the_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o of_o goat_n shall_v take_v away_o sin_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v proceed_v to_o the_o three_o particular_a namely_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v supply_v all_o the_o defect_n and_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n but_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o enter_v upon_o but_o make_v one_o plain_a inference_n from_o the_o substance_n of_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v upon_o this_o argument_n if_o our_o saviour_n come_v not_o to_o dissolve_v and_o loosen_v the_o obligation_n of_o moral_a duty_n but_o to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v it_o and_o to_o enforce_v and_o bind_v the_o practice_n of_o these_o duty_n more_o strong_o upon_o we_o than_o they_o do_v wide_o and_o wilful_o mistake_v the_o design_n of_o christianity_n who_o teach_v that_o it_o discharge_v man_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a and_o avow_a principle_n of_o the_o antinomian_a doctrine_n but_o direct_o contrary_a to_o this_o declaration_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o text_n that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o to_o perfect_a and_o fulfil_v they_o for_o to_o take_v away_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o law_n be_v plain_o to_o destroy_v and_o make_v it_o void_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n solemn_a resolution_n of_o this_o matter_n rom._n 3._o 31._o do_v we_o then_o make_v void_a the_o law_n through_o faith_n that_o be_v do_v the_o gospel_n destroy_v and_o take_v away_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n god_n forbid_v yea_o we_o establish_v the_o law_n the_o christian_a religion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o design_v or_o do_v any_o such_o thing_n that_o it_o give_v new_a strength_n and_o force_n to_o it_o but_o sure_o they_o that_o teach_v this_o doctrine_n do_v never_o due_o consider_v that_o terrible_a threaten_n of_o our_o saviour_n after_o the_o text_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o direct_o level_v at_o they_o whosoever_o shall_v break_v one_o of_o these_o least_o commandment_n and_o shall_v teach_v man_n so_o he_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o how_o can_v man_n more_o effectual_o teach_v the_o violation_n not_o only_o of_o the_o least_o but_o of_o the_o great_a of_o god_n commandment_n than_o by_o declare_v that_o the_o gospel_n have_v set_v man_n free_a from_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o christian_n may_v act_v contrary_a to_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n that_o be_v do_v the_o most_o impious_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n without_o any_o offence_n against_o god_n and_o notwithstanding_o this_o continue_v to_o be_v his_o child_n and_o high_o in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o all_o the_o security_n they_o have_v against_o this_o impious_a consequence_n be_v that_o weak_a and_o slender_a pretence_n that_o gratitude_n and_o love_n to_o god_n will_v preserve_v they_o from_o make_v this_o ill_a use_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o oblige_v they_o to_o abstain_v from_o sin_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o please_v god_n as_o much_o as_o any_o law_n can_v do_v but_o then_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v the_o nonsense_n of_o this_o for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o sin_n if_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n be_v take_v away_o for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o can_v be_v no_o transgression_n as_o the_o apostle_n and_o common_a reason_n likewise_o tell_v we_o so_o that_o the_o law_n be_v remove_v and_o take_v away_o all_o action_n become_v indifferent_a and_o one_o thing_n be_v not_o more_o a_o sin_n or_o offence_n against_o god_n than_o another_o and_o what_o then_o be_v it_o they_o mean_v that_o gratitude_n will_v oblige_v man_n to_o or_o preserve_v they_o from_o when_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o sin_n or_o duty_n as_o please_v or_o offend_v god_n if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o one_o or_o restrain_v we_o from_o the_o other_o and_o what_o be_v if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n and_o to_o make_v christian_a liberty_n a_o cloak_n for_o all_o sort_n of_o sin_n a_o man_n can_v do_v a_o great_a despite_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n nor_o take_v a_o more_o effectual_a course_n to_o bring_v it_o into_o contempt_n and_o to_o make_v it_o to_o be_v hiss_v out_o of_o the_o world_n than_o to_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o lewd_a and_o licentious_a doctrine_n which_o give_v man_n a_o perfect_a discharge_n from_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n and_o oblige_v they_o only_o to_o believe_v confident_o that_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o they_o a_o liberty_n to_o do_v what_o they_o will_v and_o that_o upon_o these_o term_n and_o no_o other_o they_o be_v secure_a of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n in_o the_o other_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o the_o plain_a result_n of_o the_o antinomian_a doctrine_n the_o most_o pernicious_a heresy_n and_o most_o direct_o destructive_a of_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o christianity_n that_o ever_o yet_o be_v broach_v in_o the_o world_n but_o you_o have_v not_o so_o learned_a christ_n if_o so_o be_v you_o have_v hear_v he_o and_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o he_o as_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o jesus_n that_o you_o put_v off_o concern_v your_o former_a conversation_n the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a according_a to_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o that_o you_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n sermon_n iu._n christianity_n do_v not_o destroy_v but_o perfect_a the_o law_n of_o moses_n matthew_n v._o 17._o think_v not_o that_o i_o be_o come_v to_o destroy_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n i_o be_o not_o come_v to_o destroy_v but_o to_o fulfil_v i_o have_v consider_v this_o say_v of_o our_o saviour_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o those_o precept_n which_o be_v of_o natural_a and_o perpetual_a force_n and_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o come_v either_o to_o dissolve_v or_o loosen_v the_o obligation_n of_o they_o for_o the_o illustration_n of_o which_o i_o propound_v to_o clear_v these_o three_o point_n first_o that_o the_o main_a and_o ultimate_a design_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o engage_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a duty_n that_o be_v of_o real_a and_o substantial_a goodness_n second_o that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v comparative_o very_o weak_a and_o insufficient_a to_o make_v man_n true_o good_a and_o ineffectual_a to_o promote_v inward_a and_o real_a righteousness_n these_o two_o point_n i_o have_v speak_v to_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o namely_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v supply_v all_o the_o defect_n and_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n the_o jewish_a religion_n have_v very_o considerable_a advantage_n above_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v all_o that_o the_o heathen_a world_n have_v to_o conduct_v they_o towards_o eternal_a happiness_n the_o jew_n have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n and_o very_a signal_n and_o particular_a testimony_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n which_o do_v natural_o tend_v to_o beget_v in_o they_o good_a hope_n of_o a_o future_a life_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n they_o have_v the_o natural_a law_n reveal_v and_o the_o main_a precept_n of_o it_o write_v with_o god_n own_o hand_n and_o by_o moses_n deliver_v to_o they_o by_o which_o mean_n they_o have_v a_o more_o certain_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n they_o have_v prophet_n frequent_o send_v to_o they_o to_o admonish_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o exhort_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o warn_v they_o of_o approach_a judgement_n they_o have_v good_a encouragement_n give_v to_o hope_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n by_o god_n appointment_n of_o several_a way_n of_o expiation_n which_o how_o unlikely_a soever_o they_o be_v to_o be_v available_a to_o the_o effectual_a expiation_n of_o sin_n yet_o they_o do_v signify_v that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v placable_a and_o do_v seem_v to_o figure_v some_o more_o effectual_a way_n design_v by_o god_n for_o that_o purpose_n that_o shall_v be_v exhibit_v in_o due_a time_n and_o final_o they_o have_v most_o express_a promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o judgement_n to_o encourage_v they_o in_o their_o obedience_n and_o to_o deter_v they_o from_o the_o transgression_n of_o god_n law_n these_o advantage_n the_o jew_n plain_o have_v above_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n god_n do_v not_o deal_v
god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man_n but_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v in_o which_o word_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v plain_o contain_v first_o that_o god_n do_v not_o tempt_v any_o man_n to_o sin_n let_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man._n second_o that_o every_o man_n fault_n lie_v at_o his_o own_o door_n and_o he_o be_v his_o own_o great_a tempter_n but_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v i._o that_o god_n do_v not_o tempt_v any_o man_n to_o sin_n let_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man._n in_o which_o word_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v first_o the_o proposition_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o reject_v and_o that_o be_v that_o god_n tempt_v men._n let_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n second_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o he_o reject_v it_o let_v no_o man_n say_v so_o by_o which_o manner_n of_o speak_v the_o apostle_n insinuate_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o lay_v their_o fault_n upon_o god_n for_o when_o he_o say_v lâ—t_v no_o man_n say_v so_o he_o intimate_v that_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o say_v so_o and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o some_o do_v say_v so_o and_o 2_o dly_z that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o fault_n but_o a_o impious_a assertion_n to_o say_v that_o god_n tempt_v men._n he_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v reject_v with_o detestation_n let_v no_o man_n say_v that_o be_v far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o affirm_v a_o thing_n so_o impious_a and_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n three_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n that_o he_o bring_v against_o it_o for_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man._n first_o the_o proposition_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o reject_v and_o that_o be_v that_o god_n tempt_v man_n let_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n now_o that_o we_o may_v the_o more_o distinct_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o proposition_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o reject_v it_o will_v be_v very_o requisite_a to_o consider_v what_o temptation_n be_v and_o the_o several_a sort_n and_o kind_n of_o it_o to_o tempt_v a_o man_n be_v in_o general_a nothing_o else_o but_o to_o make_v trial_n of_o he_o in_o any_o kind_n what_o he_o will_v do_v in_o scripture_n temptation_n be_v common_o confine_v to_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o man_n good_a or_o bad_a of_o his_o virtuous_a or_o vicious_a inclination_n but_o than_o it_o be_v such_o a_o trial_n as_o endanger_v a_o man_n virtue_n and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o well_o resolve_v be_v likely_a to_o overcome_v it_o and_o to_o make_v he_o fall_v into_o sin_n so_o that_o temptation_n do_v always_o imply_v something_o of_o danger_n the_o worst_a way_n and_o man_n be_v thus_o tempt_v either_o from_o themselves_o or_o by_o other_o by_z other_o chief_o these_o two_o way_n first_o by_o direct_a and_o downright_a persuasion_n to_o sin_n second_o by_o be_v bring_v into_o such_o circumstance_n as_o will_v great_o endanger_v their_o fall_n into_o it_o though_o none_o solicit_v and_o persuade_v they_o to_o it_o first_o by_o direct_a and_o downright_a persuasion_n to_o sin_n thus_o the_o devil_n tempt_v our_o first_o parent_n by_o represent_v thing_n so_o to_o they_o as_o may_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n incite_v they_o to_o sin_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n weaken_v and_o loosen_v that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a curb_n and_o restraint_n from_o it_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n he_o represent_v to_o they_o the_o advantage_n they_o shall_v have_v by_o break_v god_n command_n god_n do_v know_v that_o in_o the_o day_n you_o eat_v thereof_o than_o your_o eye_n shall_v be_v open_v and_o you_o shall_v be_v as_o god_n know_v good_a and_o evil_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o represent_v the_o danger_n of_o offend_v not_o to_o be_v so_o great_a and_o certain_a as_o they_o imagine_v the_o serpent_n say_v unto_o the_o woman_n you_o shall_v not_o sure_o die_v and_o the_o devil_n have_v so_o good_a success_n in_o this_o way_n of_o tempt_v the_o first_o adam_n as_o to_o encourage_v he_o to_o set_v upon_o the_o second_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o he_o will_v have_v persuade_v he_o to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v he_o by_o offer_v he_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o and_o thus_o bad_a man_n many_o time_n tempt_v other_o and_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v they_o into_o the_o same_o wicked_a course_n with_o themselves_o solomon_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o manner_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o prov._n 1._o 10_o 11_o 13_o 14._o my_o son_n if_o sinner_n entice_v thou_o consent_v thou_o not_o if_o they_o say_v come_v with_o we_o let_v we_o lay_v wait_v for_o blood_n let_v we_o lurk_v privy_o for_o the_o innocent_a without_o cause_n we_o shall_v find_v all_o precious_a substance_n we_o shall_v fill_v our_o house_n with_o spoil_n cast_v in_o thy_o lot_n among_o we_o let_v we_o all_o have_v one_o purse_n this_o be_v the_o first_o way_n of_o temptation_n and_o to_o be_v sure_a god_n tempt_v no_o man_n this_o way_n he_o offer_v no_o argument_n to_o man_n to_o persuade_v he_o to_o sin_n he_o no_o where_o propose_v either_o reward_n or_o impunity_n to_o sinner_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a give_v all_o imaginable_a encouragement_n to_o obedience_n and_o threaten_v the_o transgression_n of_o his_o law_n with_o most_o dreadful_a punishment_n second_o man_n be_v likewise_o tempt_v by_o be_v bring_v into_o such_o circumstance_n as_o will_v great_o endanger_v their_o fall_n into_o sin_n though_o none_o persuade_v they_o to_o it_o and_o this_o happen_v two_o way_n when_o man_n be_v remarkable_o beset_v with_o the_o allurement_n of_o the_o world_n or_o assault_v with_o the_o evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o it_o for_o either_o of_o these_o condition_n be_v great_a temptation_n to_o man_n and_o make_v powerful_a assault_n upon_o they_o especial_o when_o they_o fall_v upon_o those_o who_o be_v ill_o dispose_v before_o or_o be_v but_o of_o a_o weak_a virtue_n and_o resolution_n the_o allurement_n of_o the_o world_n be_v strong_a temptation_n riches_n and_o honour_n and_o pleasure_n they_o be_v the_o occasion_n and_o incentives_n to_o many_o lust_n honour_n and_o greatness_n power_n and_o authority_n over_o otherâ—_n especial_o when_o man_n be_v sudden_o lift_v up_o and_o from_o a_o low_a condition_n be_v apt_a to_o transport_v man_n to_o pride_n and_o insolency_n towards_o other_o power_n be_v a_o strong_a liquor_n which_o do_v easy_o intoxicate_a weak_a mind_n and_o make_v they_o apt_a to_o say_v and_o do_v undecent_a thing_n man_n that_o be_v in_o honour_n and_o understand_v not_o be_v like_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v intimate_v that_o man_n who_o be_v exalt_v to_o a_o high_a condition_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o forget_v themselves_o and_o to_o play_v the_o fool_n and_o beast_n it_o require_v great_a consideration_n and_o a_o well-poised_n mind_n not_o to_o be_v lift_v up_o with_o one_o condition_n weak_a head_n be_v apt_a to_o turn_v and_o grow_v dizzy_a when_o they_o look_v down_o from_o a_o great_a height_n and_o so_o likewise_o ease_n and_o prosperity_n be_v a_o very_a slippery_a condition_n to_o most_o man_n and_o without_o great_a care_n do_v endanger_v the_o fall_n into_o great_a sin_n so_o solomon_n observe_v prov._n 1._o 32._o for_o the_o turn_n away_o of_o the_o simple_a shall_v slay_v they_o and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o fool_n shall_v destroy_v they_o for_o this_o reason_n agur_n make_v his_o prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v give_v he_o neither_o poverty_n nor_o riches_n but_o keep_v he_o in_o a_o mean_a condition_n because_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o both_o extreme_n prov._n 30._o 8_o 9_o give_v i_o not_o riches_n lest_o i_o be_v full_a and_o deny_v thou_o both_o the_o eager_a desire_n and_o the_o possession_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o riches_n do_v frequent_o prove_v fatal_a to_o men._n so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o elsewhere_o very_o emphatical_o mat._n 19_o 23_o 24._o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o a_o rich_a man_n shall_v hardly_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o again_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o a_o camel_n to_o go_v through_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o needle_n than_o for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o
fact_n be_v commit_v our_o conscience_n be_v strange_o disquiet_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o when_o a_o man_n do_v but_o design_n to_o do_v a_o bad_a thing_n he_o be_v guilty_a to_o himself_o as_o if_o he_o have_v commit_v it_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o considerable_a instance_n in_o the_o first_o violence_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o nature_n gen._n 4._o 6._o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o cain_n why_o be_v thou_o wroth_a and_o why_o be_v thy_o countenance_n fall_v the_o very_a thought_n of_o that_o wickedness_n which_o he_o do_v but_o then_o design_n do_v disorder_v his_o mind_n and_o make_v a_o change_n in_o his_o very_a countenance_n gild_n be_v the_o natural_a concomitant_a of_o heinous_a crime_n which_o so_o soon_o as_o ever_o a_o man_n commit_v his_o spirit_n receive_v a_o secret_a wound_n which_o cause_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o smart_n and_o anguish_n for_o guilt_n be_v restless_a anâ—_n put_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n into_o a_o unnatural_a work_n and_o fermentation_n never_o to_o be_v settle_v again_o but_o by_o repentance_n the_o wicked_a be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n when_o it_o can_v rest_v which_o plain_o show_v that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n have_v a_o kind_n of_o natural_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a because_o when_o ever_o we_o offend_v against_o nature_n our_o conscience_n be_v touch_v to_o the_o quick_a and_o we_o receive_v a_o sting_n into_o our_o soul_n which_o shoot_v and_o pain_n we_o when_o ever_o we_o reflect_v upon_o what_o we_o have_v do_v i_o appeal_v to_o that_o witness_n which_o every_o man_n carry_v in_o his_o breast_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o true_a 2._o man_n be_v natural_o full_a of_o hope_n and_o fear_n according_a as_o they_o follow_v or_o go_v against_o these_o natural_a dictate_v a_o good_a conscience_n be_v apt_a to_o fill_v man_n with_o confidence_n and_o good_a hope_n it_o do_v not_o only_o give_v ease_n but_o security_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n against_o the_o dread_n of_o invisible_a power_n and_o the_o fearful_a apprehension_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n whereas_o guilt_n fill_v man_n with_o dismal_a apprehension_n of_o danger_n and_o continual_a misgiving_n concern_v their_o own_o safety_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o cain_n after_o he_o have_v slay_v his_o brother_n it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o every_o one_o that_o find_v i_o shall_v sâ—ay_v i_o nay_o when_o a_o man_n have_v do_v a_o secret_a fault_n which_o none_o can_v accuse_v he_o of_o yet_o then_o be_v he_o haunt_v with_o the_o terror_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o can_v be_v secure_a in_o his_o own_o apprehension_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o man_n be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o when_o they_o do_v well_o and_o when_o they_o do_v amiss_o and_o that_o the_o same_o natural_a instinct_n which_o prompt_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n fill_v they_o with_o good_a hope_n when_o they_o have_v do_v it_o and_o with_o secret_a fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o danger_n when_o they_o have_v do_v contrary_a to_o it_o second_o god_n show_v man_n what_o be_v good_a by_o natural_a reason_n and_o that_o two_o way_n by_o the_o convenience_n of_o thing_n to_o our_o nature_n and_o by_o their_o tendency_n to_o our_o happiness_n and_o interest_n first_o reason_n show_v we_o the_o convenience_n of_o thing_n to_o our_o nature_n and_o whatever_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o primitive_a design_n and_o intention_n of_o nature_n that_o we_o call_v good_a whatever_o be_v contrary_a thereto_o we_o call_v evil_a for_o example_n to_o honour_n and_o love_n god_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o honour_v great_a power_n and_o perfection_n and_o to_o love_v goodness_n wherever_o it_o be_v so_o likewise_o gratitude_n be_v natural_a to_o acknowledge_v benefit_n receive_v and_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o requite_v they_o and_o the_o contrary_n be_v monstrous_a and_o universal_o abhor_v and_o there_o be_v no_o great_a sign_n that_o any_o thing_n be_v contrary_a to_o nature_n than_o if_o it_o be_v detest_v by_o the_o whole_a kind_n it_o be_v agreeable_a also_o to_o nature_n to_o be_v just_a and_o to_o do_v to_o other_o as_o we_o will_v have_v they_o do_v to_o we_o for_o this_o be_v to_o make_v our_o own_o natural_a inclination_n and_o desire_n the_o rule_n of_o our_o deal_n with_o other_o and_o to_o be_v merciful_a for_o no_o man_n that_o have_v not_o devest_v himself_o of_o humanity_n can_v be_v cruel_a and_o hard-hearted_a to_o other_o without_o feel_v a_o pain_n in_o himself_o second_o reason_n show_v we_o the_o tendency_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o our_o happiness_n and_o interest_n and_o indeed_o the_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n do_v common_o refer_v to_o the_o consequence_n of_o thing_n and_o we_o call_v that_o good_a which_o will_v bring_v some_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o we_o and_o that_o evil_a which_o be_v likely_a to_o produce_v some_o mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n and_o by_o this_o rule_n reason_n discover_v to_o we_o that_o these_o duty_n be_v good_a to_o begin_v with_o piety_n towards_o god_n nothing_o can_v more_o evident_o tend_v to_o our_o interest_n than_o to_o make_v he_o our_o friend_n upon_o who_o favour_n our_o happiness_n depend_v so_o likewise_o for_o gratitude_n it_o be_v a_o virtue_n to_o which_o if_o nature_n do_v not_o prompt_v we_o our_o interest_n will_v direct_v we_o for_o every_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o place_v benefit_n there_o where_o he_o may_v hope_v for_o a_o thankful_a return_n temperance_n do_v apparent_o conduce_v to_o our_o health_n which_o next_o to_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v the_o most_o pleasant_a and_o valuable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n whereas_o the_o intemperate_a man_n be_v a_o open_a enemy_n to_o himself_o and_o continual_o make_v assault_n upon_o his_o own_o life_n mercy_n and_o pity_n be_v not_o more_o welcome_a to_o other_o than_o they_o be_v delightful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o ourselves_o for_o we_o do_v not_o only_o gratify_v our_o own_o nature_n and_o bowel_n by_o relieve_v those_o who_o be_v in_o misery_n but_o we_o provoke_v mankind_n by_o our_o example_n to_o the_o like_a tenderness_n and_o do_v prudent_o bespeak_v the_o commiseration_n of_o other_o towards_o we_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o turn_n to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o and_o if_o we_o be_v wise_a enough_o our_o reason_n will_v likewise_o direct_v we_o to_o be_v just_a as_o the_o sure_a art_n of_o thrive_a in_o this_o world_n it_o give_v a_o man_n a_o reputation_n which_o be_v a_o powerful_a advantage_n in_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n it_o be_v the_o short_a and_o easy_a way_n of_o dispatch_a business_n the_o plain_a and_o least_o entangle_v and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o sudden_a a_o way_n of_o grow_v rich_a as_o fraud_n and_o oppression_n yet_o it_o be_v much_o sure_a and_o more_o last_a and_o not_o liable_a to_o those_o terrible_a backblow_n and_o after-reckoning_n to_o which_o estate_n get_v by_o injustice_n be_v and_o natural_a reason_n do_v not_o only_o show_v we_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v good_a but_o that_o the_o lord_n require_v they_o of_o we_o that_o be_v that_o they_o have_v the_o force_n and_o obligation_n of_o law_n for_o there_o need_v nothing_o more_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n a_o law_n than_o a_o sufficient_a declaration_n that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o this_o god_n have_v sufficient_o signify_v to_o mankind_n by_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o of_o those_o principle_n and_o faculty_n which_o he_o have_v endue_v we_o withal_o so_o that_o whenever_o we_o act_v contrary_a to_o these_o we_o plain_o disobey_v the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o make_v we_o and_o violate_v those_o law_n which_o he_o have_v enact_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o write_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o law_n that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v under_o before_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o adam_n to_o moses_n the_o world_n be_v almost_o sole_o govern_v by_o the_o natural_a law_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o hard_a text_n rom._n 5._o 13._o for_o until_o the_o law_n sin_n be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v before_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v give_v man_n be_v capable_a of_o offend_v against_o some_o other_o law_n for_o otherwise_o sin_n can_v not_o have_v be_v impute_v to_o they_o for_o sin_n be_v not_o impute_v whâ—re_o there_o be_v no_o law_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v nevertheless_o death_n reign_v from_o adam_n to_o moses_n even_o over_o they_o that_o have_v not_o sin_v after_o the_o similitude_n of_o adam_n transgression_n that_o be_v during_o that_o space_n from_o adam_n to_o moses_n man_n sin_v against_o the_o natural_a law_n and_o be_v liable_a to_o death_n upon_o that_o account_n though_o they_o have_v not_o offend_v against_o a_o express_a revelation_n from_o god_n as_o adam_n have_v
prophet_n be_v to_o engage_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a duty_n that_o be_v of_o real_a and_o substantial_a goodness_n second_o that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v comparative_o very_o weak_a and_o insufficient_a to_o this_o purpose_n three_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v supply_v all_o the_o defect_n and_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o that_o dispensation_n these_o three_o particular_n will_n full_o clear_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n in_o this_o text._n first_o that_o the_o main_a and_o ultimate_a design_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o engage_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a duty_n that_o be_v of_o real_a and_o substantial_a goodness_n consist_v in_o those_o virtue_n which_o our_o saviour_n mention_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o sermon_n humility_n and_o meekness_n and_o mercy_n and_o righteousness_n and_o purity_n and_o peaceableness_n this_o our_o saviour_n more_o than_o once_o tell_v we_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n mat._n 7._o 12._o therefore_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o even_o so_o unto_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o mat._n 22._o 40._o that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n those_o two_o great_a command_n to_o which_o all_o moral_a duty_n be_v reduce_v be_v the_o two_o great_a hinge_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n on_o these_o two_o hang_v all_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n st._n paul_n call_v love_n the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n rom._n 13._o 10._o st._n james_n the_o perfect_a and_o the_o royal_a law_n as_o that_o which_o have_v a_o sovereign_a influence_n upon_o all_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 3._o 21._o tell_v we_o that_o this_o more_o perfect_a righteousness_n which_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v witness_v by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o indeed_o the_o prophet_n every_o where_o do_v slight_a and_o undervalue_v the_o ritual_a and_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o religion_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a duty_n isa_n 1._o 11._o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrifice_n unto_o i_o bring_v no_o more_o vain_a oblation_n your_o new_a moon_n and_o your_o appoint_a feast_n my_o soul_n hate_v but_o what_o then_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n he_o tell_v we_o at_o the_o 16_o the_o ver_fw-la 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 and_o by_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n god_n tell_v that_o people_n that_o the_o business_n of_o sacrifice_n be_v not_o the_o thing_n primary_o design_v by_o god_n but_o obedience_n to_o the_o moral_a law_n the_o ritual_a law_n come_v in_o upon_o occasion_n for_o the_o prevention_n of_o idolatry_n and_o by_o way_n of_o condescension_n to_o the_o temper_n of_o that_o people_n and_o thus_o maimonides_n and_o the_o learned_a jew_n understand_v these_o word_n jer._n 7._o 22_o 23._o i_o speak_v not_o unto_o your_o father_n nor_o command_v they_o in_o the_o day_n that_o i_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n concern_v burnt-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n but_o this_o thing_n command_v i_o they_o say_v obey_v my_o voice_n and_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o way_n that_o i_o have_v command_v and_o i_o will_v be_v your_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n so_o likewise_o in_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n god_n plain_o prefer_v the_o moral_a before_o the_o ritual_a part_n of_o religion_n as_o that_o which_o be_v principal_o design_v and_o intend_v by_o he_o hos_fw-la 6._o 6._o i_o desire_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n more_o than_o burnt-offering_n but_o most_o plain_o and_o express_o mich._n 6._o 6._o wherewith_o shall_v i_o come_v before_o the_o lord_n shall_v i_o come_v before_o he_o with_o burnt-offering_n wiâ—_n the_o lord_n be_v please_v with_o thousand_o of_o ram_n and_o ten_o thousand_o of_o river_n of_o oil_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 â—ustly_o and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n these_o it_o seem_v be_v the_o great_a thing_n which_o god_n stand_v upon_o and_o require_v of_o man_n even_o under_o that_o imperfect_a dispensation_n and_o these_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v so_o strict_o enjoin_v and_o command_v so_o that_o this_o righteousness_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v be_v witness_v to_o by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o point_n that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v comparative_o very_o weak_a and_o insufficient_a to_o make_v man_n true_o good_a and_o for_o the_o promote_a of_o real_a and_o inward_a righteousness_n it_o give_v law_n indeed_o to_o this_o purpose_n but_o those_o not_o so_o clear_a and_o perfect_a or_o at_o least_o not_o so_o clear_o understand_v as_o they_o be_v now_o under_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o make_v no_o express_a promise_n of_o inward_a grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o quicken_v and_o strengthen_v we_o in_o the_o do_n of_o our_o duty_n it_o make_v no_o explicit_a promise_n of_o any_o blessing_n and_o reward_n to_o the_o do_v of_o our_o duty_n beyond_o this_o life_n so_o that_o the_o best_a and_o most_o powerful_a argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o obedience_n be_v either_o whole_o want_v or_o very_o obscure_o reveal_v under_o this_o dispensation_n and_o this_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n both_o to_o our_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n to_o the_o reconcile_n of_o we_o to_o god_n and_o the_o make_n of_o we_o real_o good_a the_o apostle_n frequent_o inculcate_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n st._n paul_n act_v 13._o 38_o 39_o be_v it_o know_v unto_o you_o therefore_o man_n and_o brethren_n that_o through_o this_o man_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o by_o he_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v justify_v from_o all_o those_o thing_n from_o which_o you_o can_v not_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o rom._n 8._o 3._o what_o the_o law_n can_v not_o do_v in_o that_o it_o be_v weak_a through_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o carnality_n of_o that_o dispensation_n consist_v in_o the_o purification_n of_o the_o body_n gal._n 3._o 21._o he_o call_v it_o a_o law_n unfit_a to_o give_v life_n if_o there_o have_v be_v a_o law_n which_o can_v have_v give_v life_n very_o righteousness_n have_v be_v by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n ch._n 8._o 6_o 7_o 8_o etc._n etc._n find_v fault_n with_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n for_o the_o lowness_n and_o meanness_n of_o its_o promise_n be_v only_o of_o temporal_a good_a thing_n and_o for_o want_v of_o confer_v a_o inward_a and_o a_o powerful_a principle_n to_o enable_v man_n to_o obedience_n but_o now_o have_v he_o obtain_v speak_v of_o christ_n a_o more_o excellent_a ministry_n by_o how_o much_o also_o he_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o a_o better_a covenant_n which_o be_v establish_v upon_o better_a promise_n for_o if_o that_o first_o covenant_n have_v be_v faultless_a then_o shall_v no_o place_n have_v be_v seek_v for_o a_o second_o and_o this_o second_o and_o better_a covenant_n he_o tell_v we_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o find_v fault_n with_o they_o he_o say_v behold_v the_o day_n come_v say_v the_o lord_n when_o i_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n not_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n which_o i_o make_v with_o their_o father_n for_o this_o be_v the_o covenant_n which_o i_o will_v make_v with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n after_o those_o day_n say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n into_o their_o mind_n and_o write_v they_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o chap._n 10._o 1_o 4._o he_o show_v the_o inefficacy_n of_o their_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o real_a expiation_n of_o sin_n the_o law_n have_v but_o a_o shadow_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v and_o not_o the_o lively_a representation_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o can_v never_o with_o those_o sacrifice_n which_o they_o offer_v year_n by_o year_n continual_o make_v the_o comer_n thereunto_o perfect_a for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o
christ_n have_v redeem_v we_o from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n be_v make_v a_o curse_n for_o we_o that_o be_v whereas_o the_o law_n leave_v sinner_n as_o to_o those_o sin_n which_o stand_v most_o in_o need_n of_o pardon_n under_o a_o curse_n have_v provide_v no_o expiation_n for_o they_o christ_n have_v redeem_v they_o from_o that_o curse_n by_o make_v a_o general_a expiation_n for_o sin_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v that_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n say_v ch._n 9_o 15._o that_o christ_n die_v for_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o transgression_n that_o be_v under_o the_o first_o covenant_n that_o be_v for_o those_o sin_n for_o which_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o law_n have_v provide_v no_o way_n of_o forgiveness_n and_o therefore_o st._n john_n say_v emphatical_o 1_o joh._n 1._o 7._o that_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o sin_n three_o the_o law_n do_v not_o afford_v sufficient_o plain_a and_o certain_a rule_n and_o direction_n for_o a_o good_a life_n as_o the_o corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n grow_v worse_a so_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n wax_v dimmer_v and_o dimmer_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v more_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a and_o that_o in_o very_o considerable_a instance_n of_o our_o duty_n the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o jew_n and_o even_o to_o they_o who_o only_o have_v the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o it_o do_v not_o give_v clear_a and_o perfect_a light_n and_o direction_n as_o to_o moral_a duty_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a reason_n and_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o sermon_n explain_v it_o to_o a_o great_a perfection_n than_o it_o be_v understand_v to_o have_v among_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o seem_v to_o intend_v and_o have_v not_o only_o forbid_v several_a thing_n permit_v by_o that_o law_n as_o divorce_n and_o retaliation_n of_o injury_n but_o have_v heighten_v our_o duty_n in_o several_a instance_n of_o it_o require_v we_o to_o love_v our_o enemy_n and_o to_o forgive_v the_o great_a injury_n and_o provocation_n though_o never_o so_o often_o repeat_v and_o not_o only_o not_o to_o revenge_v they_o but_o to_o requite_v they_o with_o good_a turn_n which_o be_v not_o understand_v by_o mankind_n to_o be_v law_n before_o but_o yet_o when_o due_o consider_v be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o right_a reason_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o bâ—st_a men._n so_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n â—ath_v not_o only_o fix_v and_o determine_v our_o duty_n and_o bring_v it_o to_o a_o great_a certainty_n but_o have_v raise_v it_o to_o a_o great_a perfection_n and_o render_v it_o every_o way_n fit_a to_o bring_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o a_o more_o divine_a temper_n and_o a_o more_o reasonable_a and_o perfect_a way_n of_o serve_v god_n than_o ever_o the_o world_n be_v instruct_v in_o before_o four_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n be_v only_o of_o temporal_a good_a and_o evil_a thing_n which_o be_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o endless_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n but_o very_o languid_a and_o faint_a motive_n to_o obedience_n not_o but_o that_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o law_n have_v such_o apprehension_n of_o their_o own_o immortality_n and_o of_o a_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n and_o misery_n after_o this_o life_n as_o natural_a light_n suggest_v to_o they_o which_o be_v in_o most_o but_o a_o waver_a and_o uncertain_a persuasion_n and_o consequent_o of_o small_a efficacy_n to_o engage_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n but_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n add_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o the_o clearness_n of_o those_o natural_a notion_n concern_v a_o future_a state_n and_o the_o strengthen_n of_o this_o persuasion_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n it_o do_v rather_o suppose_v it_o than_o give_v any_o new_a force_n and_o life_n to_o it_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n more_o particular_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o law_n be_v but_o weak_a to_o make_v man_n good_a because_o it_o do_v not_o work_v strong_o enough_o upon_o the_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o man_n by_o the_o weight_n of_o its_o promise_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o its_o threaten_n and_o that_o for_o this_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o it_o it_o be_v remove_v and_o a_o more_o powerful_a and_o awaken_n dispensation_n bring_v in_o in_o the_o place_n of_o it_o heb._n 7._o 18_o 19_o for_o there_o be_v very_o a_o disannul_n of_o the_o commandment_n that_o be_v before_o that_o be_v of_o the_o jewish_a law_n for_o the_o weakness_n and_o unprofitableness_n thereof_o for_o the_o law_n make_v nothing_o perfect_a but_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o a_o better_a hope_n do_v that_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o promise_v eternal_a life_n and_o ch._n 8._o 6._o for_o this_o reason_n more_o especial_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o christ_n have_v obtain_v a_o more_o excellent_a ministry_n be_v the_o mediator_n of_o a_o better_a covenant_n which_o be_v establish_v upon_o better_a promise_n and_o rom._n 1._o 16_o 18._o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n because_o therein_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o men._n the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o gospel_n so_o proper_a and_o so_o powerful_a a_o instrument_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o men._n the_o great_a impiety_n of_o mankind_n and_o their_o impenitency_n in_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o before_o while_o the_o world_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n ignorant_a of_o the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o therefore_o god_n be_v say_v in_o some_o sort_n to_o overlook_v it_o but_o now_o he_o command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v because_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n in_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n by_o that_o man_n who_o he_o have_v ordain_v whereof_o he_o have_v give_v assurance_n unto_o all_o man_n in_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a act_v 17._o 30_o 31._o the_o clear_a discovery_n and_o perfect_a assurance_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n call_v loud_o upon_o all_o man_n to_o leave_v their_o sin_n and_o turn_v to_o god_n five_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o law_n have_v no_o spiritual_a promise_n contain_v in_o it_o of_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o mortify_n of_o sin_n and_o enable_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n and_o support_v they_o under_o suffering_n but_o the_o gospel_n be_v full_a of_o clear_a and_o express_v promise_n to_o this_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o god_n will_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o luke_n 11._o 13._o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v actual_o confer_v upon_o all_o true_a christian_n those_o who_o do_v sincere_o embrace_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n rom._n 8._o 9_o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o hence_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v by_o the_o same_o apostle_n the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n v_o 2d_o of_o that_o chap._n the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v make_v i_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o in_o the_o next_o word_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o herein_o manifest_o appear_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o law_n that_o it_o leave_v man_n destitute_a of_o this_o mighty_a help_n and_o advantage_n at_o least_o as_o to_o any_o special_a promise_n of_o it_o what_o the_o law_n can_v not_o do_v in_o that_o it_o be_v weak_a through_o the_o flesh_n god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n and_o by_o make_v he_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n condemn_a sin_n in_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v fulfil_v in_o we_o who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v that_o that_o righteousness_n which_o the_o law_n aim_v at_o and_o signify_v but_o be_v too_o weak_a to_o effect_v may_v be_v real_o accomplish_v in_o we_o who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v who_o be_v act_v and_o assist_v by_o a_o high_a and_o better_a principle_n than_o man_n either_o have_v in_o nature_n or_o the_o carnal_a dispesnation_n of_o the_o law_n do_v endow_v man_n withal_o and_o because_o of_o this_o great_a defect_n the_o law_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o bondage_n and_o servitude_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a
the_o lord_n thy_o god_n require_v of_o thou_o etc._n etc._n the_o first_o be_v a_o mere_a question_n there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o be_v say_v of_o it_o only_o that_o it_o be_v a_o question_n of_o great_a importance_n what_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o appease_v god_n when_o we_o have_v offend_v he_o for_o who_o can_v bear_v his_o indignation_n and_o who_o who_o can_v stand_v before_o he_o when_o once_o he_o be_v angry_a let_v we_o consider_v then_o in_o the_o second_o place_n the_o way_n that_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o take_v to_o pacify_v god_n and_o that_o be_v by_o some_o external_a piece_n of_o religion_n and_o devotion_n such_o as_o be_v sacrifice_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_a shall_v i_o come_v before_o he_o with_o burnt-offering_n this_o be_v the_o way_n which_o man_n be_v most_o apt_a to_o choose_v the_o jew_n you_o seâ—_n pitch_v upon_o the_o external_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n those_o which_o be_v most_o pompous_a and_o solemn_a the_o rich_a and_o most_o costly_a sacrifice_n so_o they_o may_v but_o keep_v their_o sin_n they_o be_v well_o enough_o content_a to_o offer_v up_o any_o thing_n else_o to_o god_n they_o think_v nothing_o too_o good_a for_o he_o provide_v he_o will_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o become_v better_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v among_o ourselves_o when_o we_o apprehend_v god_n be_v displease_v with_o we_o and_o his_o judgement_n abroad_o in_o the_o earth_n we_o be_v content_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n but_o to_o learn_v righteousness_n we_o be_v willing_a to_o submit_v to_o any_o kind_n of_o external_a devotion_n and_o humiliation_n to_o fast_o and_o pray_v to_o afflict_v ourselves_o and_o to_o cry_v mighty_o unto_o god_n thing_n some_o of_o they_o good_a in_o themselves_o but_o the_o least_o part_n of_o that_o which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o and_o as_o for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o case_n of_o public_a judgement_n and_o calamity_n they_o be_v the_o inquisitive_a and_o as_o they_o pretend_v the_o most_o skilful_a people_n in_o the_o world_n to_o pacify_v god_n and_o they_o have_v a_o thousand_o solemn_a device_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o do_v not_o wrong_v they_o by_o represent_v they_o inquire_v after_o this_o manner_n shall_v i_o go_v before_o a_o crucifix_n and_o bow_v myself_o to_o it_o as_o to_o the_o high_a god_n and_o because_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o great_a king_n and_o it_o be_v perhaps_o too_o much_o boldness_n and_o arrogance_n to_o make_v immediate_a address_n always_o to_o he_o to_o which_o of_o the_o saint_n or_o angel_n shall_v i_o go_v to_o mediate_v for_o i_o and_o intercede_v on_o my_o behalf_n will_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v with_o thousand_o of_o paternosters_a or_o with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o ave-mary_n shall_v the_o host_n travel_n in_o procession_n or_o myself_o undertake_v a_o tedious_a pilgrimage_n or_o shall_v i_o list_v myself_o a_o soldier_n for_o the_o holy_a war_n or_o for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o heretic_n shall_v i_o give_v half_a my_o estate_n to_o a_o convent_n for_o my_o transgression_n or_o chastise_v and_o punish_v my_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o soul_n thus_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o and_o will_v submit_v to_o all_o the_o extravagant_a severity_n that_o the_o petulancy_n and_o folly_n of_o man_n can_v devise_v and_o impose_v upon_o they_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v when_o man_n be_v once_o under_o the_o power_n of_o superstition_n how_o ridiculous_a they_o may_v be_v and_o yet_o think_v themselves_o religious_a how_o prodigious_o they_o may_v play_v the_o fool_n and_o yet_o believe_v they_o please_v god_n what_o cruel_a and_o barbarous_a thing_n they_o may_v do_v to_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o yet_o be_v very_o persuade_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n and_o what_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o all_o this_o but_o that_o man_n be_v loath_a to_o do_v that_o without_o which_o nothing_o else_o that_o we_o do_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n they_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o for_o this_o reason_n they_o will_v be_v content_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o be_v put_v to_o the_o trouble_v of_o mend_v themselves_o every_o thing_n be_v easy_a in_o comparison_n of_o this_o task_n and_o god_n may_v have_v any_o term_n of_o they_o so_o he_o will_v let_v they_o be_v quiet_a in_o their_o sin_n and_o excuse_v they_o from_o the_o real_a virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o principal_o intend_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o course_n which_o god_n himself_o direct_v to_o and_o which_o will_v effectual_o pacify_v he_o 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 the_o handle_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v first_o consider_v those_o several_a duty_n which_o god_n here_o require_v of_o we_o and_o upon_o the_o performance_n of_o which_o he_o will_v be_v pacify_v towards_o we_o second_o by_o what_o way_n and_o mean_n god_n have_v discover_v these_o duty_n to_o we_o and_o the_o goodness_n of_o they_o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a etc._n etc._n i._o we_o will_v brief_o consider_v the_o several_a duty_n which_o god_n here_o require_v of_o we_o and_o upon_o the_o performance_n of_o which_o he_o will_v be_v pacify_v towards_o we_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 it_o be_v usual_a among_o the_o jew_n to_o reduce_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n to_o these_o three_o head_n justice_n mercy_n and_o piety_n under_o the_o first_o two_o comprehend_v the_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o one_o another_o and_o under_o the_o three_o the_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n 1._o justice_n and_o i_o be_v go_v to_o tell_v you_o what_o it_o be_v but_o i_o consider_v that_o every_o man_n know_v it_o as_o well_o as_o any_o definition_n can_v explain_v it_o to_o he_o i_o shall_v only_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a instance_n of_o it_o and_o the_o several_a virtue_n comprehend_v under_o it_o and_o first_o justice_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o make_n of_o law_n that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v equal_a and_o reasonable_a useful_a and_o beneficial_a for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o for_o the_o public_a good_a of_o humane_a society_n this_o be_v a_o great_a trust_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o which_o if_o man_n be_v bias_v by_o favour_n or_o interest_n and_o draw_v aside_o from_o the_o consideration_n and_o regard_n of_o the_o public_a good_a it_o be_v a_o far_o great_a crime_n and_o of_o worse_a consequence_n than_o any_o private_a act_n of_o injustice_n between_o man_n and_o man._n and_o then_o justice_n be_v also_o concern_v in_o the_o due_a execution_n of_o law_n which_o be_v the_o guard_n of_o private_a property_n the_o security_n of_o public_a peace_n and_o of_o religion_n and_o good_a manner_n and_o last_o in_o the_o observance_n of_o law_n and_o obedience_n to_o they_o which_o be_v a_o debt_n that_o every_o man_n owe_v to_o humane_a society_n but_o more_o especial_o justice_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o observance_n of_o those_o law_n whether_o of_o god_n or_o man_n which_o respect_v the_o right_n of_o man_n and_o their_o mutual_a commerce_n and_o intercourse_n with_o one_o another_o that_o we_o use_v honesty_n and_o integrity_n in_o all_o our_o deal_n in_o opposition_n to_o fraud_n and_o deceit_n truth_n and_o fidelity_n in_o opposition_n to_o falsehood_n and_o breach_n of_o trust_n equity_n and_o good_a conscience_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o kind_n of_o oppression_n and_o exaction_n these_o be_v the_o principal_a branch_n and_o instance_n of_o this_o great_a and_o comprehensive_a duty_n of_o justice_n the_o violation_n whereof_o be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a sin_n because_o this_o virtue_n be_v the_o firm_a bond_n of_o humane_a society_n upon_o the_o observation_n whereof_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n do_v so_o much_o depend_v 2._o mercy_n which_o do_v not_o only_o signify_v the_o inward_a affection_n of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n towards_o those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n and_o necessity_n but_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o the_o actual_a relief_n of_o those_o who_o condition_n call_v for_o our_o charitable_a help_n and_o assistance_n by_o feed_v the_o hungry_a and_o clothing_n the_o naked_a and_o visit_v the_o sick_a and_o vindicate_v the_o oppress_a and_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a and_o minister_a ease_n and_o relief_n to_o they_o if_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a lovely_a virtue_n and_o argue_v more_o goodness_n in_o man_n than_o mere_a justice_n
so_o with_o other_o nation_n neither_o have_v the_o heathen_a such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n law_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v very_o short_a and_o defective_a very_o weak_a and_o infectual_a to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o to_o raise_v man_n to_o that_o perfection_n of_o goodness_n of_o which_o humane_a nature_n through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v capable_a and_o therefore_o there_o want_v a_o more_o perfect_a institution_n to_o supply_v the_o defect_n and_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n even_o of_o that_o divine_a revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o real_o to_o effect_v and_o accomplish_v that_o which_o the_o jewish_a religion_n attempt_v and_o aim_v at_o and_o be_v but_o as_o i_o may_v say_v rude_o begin_v under_o that_o imperfect_a institution_n and_o this_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o christian_a religion_n reveal_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n have_v full_o effect_v as_o will_v evident_o appear_v by_o a_o particular_a survey_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o main_a defect_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o i_o shall_v show_v to_o be_v all_o perfect_o make_v up_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n in_o these_o follow_a particular_n first_o it_o be_v a_o great_a defect_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n that_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o it_o be_v mere_o external_a concern_v the_o purification_n of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o flesh_n and_o only_o figurative_a of_o that_o inward_a purity_n and_o real_a righteousness_n which_o render_v man_n true_o good_a and_o like_a to_o god_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o jewish_a institution_n be_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n call_v the_o law_n of_o a_o carnal_a commandment_n heb._n 7._o 16_o and_o ch._n 9_o 10_o be_v say_v to_o consist_v only_o that_o be_v chief_o in_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o divers_a wash_n and_o carnal_a ordinance_n impose_v on_o they_o until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n that_o be_v till_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v and_o give_v such_o law_n as_o shall_v real_o tend_v to_o reform_v the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o these_o law_n and_o ordinance_n be_v call_v poor_a pitiful_a element_n and_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n fit_v rather_o for_o child_n in_o understanding_n and_o goodness_n than_o to_o bring_v man_n to_o any_o maturity_n and_o perfection_n in_o goodness_n all_o their_o rite_n of_o purification_n do_v only_o sanctify_v to_o the_o purify_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o do_v not_o purge_v the_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n as_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n speak_v ch._n 9_o 13_o 14._o they_o can_v not_o make_v those_o that_o perform_v and_o observe_v they_o perfect_a as_o pertain_v to_o the_o conscience_n v_o 9_o that_o be_v these_o law_n have_v no_o effect_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o make_v they_o real_o better_a to_o cure_v they_o of_o their_o moral_a defect_n and_o impurity_n their_o sin_n and_o vice_n but_o the_o christian_a institution_n do_v perfect_o supply_v this_o defect_n by_o take_v we_o off_o from_o those_o carnal_a and_o external_n observance_n and_o principal_o require_v that_o we_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n by_o give_v we_o such_o law_n as_o whole_o tend_v to_o advance_v real_a and_o substantial_a goodness_n purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n such_o as_o main_o tend_v to_o reform_v the_o mind_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o to_o make_v we_o like_a to_o that_o holy_a and_o perfect_a be_v who_o we_o worship_v and_o beside_o a_o external_a humble_a and_o reverend_a demeanour_n of_o ourselves_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o which_o natural_a religion_n do_v likewise_o direct_a christianity_n have_v only_o institute_v two_o solemn_a external_n rite_n viz._n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n whereby_o we_o solemn_o oblige_v ourselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n i_o say_v only_o these_o two_o that_o by_o the_o multitude_n of_o external_a observance_n christian_n may_v not_o be_v take_v off_o from_o the_o mind_v of_o the_o real_a and_o substantial_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v extreme_o abate_v and_o weaken_v the_o force_n of_o christianity_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n by_o amuse_v they_o with_o external_n rite_n which_o they_o have_v multiply_v to_o that_o excessive_a degree_n as_o to_o make_v the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n real_o heavy_a than_o that_o of_o moses_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n a_o more_o external_a and_o carnal_a commandment_n than_o that_o of_o the_o law_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n have_v divert_v and_o take_v off_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o the_o main_a design_n of_o christianity_n insomuch_o that_o they_o be_v so_o employ_v and_o take_v up_o with_o matter_n of_o external_a ceremony_n that_o they_o have_v no_o leisure_n to_o think_v of_o be_v good_a man_n and_o to_o mind_v the_o great_a and_o substantial_a duty_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n so_o that_o they_o have_v spoil_v the_o christian_a religion_n of_o one_o of_o its_o chief_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n i_o mean_v the_o simplicity_n of_o its_o worship_n which_o they_o have_v now_o encumber_a with_o so_o many_o foolish_a and_o frivolous_a rite_n and_o observance_n as_o do_v not_o only_o render_v it_o more_o burdensome_a but_o less_o apt_a to_o make_v man_n inward_o and_o substantial_o good_a than_o even_o judaisme_n itself_o this_o be_v so_o true_a and_o so_o visible_a that_o the_o wise_a and_o better_a sort_n of_o they_o have_v complain_v of_o it_o for_o several_a age_n and_o still_o do_v as_o much_o as_o they_o dare_v for_o fear_v of_o the_o inquisition_n or_o some_o other_o censure_n second_o another_o defect_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v that_o it_o do_v not_o give_v encouragement_n enough_o to_o repentance_n by_o declare_v and_o assure_v to_o we_o any_o certain_a way_n and_o method_n for_o the_o expiation_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n this_o the_o rite_n of_o all_o religion_n aim_v at_o and_o pretend_v to_o but_o be_v very_o ineffectual_a to_o that_o end_n the_o heathen_a sacrifice_n and_o all_o the_o cruel_a and_o barbarous_a rite_n belong_v to_o they_o do_v all_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o many_o way_n of_o appease_v the_o offend_a deity_n and_o of_o make_v atonement_n and_o expiation_n for_o sin_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v institute_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o make_v a_o external_a and_o legal_a expiation_n and_o to_o be_v type_n and_o shadow_n of_o a_o better_a and_o more_o perfect_a sacrifice_n which_o shall_v real_o expiate_v sin_n but_o even_o this_o be_v very_o dark_o and_o imperfect_o discover_v to_o they_o beside_o that_o the_o expiation_n of_o the_o law_n do_v only_o extend_v to_o the_o least_o sort_n of_o sin_n those_o of_o ignorance_n and_o inadvertency_n but_o not_o at_o all_o to_o presumptuous_a sin_n and_o such_o as_o be_v commit_v with_o a_o high_a hand_n not_o to_o wilful_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n except_o in_o some_o very_a few_o and_o rare_a case_n particular_o mention_v in_o the_o law_n so_o that_o though_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o religious_a rite_n both_o of_o the_o pagan_a and_o jewish_a religion_n aim_v at_o the_o expiation_n of_o sin_n yet_o be_v they_o real_o ineffectual_a to_o that_o end_n and_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n mankind_n though_o they_o conceive_v good_a hope_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n in_o case_n of_o repentance_n who_o can_v tell_v if_o god_n will_v turn_v and_o repent_v and_o turn_v away_o from_o his_o anger_n yet_o they_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o any_o certain_a and_o effectual_a mean_n to_o that_o purpose_n it_o remain_v then_o that_o this_o great_a blessing_n of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v never_o sufficient_o declare_v and_o assure_v to_o mankind_n but_o through_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n so_o st._n paul_n express_o assert_n act_n 13._o 38_o 39_o be_v it_o know_v unto_o you_o therefore_o man_n and_o brethren_n that_o through_o this_o man_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o by_o he_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v justify_v from_o all_o thing_n from_o which_o you_o can_v not_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o gospel_n have_v provide_v a_o expiation_n for_o all_o sin_n in_o general_a and_o that_o by_o a_o sacrifice_n of_o inestimable_a value_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o repentance_n and_o one_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o reclaim_v man_n from_o their_o sin_n to_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o be_v indemnify_v for_o what_o be_v past_a and_o this_o the_o apostle_n mean_v when_o he_o say_v gal._n 3._o 13._o that_o
any_o thing_n want_v on_o god_n part_n but_o on_o they_o as_o those_o know_a text_n wherein_o our_o saviour_n lament_v the_o case_n of_o jerusalem_n because_o they_o obstinate_o bring_v destruction_n upon_o themselves_o luke_n 19_o 42._o if_o thou_o have_v know_v in_o this_o thy_o day_n the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o thy_o peace_n intimate_v that_o they_o may_v have_v know_v they_o so_o as_o to_o have_v prevent_v that_o desolation_n which_o be_v come_v upon_o they_o and_o be_v a_o forerunner_n of_o their_o eternal_a ruin_n but_o now_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o thy_o eye_n intimate_v that_o then_o god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o blindness_n and_o obstinacy_n but_o the_o time_n be_v when_o they_o may_v have_v know_v the_o thing_n of_o their_o peace_n which_o can_v be_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o irresistible_a act_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o their_o conversion_n and_o repentance_n because_o then_o without_o that_o they_o can_v not_o have_v repent_v and_o if_o that_o have_v be_v afford_v to_o they_o they_o have_v infallible_o repent_v so_o likewise_o in_o that_o other_o text_n matth._n 23._o 37._o oh_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thou_o even_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n and_o you_o will_v not_o and_o in_o john_n 5._o 40._o you_o will_v not_o come_v unto_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n he_o will_v have_v gather_v they_o and_o they_o will_v not_o he_o will_v have_v give_v they_o life_n but_o they_o will_v not_o come_v to_o he_o be_v these_o serious_a and_o compassionate_a expostulation_n and_o declaration_n of_o our_o saviour_n gracious_a intention_n towards_o they_o any_o way_n consistent_a with_o a_o impossibility_n of_o their_o repentance_n which_o yet_o must_v be_v say_v if_o irresistible_a grace_n be_v necessary_a thereto_o for_o then_o repentance_n be_v impossible_a without_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o afford_v to_o they_o be_v plain_a because_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o that_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o god_n ezek._n 33._o 11._o as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o that_o the_o wicked_a turn_n from_o his_o way_n and_o â—ive_a can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o sinner_n and_o yet_o be_v true_a that_o he_o deny_v to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o repentance_n upon_o this_o supposition_n how_o can_v it_o be_v true_a that_o if_o the_o mighty_a work_n that_o be_v do_v in_o chorazin_n and_o bethsaida_n have_v be_v do_v in_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n they_o will_v have_v repent_v matth._n 11._o 21._o since_o irresistible_a grace_n do_v not_o accompany_v those_o miracle_n for_o if_o it_o have_v chorazin_n and_o bethsaida_n have_v repent_v and_o without_o it_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n can_v not_o repent_v the_o same_o difficulty_n be_v in_o those_o text_n wherein_o god_n be_v represent_v as_o expect_v the_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n and_o our_o saviour_n wonder_v at_o their_o unbelief_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o upbraid_v they_o with_o it_o isa_n 5._o 4._o what_o can_v i_o have_v do_v more_o to_o my_o vineyard_n that_o i_o have_v not_o do_v in_o it_o wherefore_o when_o i_o look_v that_o it_o shall_v bring_v forth_o grape_n bring_v it_o forth_o wild_a grape_n mark_v 6._o 6._o it_o be_v say_v our_o saviour_n marvel_v at_o the_o unbelief_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o chap._n 16._o 14._o that_o he_o upbraid_v his_o disciple_n with_o their_o unbelief_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n but_o why_o shall_v the_o repentance_n of_o sinner_n be_v expect_v or_o their_o unbelief_n marvel_v at_o or_o indeed_o be_v upbraid_v to_o they_o by_o he_o who_o know_v it_o impossible_a to_o they_o without_o a_o irresistible_a power_n and_o grace_n which_o he_o know_v likewise_o be_v not_o afford_v to_o they_o neither_o god_n nor_o man_n have_v reason_n to_o wonder_v â—hat_n any_o man_n do_v not_o do_v that_o which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o certain_o know_v he_o can_v do_v the_o bottom_n of_o all_o that_o be_v say_v to_o avoid_v this_o press_a difficulty_n be_v this_o that_o this_o impotency_n and_o disability_n of_o sinner_n be_v their_o sin_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v plead_v in_o their_o excuse_n for_o their_o impenitency_n but_o god_n may_v still_o just_o require_v that_o of_o they_o which_o they_o have_v once_o a_o natural_a power_n to_o do_v but_o wilful_o forfeit_v and_o lose_v it_o they_o have_v this_o power_n in_o adam_n and_o forfeit_v it_o by_o his_o disobedience_n to_o show_v how_o slight_a this_o evasion_n be_v i_o need_v not_o run_v into_o that_o argument_n how_o far_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n that_o by_o that_o first_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n all_o mankind_n suffer_v and_o our_o nature_n be_v extreme_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_a can_v be_v deny_v but_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v a_o thing_n very_o different_a from_o personal_a guilt_n strict_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v i_o will_v take_v the_o business_n much_o short_a and_o grant_v that_o mankind_n have_v in_o adam_n a_o natural_a power_n to_o have_v continue_v obedient_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n yet_o since_o by_o one_o man_n sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n and_o all_o be_v now_o sinner_n here_o be_v a_o obligation_n to_o repentance_n as_o well_o as_o to_o obedience_n and_o man_n shall_v be_v condemn_v for_o their_o impenitency_n i_o ask_v now_o whether_o in_o adam_n we_o have_v a_o power_n to_o repent_v it_o be_v certain_a adam_n have_v not_o this_o power_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v see_v how_o we_o can_v lose_v it_o and_o forfeit_v it_o in_o he_o adam_n indeed_o have_v a_o natural_a power_n not_o to_o have_v sin_v and_o so_o not_o to_o have_v need_v repentance_n but_o no_o power_n to_o repent_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n because_o in_o that_o state_n repentance_n be_v impossible_a because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o occasion_n for_o it_o he_o have_v it_o not_o after_o his_o fall_n because_o by_o that_o he_o forfeit_v all_o his_o power_n to_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_o good_a it_o be_v say_v indeed_o he_o have_v it_o in_o innocency_n but_o forfeit_v it_o by_o his_o fall_n so_o that_o he_o have_v it_o when_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n or_o possibility_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o and_o lose_v it_o when_o there_o be_v occasion_n for_o it_o or_o if_o he_o do_v not_o lose_v it_o by_o his_o fall_n we_o have_v it_o still_o and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o supernatural_a much_o less_o irresistible_a grace_n to_o repentance_n so_o that_o our_o impotency_n as_o to_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o repentance_n can_v be_v charge_v upon_o we_o as_o our_o fault_n not_o so_o much_o as_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o original_a sin_n but_o the_o want_n of_o this_o power_n be_v the_o consequent_a and_o just_a punishment_n of_o our_o first_o transgression_n be_v it_o so_o but_o if_o this_o impotency_n still_o remain_v in_o all_o those_o to_o who_o god_n do_v not_o afford_v his_o irresistible_a grace_n how_o come_v the_o grace_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o aggravate_v the_o impenitency_n of_o man_n and_o increase_v their_o condemnation_n for_o if_o it_o be_v no_o remedy_n against_o this_o impotency_n how_o come_v it_o to_o inflame_v the_o guilt_n of_o impenitency_n or_o how_o be_v it_o grace_n to_o offer_v mercy_n to_o those_o upon_o their_o repentance_n who_o be_v out_o of_o a_o possibility_n of_o repent_v and_o yet_o to_o punish_v they_o more_o severe_o for_o their_o impenitency_n after_o this_o offer_n make_v to_o they_o which_o they_o can_v accept_v without_o that_o grace_n which_o god_n be_v resolve_v not_o to_o afford_v they_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n the_o great_a favour_n have_v be_v to_o have_v have_v no_o such_o offer_v make_v to_o they_o and_o it_o have_v be_v happy_a for_o mankind_n that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v not_o appear_v to_o all_o man_n but_o only_o to_o those_o who_o shall_v irresistible_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o second_o another_o doctrine_n ground_v upon_o this_o metaphor_n of_o a_o new_a creation_n be_v that_o we_o be_v mere_o passive_a in_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n and_o contribute_v nothing_o to_o it_o that_o god_n do_v all_o and_o we_o do_v nothing_o at_o all_o and_o this_o follow_v from_o the_o former_a especial_o if_o we_o allow_v the_o metaphor_n as_o far_o as_o it_o will_v carry_v we_o for_o as_o the_o first_o creation_n of_o thing_n be_v by_o a_o irresistible_a act_n of_o divine_a power_n so_o the_o thing_n that_o
and_o degeneracy_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o there_o be_v a_o real_a change_n make_v in_o they_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n grace_n upon_o their_o mind_n yet_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a in_o experience_n that_o this_o change_n be_v make_v in_o very_a many_o by_o very_o silent_a and_o insensible_a degree_n till_o at_o length_n the_o seed_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v plant_v in_o they_o by_o a_o good_a education_n do_v visible_o prevail_v over_o all_o the_o evil_a inclination_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n so_o as_o to_o sway_v and_o govern_v the_o action_n of_o their_o life_n and_o when_o the_o principle_n of_o grace_n and_o goodness_n do_v apparent_o prevail_v we_o may_v conclude_v they_o to_o be_v in_o a_o regenerate_v sâ—ate_n though_o perhaps_o very_a few_o of_o these_o can_v give_v any_o account_n of_o the_o particular_a time_n and_o occasion_n of_o this_o change_n for_o thing_n may_v be_v see_v in_o their_o effect_n which_o be_v never_o very_o sensible_a in_o their_o cause_n and_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a that_o such_o person_n who_o never_o live_v in_o any_o evil_a course_n shall_v escape_v those_o pang_n and_o terror_n which_o unavoidable_o happen_v unto_o other_o from_o a_o course_n of_o actual_a sin_n and_o the_o guilt_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o person_n as_o i_o have_v describe_v who_o be_v in_o this_o gradual_a and_o insensible_a manner_n regenerate_v and_o make_v good_a this_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o this_o change_n shall_v be_v in_o a_o instant_n it_o be_v so_o frequent_o find_v to_o be_v otherwise_o in_o experience_n and_o as_o for_o other_o who_o be_v visible_o reclaim_v from_o a_o notorious_a wicked_a course_n in_o these_o we_o likewise_o frequent_o see_v this_o change_n gradual_o make_v by_o strong_a impression_n make_v upon_o their_o mind_n most_o frequent_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n sometime_o by_o his_o providence_n whereby_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o their_o course_n and_o awaken_v to_o consideration_n and_o melt_v into_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n and_o perhaps_o exercise_v with_o great_a terror_n of_o conscience_n till_o at_o length_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n they_o come_v to_o a_o fix_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o forsake_v their_o sin_n and_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o after_o many_o struggle_n and_o conflict_n with_o their_o lust_n and_o the_o strong_a bias_n of_o evil_a habit_n this_o resolution_n assist_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v effectual_o prevail_v and_o make_v a_o real_a change_n both_o in_o the_o temper_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v and_o not_o before_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v regenerate_v but_o all_o the_o while_n this_o be_v a_o do_v the_o new_a man_n be_v form_v and_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n be_v go_v on_o and_o it_o be_v perhaps_o a_o very_a considerable_a time_n from_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o it_o till_o it_o come_v to_o a_o fix_a and_o settle_a state_n and_o this_o i_o doubt_v not_o in_o experience_n of_o most_o person_n who_o be_v reclaim_v from_o a_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o usual_a and_o ordinary_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o their_o conversion_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o a_o instant_n which_o by_o so_o manifold_a experience_n be_v find_v to_o take_v up_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n and_o to_o be_v effect_v by_o degree_n and_o whereas_o some_o man_n be_v please_v to_o call_v all_o this_o the_o preparatory_a work_n to_o regeneration_n but_o not_o the_o regeneration_n itself_o this_o be_v a_o idle_a contention_n about_o word_n for_o if_o these_o preparation_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o goodness_n and_o a_o gradual_a tendency_n towards_o it_o than_o the_o work_n be_v begin_v by_o they_o and_o during_o the_o continuance_n of_o they_o be_v all_o the_o while_n a_o do_v and_o though_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o fix_v the_o point_n or_o instant_n when_o a_o man_n just_o arrive_v at_o this_o state_n and_o not_o before_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o sensible_a when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o it_o and_o this_o change_n when_o it_o be_v real_o make_v will_v soon_o discover_v itself_o by_o plain_a and_o sensible_a effect_n four_o and_o last_o all_o this_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o plain_a and_o constant_a tenor_n of_o scripture_n isa_n 1._o 16._o where_o the_o prophet_n exhort_v to_o this_o change_n he_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o gradual_a thing_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 that_o be_v break_v off_o evil_a and_o vicious_a habit_n and_o gain_v the_o contrary_a habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o some_o as_o far_a from_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n than_o other_o jer._n 13._o 23._o can_v the_o ethiopian_a change_n his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n then_o may_v you_o also_o do_v good_a that_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a plain_o declare_v the_o great_a difficulty_n equal_a almost_o to_o a_o natural_a impossibility_n of_o reclaim_v those_o to_o goodness_n who_o have_v be_v long_o habituate_v to_o a_o evil_a course_n and_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o some_o as_o near_a to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n than_o other_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n who_o say_v he_o have_v keep_v the_o command_n of_o god_n from_o his_o youth_n that_o he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o now_o if_o by_o a_o irresistible_a act_n of_o god_n power_n this_o change_n be_v make_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o can_v otherwise_o be_v make_v how_o be_v one_o man_n near_o to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o far_o from_o it_o than_o another_o if_o all_o that_o be_v make_v good_a must_v be_v make_v so_o in_o a_o instant_n or_o not_o at_o all_o than_o no_o man_n be_v near_o be_v make_v good_a than_o another_o for_o if_o he_o be_v near_o to_o it_o he_o may_v soon_o be_v make_v so_o but_o that_o can_v be_v if_o all_o must_v be_v make_v good_a in_o a_o instant_n for_o soon_o than_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v make_v so_o if_o the_o similitude_n of_o our_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o trespass_n be_v strict_o take_v no_o man_n be_v near_a a_o resurrection_n to_o a_o new_a life_n than_o another_o as_o he_o that_o die_v but_o a_o week_n ago_o be_v as_o far_o from_o be_v raise_v to_o life_n again_o as_o he_o that_o die_v a_o thousand_o year_n ago_o the_o resurrection_n of_o both_o require_v a_o omnipotent_a act_n and_o to_o that_o both_o be_v equal_o easy_a the_o two_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 13._o 31_o 33._o be_v by_o many_o interpreter_n understand_v of_o the_o gradual_a operation_n of_o grace_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o men._n that_o wherein_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v liken_v to_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n which_o be_v sow_v be_v the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n but_o by_o degree_n grow_v up_o to_o be_v the_o great_a of_o herb_n and_o to_o leaven_n which_o a_o woman_n take_v and_o hide_v in_o three_o measure_n of_o meal_n till_o the_o whole_a be_v leaven_v intimate_v the_o progress_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o by_o degree_n diffuse_v itself_o over_o the_o whole_a temper_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n into_o all_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n to_o be_v sure_a the_o parable_n of_o the_o seed_n which_o fall_v upon_o good_a ground_n do_v represent_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n accompany_v by_o his_o grace_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o that_o be_v say_v to_o spring_v up_o and_o increase_v and_o to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n with_o patience_n which_o sure_o do_v express_v to_o we_o the_o gradual_a operation_n of_o god_n word_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o renovation_n and_o change_n of_o a_o man_n heart_n and_o life_n the_o new_a testament_n indeed_o speak_v of_o the_o sudden_a change_n of_o many_o upon_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n which_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o be_v not_o a_o standard_n of_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n the_o not_o consider_v of_o which_o have_v be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o mistake_v in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v true_a those_o which_o be_v thus_o convert_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n their_o faith_n be_v a_o virtual_a principle_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n though_o not_o formal_o the_o habit_n of_o every_o particular_a grace_n st._n paul_n himself_o who_o be_v a_o prime_a instance_n of_o this_o kind_n speak_v as_o if_o he_o acquire_v
define_v and_o determine_v so_o that_o no_o man_n that_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n free_a from_o interest_n and_o prejudice_n can_v easy_o mistake_v in_o any_o great_a and_o material_a part_n of_o his_o duty_n we_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n plain_o reveal_v to_o we_o and_o such_o a_o character_n of_o he_o give_v as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o our_o natural_a conception_n of_o a_o deity_n as_o render_v he_o both_o awful_a and_o amiable_a for_o the_o scripture_n represent_v he_o to_o we_o as_o great_a and_o good_a powerful_a and_o merciful_a a_o perfect_a hater_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o great_a lover_n of_o mankind_n and_o we_o have_v the_o law_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o worship_n so_o far_o as_o be_v needful_a and_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n clear_o express_v and_o lay_v down_o and_o as_o a_o powerful_a motive_n and_o argument_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o those_o law_n a_o plain_a discovery_n make_v to_o we_o of_o the_o endless_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o mighty_a advantage_n to_o the_o do_v of_o god_n will_n to_o have_v it_o so_o plain_o declare_v to_o we_o and_o so_o powerful_o enforce_v upon_o we_o so_o that_o our_o duty_n lie_v plain_o before_o we_o we_o see_v what_o we_o have_v to_o do_v and_o the_o danger_n of_o neglect_v it_o so_o that_o consider_v the_o advantage_n we_o have_v of_o do_v god_n will_n by_o our_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o it_o we_o be_v altogether_o inexcusable_a if_o we_o do_v it_o not_o second_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n will_n be_v likewise_o a_o great_a obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o the_o do_v of_o it_o for_o what_o ought_v in_o reason_n to_o oblige_v we_o more_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n than_o to_o be_v full_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o the_o great_a sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v or_o to_o destroy_v that_o it_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o he_o that_o make_v we_o and_o who_o have_v declare_v that_o he_o design_n to_o make_v we_o happy_a by_o our_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n so_o that_o if_o we_o know_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o have_v the_o great_a obligation_n to_o do_v they_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n or_o our_o own_o interest_n and_o if_o we_o neglect_v they_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v in_o our_o own_o excuse_n we_o know_v the_o law_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o keep_v it_o and_o the_o penalty_n of_o break_v it_o and_o if_o after_o this_o we_o will_v transgress_v there_o be_v no_o apology_n to_o be_v make_v for_o we_o they_o have_v something_o to_o plead_v for_o themselves_o who_o can_v say_v that_o though_o they_o have_v some_o apprehension_n of_o some_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o their_o mind_n be_v apt_a to_o dictate_v to_o they_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v some_o thing_n yet_o the_o different_a apprehension_n of_o mankind_n about_o several_a of_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n concern_v they_o make_v they_o easy_a to_o be_v carry_v off_o from_o their_o duty_n by_o the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o the_o tyranny_n of_o custom_n and_o example_n and_o the_o pleasant_a temptation_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o have_v they_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a revelation_n from_o god_n and_o have_v certain_o know_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v his_o will_n this_o will_v have_v conquer_v and_o bear_v down_o all_o objection_n and_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_a or_o if_o it_o have_v not_o will_v have_v stop_v their_o mouth_n and_o take_v away_o all_o excuse_n from_o they_o there_o be_v some_o colour_n in_o this_o plea_n that_o in_o many_o case_n they_o do_v not_o know_v certain_o what_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v but_o for_o we_o who_o own_o a_o clear_a revelation_n from_o god_n and_o profess_v to_o believe_v it_o what_o can_v we_o say_v for_o ourselves_o to_o mitigate_v the_o severity_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o why_o he_o shall_v not_o pour_v forth_o all_o his_o wrath_n and_o execute_v upon_o we_o the_o fierceness_n of_o his_o anger_n three_o the_o neglect_n of_o god_n will_n when_o we_o know_v it_o can_v be_v without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o wilfulness_n and_o contempt_n if_o we_o know_v it_o and_o do_v it_o not_o the_o fault_n be_v sole_o in_o our_o will_n and_o the_o more_o wilful_a any_o sin_n be_v the_o more_o heinous_o wicked_a be_v it_o there_o can_v hardly_o be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o a_o crime_n than_o if_o it_o proceed_v from_o mere_a obstinacy_n and_o perverseness_n and_o if_o we_o know_v it_o to_o be_v our_o lord_n will_n and_o do_v it_o not_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o high_a contempt_n of_o the_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o world_n and_o do_v we_o think_v this_o to_o be_v but_o a_o small_a aggravation_n to_o affront_v the_o great_a sovereign_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n not_o only_o to_o break_v his_o law_n but_o to_o trample_v upon_o they_o and_o despise_v they_o when_o we_o know_v who_o law_n they_o be_v will_v we_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n be_v we_o strong_a than_o he_o we_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v god_n who_o say_v thou_o shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n thou_o shall_v not_o steal_v thou_o shall_v not_o bear_v false_a witness_n against_o thy_o neighbour_n thou_o shall_v not_o hate_v or_o oppress_v or_o defraud_v thy_o brother_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o and_o will_v we_o notwithstanding_o venture_v to_o break_v these_o law_n know_v who_o authority_n they_o be_v stamp_v withal_o after_o this_o contempt_n of_o he_o what_o favour_n can_v we_o hope_v for_o from_o he_o what_o can_v we_o say_v for_o ourselves_o why_o any_o one_o of_o those_o many_o stripe_n which_o be_v threaten_v shall_v be_v abate_v to_o we_o ignosci_fw-la aliquatenus_fw-la ignorantiae_fw-la potest_fw-la contemptus_fw-la veniam_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la something_n may_v be_v pardon_v to_o ignorance_n but_o contempt_n can_v expect_v no_o forgiveness_n he_o that_o strike_v his_o prince_n not_o know_v he_o to_o be_v so_o have_v something_o to_o say_v for_o himself_o that_o though_o he_o do_v a_o disloyal_a act_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o a_o disloyal_a mind_n but_o he_o that_o first_o acknowledge_v he_o for_o his_o prince_n and_o then_o affront_v he_o deserve_v to_o be_v prosecute_v with_o the_o utmost_a severity_n because_o he_o do_v it_o wilful_o and_o in_o mere_a contempt_n the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o we_o go_v against_o take_v away_o all_o possible_a excuse_n from_o we_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v why_o we_o shall_v offend_v he_o who_o have_v both_o authority_n to_o command_v we_o and_o power_n to_o destroy_v we_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v represent_v to_o you_o the_o true_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o aggravation_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v commit_v against_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n and_o our_o duty_n because_o this_o knowledge_n be_v so_o great_a a_o advantage_n to_o the_o do_v of_o our_o duty_n so_o great_a a_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o it_o and_o because_o the_o neglect_n of_o our_o lord_n will_n in_o this_o case_n can_v be_v without_o great_a wilfulness_n and_o a_o downright_a contempt_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o shall_v i_o now_o need_v to_o tell_v you_o how_o much_o it_o concern_v every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o live_v up_o to_o that_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v of_o our_o lord_n will_n and_o to_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o do_v according_a to_o it_o to_o be_v always_o in_o a_o readiness_n and_o disposition_n to_o do_v what_o we_o know_v to_o be_v his_o will_n and_o actual_o to_o do_v it_o when_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o opportunity_n and_o it_o concern_v we_o the_o more_o because_o we_o in_o this_o age_n and_o nation_n have_v so_o many_o advantage_n above_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n we_o enjoy_v the_o clear_a and_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n which_o god_n ever_o make_v of_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n and_o have_v the_o light_n of_o divine_a truth_n plentiful_o shed_v among_o we_o by_o the_o free_a use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v not_o a_o seal_a book_n to_o we_o but_o lie_v open_a to_o be_v read_v and_o study_v by_o we_o this_o spiritual_a food_n be_v rain_v down_o like_o manna_n round_o about_o our_o tent_n and_o every_o one_o may_v gather_v so_o much_o as_o be_v sufficient_a we_o be_v not_o stint_v nor_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n give_v out_o to_o
we_o in_o break_a piece_n or_o mix_v and_o adulterate_v here_o a_o lesson_n of_o scripture_n and_o there_o a_o legend_n but_o whole_a and_o entire_a sincere_a and_o uncorrupt_a god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o as_o he_o do_v the_o heathen_a for_o many_o age_n to_o the_o imperfect_a and_o uncertain_a direction_n of_o natural_a light_n nor_o have_v he_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o we_o as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o dark_a type_n and_o shadow_n but_o have_v make_v a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o we_o the_o dispensation_n which_o we_o be_v under_o have_v no_o vail_n upon_o it_o the_o darkness_n be_v past_a and_o the_o true_a light_n now_o shine_v we_o be_v of_o the_o day_n and_o of_o the_o light_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v just_o be_v expect_v that_o we_o shall_v put_v off_o the_o work_v of_o darkness_n and_o walk_v as_o child_n of_o the_o light_n every_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v be_v a_o aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n commit_v against_o it_o and_o when_o our_o lord_n come_v to_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o we_o will_v add_v to_o the_o number_n of_o our_o stripe_n nay_o if_o god_n shall_v inflict_v no_o positive_a torment_n upon_o sinner_n yet_o their_o own_o mind_n will_v deal_v most_o severe_o with_o they_o upon_o this_o account_n and_o nothing_o will_v gall_v their_o conscience_n more_o than_o to_o remember_v against_o what_o light_n they_o do_v offend_v for_o herein_o lie_v the_o very_a nature_n and_o sting_n of_o all_o guilt_n to_o be_v conscious_a to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o know_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v and_o do_v it_o not_o the_o vice_n and_o corruption_n which_o reign_v in_o the_o world_n before_o will_v be_v pardonable_a in_o comparison_n of_o we_o the_o time_n of_o that_o ignorance_n god_n wink_v at_o but_o now_o he_o command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v mankind_n have_v some_o excuse_n for_o their_o error_n before_o and_o god_n be_v please_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o overlook_v they_o but_o if_o we_o continue_v still_o in_o our_o sin_n we_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o they_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o light_n which_o we_o enjoy_v be_v so_o many_o talent_n commit_v to_o we_o by_o our_o lord_n for_o the_o improve_n whereof_o he_o will_v call_v we_o to_o a_o strict_a account_n for_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o much_o shall_v be_v require_v and_o to_o who_o he_o have_v commit_v much_o of_o he_o he_o will_v ask_v the_o more_o and_o nothing_o be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o man_n shall_v account_v for_o all_o the_o advantage_n and_o opportunity_n they_o have_v have_v of_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o as_o their_o knowledge_n be_v increase_v so_o their_o sorrow_n and_o punishment_n shall_v proportionable_o rise_v if_o they_o sin_n against_o it_o the_o ignorance_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v deserve_o pity_v and_o lament_v by_o we_o but_o the_o condemnation_n of_o none_o be_v so_o sad_a as_o of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n neglect_v to_o do_v it_o how_o much_o better_a have_v it_o be_v for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v kuow_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o if_o we_o have_v be_v bear_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o will_n we_o have_v have_v no_o sin_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o now_o we_o have_v but_o now_o that_o we_o see_v our_o sin_n remain_v this_o will_v aggravate_v our_o condemnation_n beyond_o measure_n that_o we_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o salvation_n so_o clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o our_o duty_n lie_v plain_o before_o we_o we_o know_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n we_o believe_v the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o judgement_n and_o we_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o he_o may_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n not_o only_o to_o take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n but_o on_o they_o that_o have_v know_v he_o and_o yet_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n and_o if_o all_o this_o will_v not_o move_v we_o to_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o do_v our_o lord_n will_n we_o deserve_v to_o have_v our_o stripe_n multiply_v no_o condemnation_n can_v be_v too_o heavy_a for_o those_o who_o offend_v against_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n and_o their_o duty_n let_v we_o then_o be_v persuade_v to_o set_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o we_o know_v let_v the_o light_n which_o be_v in_o our_o understanding_n descend_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n let_v we_o not_o dare_v to_o continue_v any_o long_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n nor_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v convince_v be_v our_o duty_n and_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o neither_o for_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n nor_o for_o rebel_a against_o the_o light_n of_o god_n truth_n shine_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o glare_v upon_o our_o conscience_n then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n but_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n sermon_n fourteen_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n not_o chargeable_a upon_o god_n but_o upon_o themselves_o james_n i._n 13_o 14._o let_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man_n but_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v next_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o fundamental_o necessary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o good_a life_n than_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o two_o principle_n that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o every_o man_n sin_n lie_v at_o his_o own_o door_n and_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o blame_v himself_o for_o all_o the_o evil_a that_o he_o do_v first_o that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o sin_n that_o he_o be_v no_o way_n accessary_a to_o our_o fault_n either_o by_o tempt_v or_o force_v we_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o they_o for_o if_o he_o be_v they_o will_v neither_o proper_o be_v sin_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v just_o punish_v they_o will_v not_o proper_o be_v sin_n for_o sin_n be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o suppose_v man_n to_o be_v either_o tempt_v or_o necessitate_v thereto_o that_o which_o we_o call_v sin_n will_v either_o be_v a_o mere_a passive_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o a_o active_a compliance_n with_o it_o but_o neither_o way_n a_o contradiction_n to_o it_o nor_o can_v these_o action_n be_v just_o punish_v for_o all_o punishment_n suppose_v a_o fault_n and_o a_o fault_n suppose_v liberty_n and_o freedom_n from_o force_n and_o necessity_n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v just_o punish_v for_o that_o which_o he_o can_v help_v and_o no_o man_n can_v help_v that_o which_o he_o be_v necessitate_v and_o compel_v to_o and_o though_o there_o be_v no_o force_n in_o the_o case_n but_o only_a temptation_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a for_o the_o same_o person_n to_o tempt_v and_o punish_v for_o as_o nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n than_o to_o tempt_v man_n to_o sin_n so_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o against_o justice_n and_o goodness_n than_o first_o to_o draw_v man_n into_o a_o fault_n and_o then_o to_o chastise_v they_o for_o it_o so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o principle_n which_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o religion_n that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o men._n and_o then_o second_o that_o every_o man_n fault_n lie_v at_o his_o own_o door_n and_o he_o have_v reason_n enough_o to_o blame_v himself_o for_o all_o the_o evil_a that_o he_o do_v and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v man_n proper_o guilty_a that_o when_o they_o have_v do_v amiss_o they_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o it_o be_v their_o own_o act_n and_o they_o may_v have_v do_v otherwise_o and_o guilt_n be_v that_o which_o make_v man_n liable_a to_o punishment_n and_o fear_v of_o punishment_n be_v the_o great_a restraint_n from_o sin_n and_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a argument_n for_o virtue_n and_o obedience_n and_o both_o these_o principle_n our_o apostle_n st._n james_n do_v here_o full_o assert_v in_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v read_v unto_o you_o lâ—t_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n for_o
other_o as_o above_o any_o occasion_n of_o be_v contemn_v by_o they_o he_o grudge_v no_o man_n happiness_n and_o therefore_o can_v tempt_v man_n to_o sin_n out_o of_o a_o desire_n to_o see_v they_o miserable_a so_o that_o none_o of_o those_o consideration_n which_o move_v the_o devil_n to_o tempt_v man_n to_o sin_n and_o evil_a man_n to_o tempt_v one_o another_o to_o do_v wicked_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o have_v any_o place_n in_o god_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v the_o force_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n that_o because_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v to_o evil_a therefore_o he_o can_v tempt_v no_o man._n none_o tempt_v other_o to_o be_v bad_a but_o those_o who_o be_v first_o so_o themsemselves_fw-mi i_o shall_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n consider_v the_o nature_n and_o kind_a of_o the_o argument_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o use_v let_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man._n he_o do_v not_o reject_v this_o impious_a proposition_n bare_o upon_o his_o own_o authority_n but_o he_o argue_v against_o it_o from_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o therein_o appeal_v to_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o mankind_n concern_v god_n we_o may_v very_o well_o have_v rest_v in_o his_o authority_n be_v a_o apostle_n commissioned_n by_o our_o saviour_n and_o extraordinary_o assist_v and_o witness_v to_o by_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wherewith_o he_o be_v endow_v but_o he_o condescend_v to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o what_o he_o say_v and_o appeal_v to_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o mankind_n for_o all_o man_n will_v ready_o agree_v to_o this_o that_o god_n have_v all_o imaginable_a perfection_n but_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a imperfection_n to_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v tempt_v to_o evil_a and_o therefore_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v to_o evil._n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v tempt_v other_o to_o it_o for_o none_o can_v have_v either_o a_o inclination_n or_o interest_n to_o seduce_v other_o to_o evil_a but_o those_o who_o have_v be_v first_o seduce_v to_o it_o themselves_o now_o in_o this_o method_n of_o argue_v the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o one_o of_o the_o sure_a way_n of_o reason_v in_o religion_n namely_o from_o the_o natural_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n so_o that_o all_o doctrine_n plain_o contrary_a to_o those_o natural_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v what_o authority_n soever_o they_o pretend_v to_o whatever_o plain_o derogate_v from_o the_o goodness_n or_o justice_n of_o god_n or_o any_o other_o of_o his_o perfection_n be_v certain_o false_a what_o authority_n soever_o it_o may_v claim_v from_o the_o judgement_n of_o learned_a and_o pious_a man_n yea_o though_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v countenance_v from_o the_o text_n and_o expression_n of_o holy_a scripture_n because_o nothing_o can_v be_v entertain_v as_o a_o divine_a revelation_n which_o plain_o contradict_v the_o common_a natural_a notion_n which_o mankind_n have_v of_o god_n for_o all_o reason_v about_o divine_a revelation_n and_o whether_o that_o which_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o be_v real_o so_o or_o not_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o those_o natural_a notion_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n shall_v teach_v man_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o that_o he_o be_v not_o wiâ—e_v and_o good_a and_o just_o and_o powerful_a this_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o reject_v it_o how_o confident_a soever_o the_o pretence_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v upon_o good_a ground_n in_o reason_n receive_v for_o a_o divine_a revelation_n as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v among_o christian_n no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v regard_v who_o from_o thence_o pretend_v to_o maintain_v any_o doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o natural_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n such_o as_o clear_o contradict_v his_o holiness_n or_o goodness_n or_o justice_n or_o do_v by_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a consequence_n make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n or_o the_o like_a because_o the_o very_a attempt_n to_o prove_v any_o such_o thing_n out_o of_o scripture_n do_v strike_v at_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o those_o book_n for_o if_o they_o be_v from_o god_n it_o be_v certain_a they_o can_v contain_v no_o such_o thing_n so_o that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v seduce_v into_o any_o such_o opinion_n upon_o pretence_n that_o there_o be_v expression_n in_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o countenance_v they_o for_o if_o they_o real_o do_v so_o the_o consequence_n will_v not_o be_v the_o confirm_v of_o such_o opinion_n but_o the_o weaken_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o for_o just_a so_o many_o argument_n as_o any_o man_n can_v draw_v from_o scripture_n for_o any_o such_o opinion_n so_o many_o weapon_n he_o put_v into_o the_o hanâ—s_n of_o atheist_n against_o the_o scripture_n itself_o i_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o as_o if_o i_o think_v there_o be_v any_o ground_n from_o scripture_n for_o any_o such_o doctrine_n i_o be_o very_o certain_a there_o be_v not_o and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o particular_a expression_n which_o to_o prejudice_v man_n may_v seem_v to_o import_v any_o such_o thing_n every_o man_n ought_v to_o govern_v himself_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o such_o passage_n by_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o plain_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o to_o those_o natural_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o perfection_n for_o when_o all_o be_v do_v this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sure_a way_n of_o reason_v in_o religion_n and_o whoever_o guide_v himself_o and_o steer_v by_o this_o compass_n can_v never_o err_v much_o but_o whoever_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o the_o appearance_n of_o some_o more_o obscure_a phrase_n in_o the_o expression_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o gloss_n of_o man_n upon_o they_o without_o regard_n to_o this_o rule_n may_v run_v into_o the_o great_a delusion_n may_v wander_v eternal_o and_o lose_v himself_o in_o one_o mistake_v after_o another_o and_o shall_v never_o find_v his_o way_n out_o of_o this_o endless_a labyrinth_n but_o by_o this_o clue_n if_o st._n james_n have_v not_o be_v a_o apostle_n the_o argument_n which_o he_o use_v will_v have_v convince_v any_o reasonable_a man_n that_o god_n tempt_v no_o man_n to_o sin_n because_o he_o can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a himself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v he_o shall_v tempt_v any_o man._n for_o he_o argue_v from_o such_o a_o principle_n as_o all_o mankind_n will_v at_o first_o hear_v assent_n to_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n assert_v by_o the_o apostle_n here_o in_o the_o text_n that_o god_n tempt_v no_o man_n to_o sin_n let_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v of_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man._n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o assertion_n that_o every_o man_n be_v his_o own_o great_a tempter_n i_o shall_v draw_v some_o useful_a inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o deliver_v but_o i_o reserve_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o to_o the_o next_o opportunity_n sermon_n xv._n the_o sin_n of_o man_n not_o chargeable_a upon_o god_n but_o upon_o themselves_o james_n i._n 13_o 14._o let_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man_n but_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v when_o i_o make_v entrance_n upon_o these_o word_n i_o tell_v you_o that_o next_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n nothing_o be_v more_o fundamental_o necessary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o good_a life_n than_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o two_o principle_n that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o that_o every_o man_n fault_n lie_v at_o his_o own_o door_n and_o both_o these_o principle_n st._n james_n do_v clear_o and_o full_o assert_v in_o these_o word_n first_o god_n tempt_v no_o man_n to_o sin_n second_o every_o man_n be_v his_o own_o great_a tempter_n the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o have_v large_o speak_v to_o in_o my_o former_a discourse_n and_o from_o what_o i_o then_o say_v i_o shall_v only_o draw_v a_o few_o useful_a inference_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o viz._n these_o which_o follow_v first_o let_v we_o beware_v of_o all_o such_o doctrine_n as_o do_v any_o way_n tend_v to_o
make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n either_o by_o lay_v a_o necessity_n upon_o man_n of_o sin_v or_o by_o lay_v secret_a design_n to_o tempt_v and_o seduce_v man_n to_o sin_n nothing_o can_v be_v far_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n than_o to_o do_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o dishonourable_a to_o he_o than_o to_o imagine_v any_o such_o thing_n of_o he_o he_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v evil_a and_o can_v we_o think_v that_o he_o who_o can_v endure_v to_o see_v it_o shall_v have_v any_o hand_n in_o it_o we_o find_v that_o the_o holy_a man_n in_o scripture_n be_v very_o careful_a to_o remove_v all_o thought_n and_o suspicion_n of_o this_o from_o god_n elihu_n job_n 36._o 3._o before_o he_o will_v argue_v about_o god_n providence_n with_o job_n he_o resolve_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o attribute_v nothing_o to_o god_n that_o be_v unworthy_a of_o he_o i_o will_v say_v he_o ascribe_v righteousness_n to_o my_o maker_n so_o likewise_o st._n paul_n rom._n 7._o 7._o what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o be_v the_o law_n sin_n god_n forbid_v be_v the_o law_n sin_n that_o be_v have_v god_n give_v man_n a_o law_n to_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v draw_v they_o into_o sin_n far_o be_v it_o from_o he_o gal._n 2._o 17._o be_v christ_n the_o minister_n of_o sin_n god_n â—orbid_v you_o see_v then_o how_o tender_a good_a man_n have_v always_o be_v of_o ascribe_v any_o thing_n to_o god_n that_o may_v seem_v to_o render_v he_o the_o author_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o all_o doctrine_n that_o be_v of_o this_o tendency_n such_o as_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o absolute_a and_o irrespective_a decree_n to_o damn_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o and_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o it_o efficacious_o to_o permit_v man_n to_o sin_n for_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a that_o god_n have_v absolute_o decree_v to_o damn_v the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n and_o to_o make_v good_a this_o decree_n he_o permit_v they_o to_o sin_n not_o by_o a_o bare_a permission_n of_o leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o but_o by_o such_o a_o permission_n as_o shall_v be_v efficacious_a that_o be_v he_o will_v so_o permit_v they_o to_o sin_n as_o they_o can_v avoâ—d_v it_o then_o those_o who_o be_v under_o this_o decree_n of_o god_n be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v which_o necessity_n since_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o themselves_o but_o from_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n do_v by_o consequence_n make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n and_o then_o that_o other_o doctrine_n which_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o this_o that_o god_n do_v by_o a_o physical_a and_o natural_a influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o man_n determine_v they_o to_o every_o action_n that_o they_o do_v to_o bad_a action_n as_o well_o as_o good_a i_o know_v they_o who_o say_v so_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n only_o determine_v man_n to_o the_o action_n but_o not_o to_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o for_o instance_n when_o cain_n kill_v his_o brother_n god_n determine_v he_o they_o say_v to_o the_o natural_a action_n of_o take_v away_o a_o man_n life_n which_o in_o many_o case_n may_v be_v do_v without_o sin_n very_o true_a but_o if_o in_o these_o circumstance_n the_o natural_a action_n can_v not_o be_v do_v without_o commit_v the_o sin_n he_o that_o determine_v he_o to_o the_o natural_a action_n determine_v he_o likewise_o to_o the_o sin_n i_o be_o far_o from_o any_o thought_n that_o those_o that_o maintain_v these_o doctrine_n have_v any_o intention_n to_o make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n but_o if_o this_o be_v the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o these_o doctrine_n there_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o reject_v they_o how_o innocent_a soever_o the_o intention_n be_v of_o those_o who_o maintain_v they_o second_o let_v not_o we_o tempt_v any_o man_n to_o sin_n all_o piety_n pretend_v to_o be_v a_o imitation_n of_o god_n therefore_o let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o he_o in_o this_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o may_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a and_o therefore_o we_o be_v likely_a enough_o to_o tempt_v other_o but_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v so_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n to_o the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a be_v in_o the_o world_n god_n tempt_v no_o man_n nay_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n and_o employment_n of_o the_o devil_n it_o be_v his_o very_a trade_n and_o profession_n he_o go_v about_o seek_v who_o he_o may_v betray_v into_o sin_n and_o destruction_n to_o this_o end_n he_o walk_v up_o and_o down_o the_o earth_n wait_v all_o opportunity_n and_o advantage_n upon_o man_n to_o draw_v they_o into_o sin_n so_o that_o we_o be_v his_o factor_n and_o instrument_n whenever_o we_o tempt_v man_n to_o sin_n let_v those_o consider_v this_o who_o be_v so_o active_a and_o busy_a to_o seduce_v man_n into_o any_o kind_n of_o wickedness_n and_o to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o art_n of_o iniquity_n who_o tempt_v man_n into_o bad_a company_n and_o course_n and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o debauch_v a_o virtuous_a person_n and_o make_v it_o matter_n of_o great_a triumph_n to_o make_v a_o sober_a man_n drink_v as_o if_o it_o be_v so_o glorious_a a_o action_n to_o ruin_v a_o soul_n and_o destroy_v that_o which_o be_v more_o worth_a than_o the_o whole_a world_n whenever_o you_o go_v about_o this_o work_n remember_v who_o instrument_n you_o be_v and_o who_o work_n you_o do_v and_o what_o kind_n of_o work_n it_o be_v tempt_v other_o to_o sin_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v murder_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o devil_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o murderer_n from_o the_o beginning_n because_o he_o be_v a_o tempter_n whosoever_o commit_v sin_n be_v of_o the_o devil_n but_o whosoever_o tempt_v other_o to_o sin_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o devil_n himself_o three_o since_o god_n tempt_v no_o man_n let_v we_o not_o tempt_v he_o there_o be_v frequent_a mention_n in_o scripture_n of_o man_n tempt_a god_n i._n e._n try_v he_o as_o it_o be_v whether_o he_o will_v do_v any_o thing_n for_o their_o sake_n that_o be_v mis-becoming_a his_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n and_o faithfulness_n or_o any_o other_o of_o his_o perfection_n thus_o the_o israelite_n be_v say_v to_o have_v tempt_v god_n in_o the_o wilderness_n forty_o year_n together_o and_o in_o that_o space_n more_o remarkable_o ten_o time_n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o expression_n be_v that_o when_o god_n have_v promise_v abraham_n to_o bring_v his_o seed_n into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n that_o people_n by_o their_o great_a and_o repeat_v provocation_n of_o god_n do_v often_o provoke_v he_o to_o have_v destroy_v they_o and_o consequent_o to_o have_v fail_v of_o the_o promise_n which_o he_o make_v to_o the_o father_n the_o devil_n likewise_o tempt_v our_o saviour_n to_o tempt_v god_n by_o cast_v himself_o down_o from_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n in_o confidence_n that_o the_o angel_n will_v take_v care_n of_o he_o but_o our_o saviour_n answer_v he_o it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v not_o tempt_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n from_o which_o instance_n it_o appear_v that_o man_n be_v say_v to_o tempt_v god_n whenever_o they_o expect_v the_o protection_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o a_o unwarrantable_a way_n god_n have_v promise_v to_o take_v care_n of_o good_a man_n but_o if_o they_o neglect_v themselves_o or_o willing_o cast_v themselves_o into_o danger_n and_o expect_v his_o providence_n and_o protection_n they_o do_v not_o trust_v god_n but_o tempt_v he_o they_o try_v whether_o god_n providence_n will_v countenance_v their_o rashness_n and_o provide_v for_o they_o when_o they_o neglect_v themselves_o and_o protect_v they_o from_o those_o danger_n to_o which_o they_o wilful_o â—xposâ—_n themselves_o so_o likewise_o if_o we_o be_v negligent_a in_o our_o calling_n whereby_o we_o shall_v provide_v for_o our_o family_n if_o we_o lavish_a away_o that_o which_o we_o shall_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o and_o thâ—n_v depend_v upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o supply_v they_o and_o take_v care_n of_o they_o we_o tempt_v god_n to_o that_o which_o be_v unworthy_a of_o he_o which_o be_v to_o give_v approbation_n to_o our_o folly_n and_o to_o countenance_v our_o sloth_n and_o carelessness_n we_o can_v seduce_v god_n and_o draw_v he_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o misbecomes_a he_o but_o we_o tempt_v he_o in_o expect_v the_o care_n and_o protection_n of_o his_o providence_n when_o we_o wilful_o run_v ourselves_o into_o danger_n and_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o provide_v for_o our_o own_o safety_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o great_a principle_n contain_v in_o the_o text_n viz._n that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o
that_o our_o own_o age_n do_v not_o afford_v we_o too_o many_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o such_o forward_a and_o expert_a sinner_n as_o need_v no_o tempter_n either_o to_o instruct_v or_o excite_v they_o to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a now_o in_o this_o case_n the_o devil_n betake_v himself_o to_o other_o person_n and_o remove_v his_o snare_n and_o bait_n where_o he_o think_v there_o be_v more_o need_n and_o occasion_n for_o they_o so_o that_o we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o wickedness_n commit_v in_o the_o world_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v no_o immediate_a hand_n in_o though_o he_o always_o rejoice_v in_o it_o when_o it_o be_v do_v and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o reason_n to_o attribute_v all_o good_a to_o the_o motion_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n than_o to_o ascribe_v all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o devil_n because_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v more_o powerful_a and_o be_v always_o every_o where_o and_o be_v more_o intent_n upon_o his_o design_n and_o as_o forward_o to_o promote_v it_o as_o the_o devil_n can_v be_v to_o carry_v on_o his_o work_n nay_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o be_v more_o active_a to_o excite_v man_n to_o good_a than_o the_o devil_n can_v be_v to_o tempt_v they_o to_o evil._n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o good_a man_n do_v many_o good_a action_n of_o their_o own_o inclination_n without_o any_o special_a and_o immediate_a motion_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o be_v indeed_o at_o first_o regenerate_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v continual_o afterward_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n but_o where_o there_o be_v a_o new_a nature_n it_o be_v of_o itself_o inclinable_a to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o will_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n and_o do_v action_n answerable_a much_o less_o do_v i_o think_v that_o the_o devil_n tempt_v every_o man_n to_o all_o the_o evil_a that_o he_o do_v or_o the_o great_a part_n when_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n and_o the_o habit_n of_o vice_n be_v grow_v strong_a and_o confirm_v the_o devil_n may_v spare_v his_o temptation_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n for_o after_o wicked_a man_n be_v wind_v up_o to_o such_o a_o pitch_n of_o impiety_n they_o will_v go_v a_o great_a while_n of_o themselves_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o observation_n that_o as_o the_o apostle_n acquit_v god_n from_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o tempt_a man_n to_o sin_n so_o neither_o do_v he_o ascribe_v the_o efficacy_n and_o prevalency_n of_o temptation_n to_o the_o devil_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o observation_n that_o he_o ascribe_v the_o efficacy_n and_o success_n of_o temptation_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o man_n which_o seduce_v they_o to_o a_o consent_n and_o compliance_n with_o the_o temptation_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v aside_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v we_o have_v many_o powerful_a enemy_n but_o we_o be_v much_o more_o in_o danger_n of_o treachery_n from_o within_o than_o of_o assault_n from_o without_o all_o the_o power_n of_o our_o enemy_n can_v not_o destroy_v we_o if_o we_o be_v but_o true_a to_o ourselves_o so_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o ascribe_v the_o efficacy_n of_o temptation_n to_o the_o irregular_a desire_n and_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o man_n rather_o than_o to_o those_o temptation_n which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n permit_v they_o to_o be_v assault_v with_o and_o consequent_o to_o lay_v the_o blame_n of_o man_n sin_n chief_o upon_o themselves_o and_o that_o chief_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n first_o because_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n voluntary_a second_o god_n have_v put_v it_o in_o our_o power_n to_o resist_v these_o temptation_n and_o overcome_v they_o now_o so_o far_o as_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n be_v voluntary_a it_o be_v their_o own_o fault_n that_o they_o be_v seduce_v by_o they_o and_o if_o god_n have_v put_v it_o in_o our_o power_n to_o resist_v and_o overcome_v temptation_n we_o may_v blame_v ourselves_o if_o we_o be_v overcome_v and_o foil_v by_o they_o first_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n voluntary_a by_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n i_o mean_v their_o irregular_a desire_n and_o vicious_a inclination_n i_o grant_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v very_o much_o corrupt_v and_o degenerate_v from_o its_o primitive_a integrity_n and_o perfectionâ—_n but_o we_o who_o be_v christian_n have_v receive_v that_o grace_n in_o baptism_n whereby_o our_o nature_n be_v so_o far_o heal_v as_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o and_o do_v not_o neglect_v the_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o we_o we_o may_v mortify_v our_o lust_n and_o live_v a_o new_a life_n so_o that_o if_o our_o lust_n remain_v unmortified_a we_o ourselves_o be_v in_o fault_n much_o more_o if_o they_o gain_v new_a strength_n and_o proceed_v to_o habit_n for_o this_o can_v not_o be_v if_o we_o do_v not_o after_o we_o come_v to_o age_n and_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v between_o and_o to_o choose_v good_a and_o evil_n voluntary_o consent_v to_o iniquity_n and_o by_o wilful_a and_o deliberate_a practice_n of_o know_a sin_n improve_v the_o evil_a inclination_n of_o our_o nature_n into_o vicious_a habit_n but_o if_o instead_o of_o mortify_v and_o subdue_a the_o evil_a propension_n of_o our_o nature_n which_o be_v no_o very_o difficult_a work_n to_o most_o person_n if_o they_o begin_v it_o betimes_o we_o will_v cherish_v and_o give_v new_a life_n and_o power_n to_o they_o we_o forfeit_v the_o grace_n which_o we_o receive_v in_o baptism_n and_o bring_v ourselves_o again_o under_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o no_o wonder_n then_o if_o our_o lust_n seduce_v we_o and_o make_v we_o ready_a to_o comply_v with_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n nay_o and_o after_o this_o it_o be_v still_o our_o own_o fault_n if_o we_o do_v not_o mortify_v our_o lust_n for_o if_o we_o will_v hearken_v to_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o obey_v his_o call_n to_o repentance_n and_o sincere_o beg_v his_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o this_o purpose_n we_o may_v yet_o recover_v ourselves_o and_o by_o the_o spirit_n mortify_v the_o lâ—sts_n of_o the_o flesh_n for_o though_o we_o have_v leave_v god_n he_o have_v not_o quite_o forsake_v we_o but_o be_v ready_a to_o afford_v his_o grace_n again_o to_o we_o though_o we_o have_v neglect_v and_o abuse_v it_o and_o to_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o those_o that_o ask_v he_o though_o they_o have_v forfeit_v it_o so_o that_o though_o our_o lust_n spring_n from_o something_o which_o be_v natural_a yet_o that_o they_o live_v and_o have_v dominion_n over_o we_o be_v voluntary_a because_o we_o â—ight_a remedy_n it_o if_o we_o will_v and_o make_v use_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n offer_v to_o we_o second_o god_n have_v put_v it_o in_o our_o power_n to_o resist_v these_o temptation_n and_o overcome_v they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n if_o we_o yield_v to_o they_o and_o be_v overcome_v by_o they_o it_o be_v natural_o in_o our_o power_n to_o resist_v maâ—y_v sort_n of_o temptation_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n if_o we_o do_v not_o neglect_v it_o and_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ouâ—_n self_n put_v it_o into_o our_o power_n to_o resist_v any_o temptation_n that_o may_v happen_v to_o we_o first_o it_o be_v natural_o in_o our_o power_n to_o resist_v many_o sort_n of_o temptation_n if_o we_o do_v but_o make_v use_n of_o our_o natural_a reason_n and_o those_o consideration_n which_o be_v common_a and_o obvious_a to_o man_n we_o may_v easy_o resist_v the_o temptation_n to_o a_o great_a many_o sin_n some_o sin_n be_v so_o horrid_a in_o their_o nature_n that_o when_o we_o have_v the_o strong_a temptatioâ—s_n to_o they_o we_o can_v but_o have_v a_o natural_a aversion_n from_o they_o as_o deliberate_a murder_n the_o danger_n and_o guilt_n whereof_o be_v both_o so_o great_a as_o make_v it_o easy_a for_o any_o considerate_a man_n to_o resist_v the_o strong_a temptation_n to_o it_o even_o that_o of_o revenge_n a_o plain_a act_n of_o injustice_n whether_o by_o great_a fraud_n or_o by_o down_o right_a oppression_n be_v so_o base_a and_o disgraceful_a so_o odious_a and_o abhor_a by_o humane_a nature_n that_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o a_o man_n that_o have_v but_o a_o common_a understanding_n and_o common_a inclination_n to_o be_v honest_a to_o overcome_v the_o great_a temptation_n of_o gain_n and_o advantage_n nay_o he_o must_v offer_v