand_n notwithstanding_o that_o a_o long_a time_n after_o some_o of_o those_o old_a inhabitant_n remain_v among_o they_o and_o be_v no_o very_o good_a neighbour_n so_o i_o affirm_v that_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o resolution_n against_o all_o sin_n but_o a_o constant_a hostile_a pursuit_n of_o it_o and_o that_o a_o man_n go_v on_o conquer_a and_o to_o conquer_v such_o a_o man_n be_v a_o true_a israelite_n though_o he_o have_v not_o perfect_v his_o conquest_n nor_o can_v yet_o say_v with_o st._n paul_n i_o have_v fight_v the_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n and_o therefore_o henceforth_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n but_o now_o forasmuch_o as_o god_n both_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o service_n the_o comfort_n of_o the_o convert_n own_o soul_n and_o his_o great_a capacity_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n design_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o high_a degree_n of_o sanctification_n then_o what_o he_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v of_o when_o he_o first_o receive_v the_o penitent_a to_o mercy_n therefore_o he_o afterward_o put_v upon_o he_o the_o best_a robe_n 2._o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o beginning_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v any_o way_n notable_a especial_o be_v wrought_v with_o pain_n and_o difficulty_n insomuch_o that_o nemo_fw-la repent_v fit_a turpissimus_fw-la no_o man_n find_v it_o very_o easy_a at_o first_o to_o do_v any_o egregious_a wickedness_n man_n become_v evil_a by_o degree_n and_o there_o be_v proficiency_n even_o in_o the_o devil_n school_n and_o therefore_o much_o more_o reasonable_o may_v it_o be_v expect_v that_o those_o that_o first_o enter_v into_o a_o strict_a course_n of_o virtue_n shall_v be_v sensible_a of_o difficulty_n in_o their_o first_o undertake_n it_o be_v a_o ingenious_a answer_n which_o plutarch_n report_v to_o have_v be_v give_v by_o a_o lacedaemonian_a turor_n virt_n when_o he_o be_v ask_v what_o he_o pretend_v to_o and_o of_o what_o avail_n his_o endeavour_n be_v i_o make_v say_v he_o that_o to_o become_v easy_a and_o delightful_a which_o be_v of_o itself_o good_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v true_a christ_n jesus_n tell_v we_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n be_v light_a and_o without_o doubt_v it_o be_v so_o but_o it_o be_v a_o yoke_n and_o a_o burden_n still_o and_o no_o man_n find_v it_o easy_a until_o he_o have_v exercise_v himself_o to_o it_o reward_n and_o punishment_n set_v before_o we_o and_o reason_n and_o resolution_n work_v thereupon_o will_v prevail_v with_o man_n to_o do_v their_o duty_n but_o only_a practice_n and_o assuetude_n make_v it_o become_v easy_a and_o familiar_a so_o to_o do_v especial_o suppose_v as_o we_o do_v in_o the_o present_a case_n a_o man_n but_o late_o accustom_v to_o indulge_v himself_o in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n let_v such_o a_o man_n conversion_n be_v never_o so_o real_a and_o hearty_a however_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o he_o shall_v present_o do_v christ_n command_n and_o say_v they_o be_v not_o grievous_a it_o be_v certain_a such_o a_o man_n if_o he_o be_v what_o we_o suppose_v he_o that_o be_v sincere_a will_v resist_v his_o inclination_n and_o change_v his_o course_n but_o because_o it_o be_v late_o a_o course_n there_o will_v yet_o be_v a_o inclination_n towards_o it_o and_o consequent_o a_o conflict_n and_o difficulty_n in_o avoid_v it_o for_o as_o we_o say_v before_o it_o be_v only_o one_o custom_n can_v perfect_o supplant_v another_o and_o only_a habit_n can_v imitate_v nature_n and_o make_v easy_a the_o cut_v off_o our_o corrupt_a member_n be_v a_o hard_a task_n till_o by_o time_n and_o degree_n they_o become_v mortify_v and_o then_o it_o be_v do_v without_o any_o considerable_a pain_n or_o difficulty_n whosoever_o have_v any_o principle_n of_o divine_a life_n or_o true_a sense_n of_o god_n in_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v himself_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o god_n worship_n yet_o he_o will_v find_v it_o no_o easy_a business_n to_o hold_v his_o heart_n intent_n and_o constant_a in_o it_o till_o it_o have_v become_v customary_a and_o natural_a to_o he_o and_o than_o it_o be_v so_o far_o easy_a and_o delightful_a to_o he_o that_o he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o live_v without_o it_o now_o although_o that_o state_n which_o tugg_v at_o the_o oar_n and_o draw_v on_o heavy_o may_v be_v sincere_a because_o it_o discharge_v its_o duty_n honest_o though_o with_o great_a difficulty_n and_o therefore_o find_v acceptance_n with_o a_o good_a god_n yet_o forasmuch_o as_o his_o intention_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v become_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o that_o it_o be_v our_o meat_n and_o drink_n to_o do_v his_o will_n that_o the_o way_n of_o his_o command_n be_v to_o we_o as_o our_o necessary_a food_n that_o we_o shall_v do_v his_o will_n with_o that_o alacrity_n on_o earth_n with_o which_o it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n that_o our_o will_n shall_v be_v perfect_o conform_v to_o his_o and_o religion_n become_v natural_a to_o we_o partly_o to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v do_v he_o the_o more_o honour_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o do_v so_o much_o reputation_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o government_n as_o the_o cheerful_a obedience_n of_o his_o subject_n partly_o also_o that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o fit_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o those_o most_o easy_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o heavenly_a choir_n who_o have_v practise_v their_o part_n beforehand_o therefore_o since_o he_o desire_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v not_o evil_a but_o generous_o good_a nor_o mere_o draw_v on_o heavy_o and_o uncomfortable_o but_o fly_v as_o upon_o the_o wing_n of_o a_o cherub_n in_o his_o service_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o he_o when_o he_o have_v pardon_v a_o penitent_a to_o confer_v upon_o he_o great_a measure_n of_o sanctification_n 3._o a_o young_a convert_n though_o he_o have_v all_o the_o part_n and_o member_n of_o a_o perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n and_o shall_v also_o be_v suppose_v in_o great_a measure_n to_o have_v overcome_v the_o difficulty_n which_o always_o attend_v virtuous_a beginning_n yet_o he_o be_v but_o a_o beginner_n and_o must_v needs_o be_v conceive_v weak_a and_o feeble_a in_o his_o whole_a contexture_n he_o be_v not_o only_o apt_a to_o be_v abuse_v with_o sophistry_n and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n but_o less_o able_a to_o bear_v the_o burden_n and_o to_o resist_v the_o temptation_n he_o must_v expect_v to_o meet_v with_o the_o trace_n of_o his_o former_a course_n be_v not_o yet_o wear_v out_o and_o so_o he_o be_v the_o apt_a to_o return_v he_o be_v not_o at_o the_o top_n but_o go_v up_o hill_n and_o may_v easy_o faint_v or_o slip_v he_o have_v not_o such_o experience_n of_o
although_o in_o the_o dark_a time_n of_o the_o law_n there_o be_v some_o very_a great_a and_o admirable_a person_n who_o be_v the_o prodigy_n of_o the_o age_n they_o live_v in_o yet_o ordinary_o christianity_n ought_v to_o do_v and_o do_v afford_v far_o the_o most_o and_o brave_a hero_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o mighty_a great_a and_o clear_a promise_n therein_o exhibit_v the_o law_n say_v the_o apostle_n hebr._n 7._o 19_o make_v nothing_o perfect_a but_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o a_o better_a hope_n do_v for_o shall_v not_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n outshine_v the_o felicity_n of_o a_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o one_o be_v as_o operative_a as_o that_o of_o the_o other_o and_o what_o though_o the_o one_o be_v present_a and_o the_o other_o to_o come_v yet_o to_o every_o good_a man_n this_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o that_o and_o to_o every_o wise_a man_n the_o unspeakable_a odds_o in_o the_o thing_n abundant_o recompense_v that_o disadvantage_n of_o circumstance_n what_o man_n that_o have_v a_o persuasion_n of_o eternal_a life_n can_v choose_v but_o disdain_v the_o present_a life_n further_o than_o as_o it_o be_v a_o time_n of_o probation_n for_o the_o other_o and_o scorn_n that_o the_o mean_a pleasure_n and_o allurement_n here_o shall_v interrupt_v his_o course_n thither_o what_o difficulty_n will_v he_o not_o glory_n in_o and_o what_o duty_n will_v he_o not_o perform_v to_o assure_v his_o interest_n therein_o 1_o jo._n 3._o 3_o he_o that_o have_v this_o hope_n purify_v himself_o as_o god_n be_v pure_a especial_o when_o a_o man_n shall_v find_v these_o thing_n not_o only_o make_v certain_a to_o he_o by_o faith_n but_o make_v near_o to_o he_o also_o when_o he_o shall_v consider_v himself_o now_o in_o a_o fair_a way_n to_o those_o celestial_a mansion_n and_o that_o every_o day_n he_o approach_v near_a and_o near_o to_o heaven_n now_o therefore_o he_o will_v cast_v off_o all_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o put_v on_o the_o armour_n of_o light_n when_o he_o remember_v rom._n 13._o 11._o that_o now_o his_o salvation_n be_v near_a than_o when_o he_o first_o believe_v and_o find_v that_o a_o little_a more_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o patience_n will_v bring_v he_o to_o his_o desire_a haven_n three_o and_o last_o our_o heavenly_a father_n put_v this_o best_a robe_n upon_o the_o son_n who_o he_o have_v receive_v and_o pardon_v not_o only_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o all_o the_o ordinary_a advantage_n of_o his_o church_n and_o family_n but_o extraordinary_o improve_v the_o sanctification_n of_o such_o a_o person_n by_o the_o especial_a superintendency_n guidance_n and_o influence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n the_o consideration_n of_o which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o next_o member_n of_o the_o parable_n he_o put_v a_o ring_n on_o his_o hand_n which_o express_v the_o second_o blessing_n the_o reconcile_a father_n bestow_v upon_o his_o penitent_a son_n which_o we_o be_v to_o treat_v of_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o content_n §_o i._o the_o difference_n between_o the_o visit_n or_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o gift_n or_o residence_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v reside_v with_o and_o inhabit_v very_o good_a man_n §_o ii_o the_o wonderful_a comfort_n and_o advantage_n thereof_o in_o four_o respect_n §_o iii_o that_o although_o some_o good_a man_n have_v no_o experience_n of_o this_o residence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v nevertheless_o certain_o attainable_a in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o case_n the_o peculiar_a qualification_n of_o person_n fit_a for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o this_o divine_a guest_n §_o iv._o how_o to_o distinguish_v the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n from_o the_o impression_n of_o satan_n or_o the_o result_v of_o our_o own_o temper_n §_o 1._o the_o second_o favour_n which_o the_o father_n bestow_v upon_o his_o son_n after_o he_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o be_v he_o puts_z a_o ring_n upon_o his_o hand_n this_o have_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o world_n be_v symbolical_a either_o of_o freedom_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o riches_n and_o affluence_n of_o singular_a favour_n and_o respect_n or_o of_o quality_n and_o nobility_n most_o of_o these_o thing_n st._n james_n bear_v testimony_n to_o in_o that_o passage_n of_o he_o chap._n 2._o 2._o if_o there_o come_v into_o your_o assembly_n a_o man_n have_v a_o gold_n ring_n and_o goodly_a apparel_n and_o there_o come_v in_o also_o a_o poor_a man_n in_o vile_a raiment_n and_o you_o have_v respect_n to_o he_o in_o the_o gay_a clothing_n etc._n etc._n and_o for_o the_o rest_n at_o the_o famous_a battle_n of_o cannae_n where_o the_o roman_n suffer_v a_o total_a defeat_n by_o the_o carthaginian_n the_o greatness_n of_o the_o victory_n be_v estimate_v by_o this_o as_o livy_n observe_v that_o more_o than_o a_o bushel_n of_o ring_n be_v take_v by_o the_o conqueror_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o slay_v whereby_o it_o appear_v how_o many_o principal_a roman_n and_o person_n of_o quality_n fall_v in_o the_o battle_n and_o thus_o the_o father_n put_v a_o ring_n on_o his_o son_n shall_v signify_v in_o the_o general_a his_o reinstating_a he_o in_o the_o quality_n and_o honour_n of_o a_o son_n but_o st._n jerom_n st._n austin_n st._n chrysostom_n theophylact_fw-mi and_o other_o consider_v here_o more_o particular_o that_o a_o principal_a use_n of_o the_o ring_n be_v for_o seal_v as_o common_o bear_v the_o image_n impress_n or_o cognizance_n of_o he_o that_o wear_v it_o and_o consequent_o they_o apply_v this_o passage_n in_o the_o mystical_a sense_n to_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n st._n chrysostom_n express_v it_o thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d give_v my_o son_n a_o ring_n also_o that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o carrying_z that_o about_o he_o may_v be_v keep_v in_o safeguard_n by_o it_o that_o bear_v my_o signet_n he_o may_v both_o become_v formidable_a to_o all_o his_o enemy_n and_o public_o appear_v the_o son_n of_o such_o a_o father_n and_o this_o interpretation_n be_v the_o more_o natural_a because_o this_o be_v the_o usual_a method_n of_o god_n favour_n that_o after_o he_o have_v justify_v than_o he_o further_o sanctify_v and_o for_o the_o completion_n of_o that_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v the_o say_n of_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n that_o man_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o wager_n which_o god_n and_o the_o devil_n contend_v about_o but_o when_o a_o man_n have_v give_v himself_o up_o to_o sensuality_n or_o any_o kind_n of_o sin_n than_o the_o title_n be_v decide_v and_o such_o a_o person_n become_v the_o devil_n peculiar_a and_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o he_o sincere_o addict_v himself_o to_o virtue_n god_n recover_v his_o right_n and_o takes_z possession_n of_o he_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n agreeable_o hereunto_o we_o read_v ephes_n 1._o 13._o after_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n and_o also_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 22._o who_o have_v also_o seal_v we_o and_o give_v we_o the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o again_o eph._n 4._o 30._o grieve_v not_o the_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o you_o be_v seal_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n for_o the_o more_o clear_a understanding_n of_o which_o we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o god_n do_v employ_v his_o holy_a spirit_n about_o man_n before_o conversion_n and_o in_o order_n to_o it_o so_o gen._n 6._o 3._o he_o be_v say_v by_o his_o spirit_n to_o have_v strive_v with_o the_o old_a world_n and_o after_o that_o in_o like_a manner_n with_o his_o ancient_a people_n the_o jew_n for_o isa_n 63._o 10._o they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v vex_v his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o in_o general_a to_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n especial_o such_o as_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o christianity_n the_o holy_a spirit_n apply_v itself_o awaken_n conscience_n suggest_v good_a thought_n and_o give_v check_n to_o their_o course_n of_o sin_n insomuch_o that_o whatsoever_o degree_n or_o beginning_n of_o good_a there_o be_v in_o any_o man_n the_o spirit_n be_v the_o first_o mover_n of_o it_o for_o as_o no_o good_a can_v come_v but_o from_o god_n so_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v any_o man_n so_o despise_v by_o god_n but_o that_o some_o overture_n of_o good_a have_v be_v make_v to_o he_o nor_o be_v it_o worthy_a of_o god_n to_o imagine_v that_o this_o good_a spirit_n do_v quite_o abandon_v any_o man_n upon_o who_o it_o have_v begin_v to_o work_v till_o such_o person_n have_v resist_v quench_v grieve_a and_o at_o last_o drive_v it_o away_o from_o he_o but_o this_o be_v not_o that_o
that_o end_n therefore_o st._n paul_n though_o he_o be_v execrate_v of_o his_o own_o countryman_n because_o he_o forsake_v moses_n to_o follow_v christ_n yet_o show_v more_o dexterity_n in_o refute_v their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o more_o tenderness_n to_o their_o soul_n then_o any_o other_o apostle_n and_o particular_o rom._n 9_o 1_o 2_o 3._o he_o express_v himself_o thus_o i_o say_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n i_o lie_v not_o my_o conscience_n also_o bear_v i_o witness_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o i_o have_v great_a sorrow_n and_o heaviness_n in_o my_o heart_n for_o i_o can_v wish_v that_o myself_o be_v accurse_v from_o christ_n for_o my_o brethren_n my_o kinsman_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n where_o whatever_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o expression_n of_o be_v accurse_v from_o christ_n he_o certain_o describe_v the_o deep_a compassion_n that_o a_o mortal_a breast_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o that_o he_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o this_o towards_o his_o brethren_n he_o confirm_v by_o the_o most_o solemn_a oath_n that_o can_v be_v make_v i_o need_v not_o here_o add_v because_o i_o have_v touch_v that_o before_o that_o such_o person_n be_v also_o fill_v usual_o with_o the_o great_a zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n who_o they_o have_v former_o dishonour_v and_o the_o great_a indignation_n against_o sin_n by_o which_o they_o have_v be_v abuse_v and_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o a_o double_a diligence_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o former_a dis-service_n of_o all_o which_o st._n paul_n be_v also_o a_o example_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 10._o i_o labour_v more_o abundant_o than_o all_o the_o rest_n etc._n etc._n but_o i_o observe_v in_o the_o second_o place_n such_o person_n as_o have_v be_v former_o notorious_a for_o a_o course_n of_o wickedness_n and_o now_o be_v become_v sincere_o good_a and_o virtuous_a be_v a_o stand_a reproof_n of_o the_o folly_n of_o sin_n nay_o i_o may_v call_v they_o the_o very_a credential_a letter_n of_o virtue_n and_o convince_a argument_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o conversion_n &_o such_o as_o strange_o awaken_v man_n to_o consider_v their_o own_o station_n it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a plea_n that_o the_o platonist_n make_v for_o virtue_n in_o these_o word_n epict._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n that_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n be_v more_o pleasant_a to_o a_o good_a man_n than_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o licentiousness_n be_v to_o a_o evil_a and_o vicious_a man_n and_o therefore_o more_o amiable_a and_o better_a in_o themselves_o appear_v say_v he_o by_o this_o that_o several_a man_n who_o have_v taste_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n forsake_v it_o and_o come_v over_o to_o virtue_n but_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o instance_n to_o be_v find_v of_o the_o man_n that_o have_v well_o experiment_v the_o delight_n of_o virtue_n that_o ever_o can_v be_v draw_v off_o from_o it_o or_o find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o fall_v back_o to_o his_o former_a course_n but_o to_o see_v a_o man_n that_o have_v run_v into_o all_o excess_n of_o riot_n to_o tack_v about_o to_o a_o quite_o contrary_a course_n from_o a_o drunkard_n to_o become_v sober_a from_o lascivious_a to_o become_v chaste_a and_o modest_a from_o a_o covetous_a person_n to_o become_v charitable_a from_o profaneness_n to_o set_v himself_o to_o read_v and_o study_v the_o scripture_n and_o from_o curse_v and_o blaspheme_v to_o bless_v and_o pray_v and_o this_o change_n to_o be_v wrought_v in_o health_n and_o strength_n without_o the_o check_n of_o a_o sickbed_n or_o the_o dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o approach_a death_n i_o say_v this_o spectacle_n can_v but_o be_v a_o most_o convince_a argument_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n to_o all_o such_o as_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o under_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n last_o to_o say_v no_o more_o such_o person_n so_o change_v as_o aforesaid_a be_v stand_a monument_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o irrefragable_a argument_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o recover_v the_o great_a sinner_n if_o they_o be_v not_o want_v to_o themselves_o or_o rather_o if_o they_o do_v not_o choose_v their_o own_o destruction_n for_o they_o proclaim_v aloud_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n the_o largeness_n of_o his_o heart_n the_o openness_n of_o his_o arm_n and_o they_o upbraid_v the_o sinner_n of_o folly_n of_o madness_n of_o cruelty_n to_o himself_o if_o yet_o he_o persevere_v it_o be_v say_v miltiades_n trophy_n will_v not_o suffer_v themistocles_n to_o sleep_v and_o caesar_n thought_n continual_o upbraid_v he_o with_o the_o great_a exploit_n alexander_n have_v effect_v in_o a_o few_o year_n but_o when_o a_o sinner_n shall_v observe_v such_o a_o man_n that_o be_v as_o foolish_a as_o himself_o to_o become_v wise_a and_o sober_a one_o that_o run_v in_o the_o same_o race_n and_o be_v as_o near_o the_o pit_n of_o hell_n as_o he_o escape_v and_o himself_o still_o upon_o the_o brink_n of_o it_o when_o i_o say_v he_o shall_v consider_v that_o such_o a_o man_n that_o have_v all_o the_o temptation_n pretence_n excuse_n example_n and_o every_o other_o instance_n of_o debauchment_n that_o himself_o have_v to_o find_v just_a reason_n to_o break_v through_o those_o obstacle_n and_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o be_v save_v and_o as_o a_o firebrand_n pluck_v out_o of_o the_o fire_n certain_o if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n can_v move_v he_o this_o must_v make_v he_o look_v about_o he_o in_o the_o 16._o chapter_n of_o this_o gospel_n our_o saviour_n introduce_v a_o certain_a rich_a man_n in_o hell_n intercede_v with_o abraham_n that_o lazarus_n may_v be_v send_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o preach_v repentance_n to_o his_o five_o brethren_n suppose_v that_o though_o they_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n yet_o such_o a_o spectacle_n and_o so_o certain_a intelligence_n from_o the_o infernal_a region_n must_v needs_o rouse_v they_o father_n abraham_n deny_v his_o request_n and_o god_n do_v not_o use_v to_o gratify_v such_o curiosity_n but_o indeed_o if_o a_o man_n consider_v well_o it_o be_v almost_o the_o same_o thing_n when_o god_n afford_v we_o a_o example_n of_o a_o man_n that_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n and_o under_o the_o very_a torment_n of_o hell_n in_o his_o conscience_n but_o now_o redeem_v and_o recover_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o send_v he_o to_o preach_v repentance_n to_o we_o and_o i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v in_o this_o case_n as_o the_o afore_o mention_v simplicius_n say_v of_o the_o discourse_n of_o epictetus_n epict._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o e._n the_o man_n that_o be_v incorrigible_a under_o such_o a_o powerful_a remedy_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o very_a torment_n of_o the_o damn_a can_v work_v upon_o he_o and_o so_o much_o also_o for_o that_o point_n §_o iv._o we_o have_v now_o see_v several_o the_o three_o ornament_n the_o father_n put_v upon_o his_o return_a son_n and_o the_o favour_n god_n bestow_v upon_o a_o sincere_a convert_n represent_v by_o the_o best_a robe_n a_o ring_n on_o his_o hand_n shoe_n on_o his_o foot_n let_v we_o now_o take_v a_o view_n of_o they_o altogether_o let_v we_o i_o say_v make_v a_o stand_v a_o little_a and_o see_v the_o son_n in_o all_o his_o new_a attire_n i_o mean_v let_v we_o suppose_v all_o these_o favour_n of_o god_n bestow_v upon_o some_o pardon_a sinner_n and_o then_o take_v notice_n what_o a_o brave_a and_o excellent_a person_n such_o a_o man_n will_v be_v it_o be_v a_o noble_a character_n which_o the_o historian_n give_v of_o marcus_n cato_n 2._o homo_fw-la virtuti_fw-la simillimus_fw-la &_o per_fw-la omne_fw-la diis_fw-la quam_fw-la hominibus_fw-la propior_fw-la qui_fw-la nunquam_fw-la rectè_fw-la fecit_fw-la ut_fw-la facere_fw-la videretur_fw-la sed_fw-la quia_fw-la aliter_fw-la facere_fw-la non_fw-la potuit_fw-la cato_n say_v he_o be_v virtue_n draw_v to_o the_o life_n and_o the_o resemblance_n be_v so_o exact_a that_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o say_v whether_o virtue_n animate_v cato_n or_o cato_n give_v subsistence_n and_o visibility_n to_o virtue_n nay_o such_o be_v the_o unshaken_a greatness_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o life_n that_o he_o seem_v more_o to_o participate_v of_o divine_a perfection_n then_o of_o humane_a frailty_n for_o he_o be_v both_o so_o far_o above_o all_o temptation_n of_o do_v evil_a and_o also_o free_a from_o the_o allay_n of_o mean_a end_n and_o design_n in_o do_v good_a that_o it_o seem_v a_o kind_n of_o necessity_n of_o nature_n in_o he_o to_o do_v well_o this_o be_v brave_o say_v have_v it_o not_o be_v somewhat_o too_o romantic_a but_o the_o man_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o under_o the_o aforesaid_a qualification_n must_v as_o much_o out_o go_v cato_n as_o he_o outstripped_n other_o
such_o person_n be_v in_o and_o partly_o the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o such_o a_o entertainment_n will_v compel_v they_o to_o come_v in_o upon_o this_o account_n god_n propound_v not_o only_o pardon_v of_o sin_n but_o all_o the_o forementioned_a inestimable_a benefit_n to_o repent_v sinner_n as_o well_o as_o to_o those_o just_a man_n that_o need_v no_o repentance_n and_o although_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n have_v neither_o such_o need_n of_o man_n service_n as_o to_o oblige_v he_o to_o resort_v to_o these_o great_a inducement_n and_o it_o be_v also_o very_o true_a that_o there_o be_v but_o a_o small_a number_n of_o those_o that_o make_v up_o the_o choir_n in_o glory_n who_o upon_o such_o motive_n be_v convert_v from_o extreme_a debauchery_n yet_o such_o be_v the_o graciousness_n of_o the_o good_a shepherd_n that_o he_o carry_v the_o lose_a sheep_n home_o on_o his_o shoulder_n rejoice_v and_o such_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o stick_v not_o at_o this_o price_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o any_o one_o soul_n beside_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o as_o we_o note_v from_o the_o historian_n former_o difficile_fw-la est_fw-la in_o tot_fw-la humanis_fw-la erroribus_fw-la solâ_fw-la innocentiâ_fw-la vivere_fw-la that_o though_o no_o good_a subject_n will_v voluntary_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o his_o country_n and_o fall_v into_o the_o displeasure_n of_o the_o prince_n yet_o the_o most_o wary_a and_o inoffensive_a person_n that_o be_v most_o secure_a of_o his_o own_o integrity_n will_v desire_v to_o live_v under_o such_o a_o government_n where_o there_o be_v room_n for_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n if_o he_o shall_v offend_v and_o the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v so_o sensible_a of_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n and_o the_o slipperiness_n of_o their_o station_n as_o well_o as_o conscious_a of_o their_o own_o sincerity_n that_o they_o be_v marvellous_o comfort_v and_o encourage_v by_o this_o admirable_a grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n and_o whereas_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n may_v be_v think_v sufficient_a both_o to_o reclaim_v sinner_n from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o to_o preserve_v good_a man_n from_o apostasy_n we_o shall_v find_v upon_o due_a consideration_n that_o fear_n let_v it_o be_v of_o what_o object_n it_o will_v be_v neither_o so_o last_a a_o principle_n nor_o so_o potent_a and_o effective_a a_o motive_n as_o hope_v for_o this_o last_o raise_v generosity_n inflame_v the_o mind_n spirit_n all_o the_o power_n despise_v or_o glory_n in_o difficulty_n and_o therefore_o all_o wise_a man_n employ_v this_o engine_n especial_o in_o all_o great_a erterprise_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v man_n hope_n great_a than_o their_o fear_n and_o so_o order_v the_o matter_n that_o those_o they_o employ_v may_v have_v a_o prospect_n of_o so_o great_a a_o good_a by_o success_n in_o their_o attempt_n as_o shall_v outweigh_v all_o their_o apprehension_n of_o difficulty_n or_o danger_n in_o the_o achievement_n and_o this_o will_v be_v the_o more_o remarkable_a if_o we_o observe_v in_o that_o famous_a encounter_n of_o david_n with_o goliath_n the_o giant_n of_o gath_n that_o although_o there_o be_v doubtless_o some_o extraordinary_a impulse_n upon_o david_n heart_n to_o undertake_v that_o business_n etc._n yet_o the_o holy_a text_n intimate_v that_o he_o listen_v to_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o people_n and_o be_v inflame_v by_o the_o general_a assurance_n be_v give_v he_o of_o a_o mighty_a and_o glorious_a reward_n to_o he_o that_o shall_v effect_v it_o since_o therefore_o the_o proposition_n of_o great_a and_o glorious_a hope_n be_v so_o necessary_a not_o only_o to_o draw_v man_n off_o from_o the_o present_a allurement_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o dissolve_v the_o charm_n of_o sense_n which_o habituate_v sinner_n be_v bind_v in_o but_o also_o to_o comfort_v and_o encourage_v even_o good_a man_n themselves_o and_o to_o engage_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o in_o a_o generous_a course_n of_o virtue_n the_o divine_a majesty_n consider_v he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o man_n and_o resolve_v to_o deal_v with_o they_o agreeable_o to_o their_o nature_n think_v it_o as_o well_o become_v his_o wisdom_n as_o his_o goodness_n not_o only_o to_o proclaim_v impunity_n to_o his_o rebel_n upon_o their_o submission_n but_o to_o assure_v they_o of_o the_o high_a favour_n and_o preferment_n in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n 2._o second_o the_o extreme_a difficulty_n and_o consequent_o the_o wonderful_a rarity_n of_o example_n of_o great_a sinner_n recover_v to_o sincere_a piety_n make_v such_o happy_a accident_n deserve_v to_o be_v solemnize_v with_o the_o great_a joy_n and_o triumph_n st._n gregory_n nazianzen_n make_v a_o oration_n in_o commemoration_n of_o st._n cyprian_n as_o well_o report_v his_o flagitious_a life_n before_o his_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n as_o his_o admirable_a virtue_n and_o piety_n afterward_o and_o make_v the_o former_a a_o shadow_n to_o heighten_v and_o set_v off_o the_o latter_a 18._o for_o say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v nothing_o so_o great_a a_o matter_n to_o maintain_v the_o character_n of_o a_o good_a man_n when_o a_o man_n have_v once_o attain_v to_o it_o as_o to_o begin_v a_o whole_a new_a course_n of_o piety_n for_o now_o the_o one_o be_v but_o to_o be_v like_o a_o man_n self_n and_o to_o pursue_v a_o custom_n or_o habit_n but_o the_o other_o require_v a_o virtuous_a choice_n and_o a_o manly_a resolution_n able_a to_o bear_v down_o former_a habit_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v but_o few_o example_n of_o the_o one_o but_o many_o of_o the_o other_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a advantage_n to_o be_v early_o engage_v in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n for_o then_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o easiness_n of_o do_v good_a which_o be_v consequent_a of_o custom_n a_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v under_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o divine_a fate_n a_o peculiar_a predestination_n to_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v well_o consider_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o a_o man_n whole_a life_n that_o he_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o thank_v god_n for_o than_o that_o good_a providence_n of_o he_o which_o take_v hold_v of_o our_o tender_a year_n and_o form_n they_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o religion_n for_o hereby_o sin_n be_v make_v dreadful_a to_o our_o conscience_n and_o upon_o the_o matter_n virtue_n be_v as_o easy_a as_o vice_n and_o the_o narrow_a way_n to_o heaven_n as_o ready_a to_o our_o foot_n as_o the_o broad_a way_n of_o destruction_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n revocare_fw-la gradus_fw-la hic_fw-la labour_n hoc_fw-la opus_fw-la to_o reduce_v a_o old_a dislocation_n be_v very_o painful_a to_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n to_o change_v custom_n to_o cast_v out_o satan_n out_o of_o his_o old_a possession_n must_v be_v very_o difficult_a and_o require_v a_o very_a brave_a and_o generous_a resolution_n and_o although_o to_o omnipotent_a power_n all_o thing_n be_v alike_o easy_a yet_o forasmuch_o as_o god_n not_o only_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n but_o also_o proceed_v ordinary_o by_o the_o course_n of_o natural_a cause_n and_o do_v not_o supersede_n their_o activity_n but_o assist_v they_o proportionable_o to_o their_o nature_n it_o must_v needs_o notwithstanding_o the_o divine_a grace_n be_v a_o very_a difficult_a thing_n to_o recover_v a_o old_a and_o deplore_a sinner_n in_o who_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v enfeeble_v the_o sense_n of_o conscience_n stupefy_v and_o the_o very_a synteresis_fw-la and_o natural_a notion_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v corrupt_v and_o consequent_o a_o through_o reformation_n of_o such_o a_o person_n be_v like_a to_o life_n from_o the_o grave_n and_o must_v needs_o draw_v after_o it_o not_o only_o the_o eye_n and_o admiration_n of_o man_n but_o also_o the_o vexation_n of_o hell_n and_o make_v the_o devil_n rage_n as_o disappoint_v of_o the_o prey_n he_o think_v himself_o sure_a of_o but_o especial_o must_v produce_v joy_n in_o heaven_n and_o among_o the_o holy_a angel_n it_o can_v indeed_o be_v no_o surprisal_n to_o almighty_a god_n who_o foreknow_v all_o thing_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o be_v as_o far_o from_o admiration_n as_o from_o mutability_n of_o passion_n both_o which_o proceed_v from_o shortness_n of_o understanding_n nor_o to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n now_o in_o glory_n for_o we_o see_v that_o whilst_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n he_o know_v when_o vertue-proceeded_n from_o he_o to_o cure_v the_o woman_n of_o her_o inveterate_a distemper_n but_o whereas_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o make_v some_o passionate_a expression_n of_o their_o resentment_n of_o every_o new_a and_o admirable_a event_n god_n think_v fit_a also_o in_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a recovery_n as_o this_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o to_o set_v up_o a_o monument_n crown_v he_o that_o overcome_v the_o aforesaid_a difficulty_n with_o immortal_a glory_n