show_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o total_a or_o partial_a hardness_n of_o heart_n be_v either_o total_a and_o absolute_a or_o partial_a and_o comparative_a only_o total_a hardness_n be_v either_o natural_a and_o universal_a or_o judiciary_n in_o some_o particular_a individual_n natural_a hardness_n be_v the_o blindness_n or_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o sin_n by_o nature_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v cure_v by_o the_o use_n or_o application_n of_o any_o outward_a mean_n hardness_n and_o impenitent_a heart_n rom._n ij_o 5._o this_o be_v that_o heart_n of_o stone_n which_o god_n promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n to_o take_v away_o by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o almighty_a grace_n ezek._n xxxvi_o 26._o where_o this_o hardness_n abide_v uncured_a unremoved_a there_o sin_n be_v absolute_o in_o the_o throne_n this_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o inquire_v about_o judiciary_n hardness_n be_v either_o immediate_o from_o god_n or_o it_o be_v by_o the_o devil_n through_o his_o permission_n in_o the_o first_o way_n god_n be_v say_v frequent_o to_o harden_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n in_o their_o sin_n and_o unto_o their_o ruin_n as_o he_o do_v with_o pharaoh_n and_o he_o do_v it_o in_o general_n two_o way_n 1._o by_o withhold_a from_o they_o those_o supply_n of_o light_n wisdom_n and_o understanding_n without_o which_o they_o can_v understand_v their_o condition_n see_v their_o danger_n nor_o avoid_v their_o ruin_n 2._o by_o withhold_a the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o mean_n which_o they_o enjoy_v for_o their_o conviction_n and_o repentance_n yea_o and_o give_v they_o a_o efficacy_n unto_o their_o obduration_n isa._n vi_fw-la 9_o 10._o and_o concern_v this_o divine_a induration_n we_o may_v observe_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o severe_a of_o divine_a punishment_n in_o this_o world_n 2._o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o execute_v but_o towards_o those_o that_o be_v habitual_o wicked_a and_o so_o do_v of_o choice_n harden_v themselves_o in_o their_o sin_n rom._n i._n 26_o 28._o 3._o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o respect_v some_o especial_a time_n and_o season_n wherein_o be_v the_o turn_a point_n for_o eternity_n 4._o that_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o so_o harden_a be_v remediless_a and_o their_o wound_n uncurable_a where_o any_o be_v thus_o harden_v there_o be_v no_o question_n about_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin._n such_o a_o heart_n be_v its_o throne_n its_o proper_a seat_n next_o to_o hell._n there_o be_v a_o judiciary_n hardness_n which_o satan_n through_o god_n permission_n bring_v on_o man_n 2_o cor._n four_o 4._o and_o there_o be_v many_o way_n whereby_o he_o do_v effect_v it_o not_o here_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o but_o there_o be_v a_o hardness_n of_o heart_n that_o be_v indeed_o but_o partial_a and_o comparative_a whatever_o appearance_n it_o may_v make_v of_o that_o which_o be_v total_a and_o absolute_a where_o the_o enquiry_n arise_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n or_o no._n there_o be_v a_o hardness_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v know_v and_o lament_v in_o they_o in_o who_o it_o be_v hereof_o the_o church_n complain_v isa._n lxiij_o 17._o o_o lord_n why_o have_v thou_o harden_v our_o heart_n from_o thy_o fear_n or_o suffer_v it_o so_o to_o be_v not_o heal_v not_o recover_v our_o hardness_n and_o there_o be_v sundry_a thing_n which_o concur_v in_o this_o kind_n of_o hardness_n of_o heart_n as_o 1._o want_v of_o readiness_n to_o receive_v divine_a impression_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god._n when_o the_o heart_n be_v soft_a and_o tender_a it_o be_v also_o humble_a and_o contrite_a and_o ready_a to_o tremble_v at_o the_o word_n of_o god._n so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o josia_n that_o his_o heart_n be_v tender_a and_o he_o humble_v himself_o before_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o hear_v his_o word_n 2_o king_n xxij_o 18_o 19_o this_o may_v be_v want_v in_o some_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n and_o they_o may_v be_v sensible_a of_o it_o they_o may_v find_v in_o themselves_o a_o great_a unreadiness_n to_o comply_v with_o divine_a warning_n reproof_n call_n they_o be_v not_o affect_v with_o the_o word_n preach_v but_o sometime_o complain_v that_o they_o sit_v under_o it_o like_o stock_n and_o stone_n they_o have_v not_o a_o experience_n of_o its_o power_n and_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o mould_n of_o it_o hereon_o they_o apprehend_v that_o their_o heart_n be_v harden_v from_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n as_o the_o church_n complain_v there_o be_v indeed_o no_o better_a frame_n of_o heart_n to_o be_v attain_v in_o this_o life_n then_o that_o whereby_o it_o be_v to_o the_o word_n as_o the_o wax_n to_o the_o seal_n fit_a and_o ready_a to_o receive_v impression_n from_o it_o a_o frame_n that_o be_v tender_a to_o receive_v the_o communication_n of_o the_o word_n in_o all_o their_o variety_n whether_o for_o reproof_n instruction_n or_o consolation_n and_o the_o want_n hereof_o be_v a_o culpable_a hardness_n of_o heart_n 2._o there_o belong_v unto_o it_o a_o affectedness_n with_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n as_o unto_o the_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n that_o it_o do_v require_v there_o be_v none_o in_o who_o there_o be_v any_o spark_n of_o save_a grace_n but_o have_v a_o gracious_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o but_o there_o be_v a_o proportion_n require_v between_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n great_a sin_n require_v great_a sorrow_n as_o peter_n on_o his_o great_a sin_n weep_v bitter_o and_o all_o especial_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n require_v a_o especial_a sense_n of_o they_o this_o the_o soul_n find_v not_o in_o itself_o it_o bear_v the_o thought_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o rebuke_n of_o conscience_n without_o any_o great_a concussion_n or_o remorse_n it_o can_v pass_v over_o the_o charge_n of_o sin_n without_o relent_v mourn_a dissolve_v in_o sigh_n and_o tear_n and_o it_o can_v but_o say_v sometime_o thereon_o that_o its_o heart_n be_v like_o the_o adamant_n or_o the_o flint_n in_o the_o rock_n this_o make_v many_o fear_n that_o they_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o they_o fear_v it_o the_o more_o because_o that_o fear_n do_v not_o affect_v and_o humble_v they_o as_o it_o ought_v and_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o all_o unaffectedness_n with_o sin_n all_o want_n of_o humiliation_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n upon_o it_o be_v from_o a_o undue_a hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o they_o who_o be_v not_o affect_v with_o it_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v jealous_a over_o themselves_o as_o even_o unto_o their_o spiritual_a state_n and_o condition_n 3._o of_o the_o same_o kind_n in_o its_o measure_n be_v unaffectedness_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o among_o who_o we_o live_v or_o in_o who_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o mourn_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o be_v a_o duty_n high_o approve_v of_o god_n ezek._n ix_o it_o argue_v the_o effectual_a work_n of_o many_o grace_n as_o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n compassion_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n love_n to_o the_o glory_n and_o interest_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world._n the_o want_n hereof_o be_v from_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o abound_v among_o we_o some_o find_v not_o themselves_o at_o all_o concern_v herein_o some_o make_v pretence_n why_o they_o need_v not_o so_o be_v or_o that_o it_o be_v not_o their_o duty_n what_o be_v it_o unto_o they_o how_o wicked_a the_o world_n be_v it_o shall_v answer_v for_o its_o own_o sin_n nor_o be_v they_o move_v when_o it_o come_v near_o they_o if_o their_o child_n come_v to_o loss_n ruin_n poverty_n than_o they_o be_v affect_v indeed_o but_o so_o long_o as_o they_o flourish_v in_o the_o world_n be_v they_o apostate_n from_o profession_n be_v they_o enemy_n to_o christ_n do_v they_o avowed_o belong_v unto_o the_o world_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o it_o they_o be_v not_o much_o concern_v especial_o if_o they_o be_v not_o scandalous_o profligate_v but_o this_o also_o be_v from_o hardness_n of_o heart_n which_o will_v be_v bewail_v where_o grace_n be_v vigilant_a and_o active_a 4._o want_v of_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o indication_n of_o divine_a displeasure_n be_v another_o instance_n of_o this_o hardness_n of_o heart_n god_n do_v ofttimes_o give_v sign_n and_o token_n hereof_o whether_o as_o unto_o the_o public_a state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n or_o as_o unto_o our_o own_o person_n in_o affliction_n and_o chastisement_n in_o the_o season_n hereof_o he_o expect_v that_o our_o heart_n shall_v be_v soft_a and_o tender_a ready_a to_o receive_v impression_n of_o his_o anger_n and_o pliable_a therein_o unto_o his_o mind_n and_o will._n there_o be_v none_o who_o at_o such_o a_o time_n he_o do_v more_o abhor_v than_o those_o who_o be_v stouthearted_a little_o regard_v he_o or_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o hand_n this_o in_o some_o measure_n may_v
its_o offer_n unto_o that_o end_n see_v prov._n i._n 20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24_o 25._o and_o john_n iii._o 19_o this_o then_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o every_o one_o that_o abide_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n he_o choose_v so_o to_o do_v he_o continue_v in_o that_o state_n by_o a_o act_n of_o his_o own_o will_n he_o avow_v a_o enmity_n unto_o every_o thing_n which_o will_v give_v he_o deliverance_n which_o will_v be_v a_o sore_a aggravation_n of_o his_o condemnation_n at_o the_o last_o day_n 2_o god_n may_v just_o require_v that_o of_o any_o which_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o perform_v and_o comply_v withal_o for_o this_o be_v tender_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o preach_a of_o it_o every_o day_n and_o although_o we_o know_v not_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o the_o effectual_a communication_n of_o grace_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n yet_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o grace_n be_v so_o tender_v in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o none_o go_v without_o it_o none_o be_v destitute_a of_o its_o aid_n and_o assistance_n but_o those_o alone_a who_o by_o a_o free_a act_n of_o their_o own_o will_n do_v refuse_v and_o reject_v it_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o whole_a cause_n depend_v on_o you_o will_v not_o come_v unto_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n and_o this_o all_o unbeliever_n have_v or_o may_v have_v experience_n of_o in_o themselves_o they_o may_v know_v on_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o do_v voluntary_o refuse_v the_o assistance_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v offer_v for_o their_o deliverance_n therefore_o be_v their_o destruction_n of_o themselves_o but_o 3_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o man_n lose_v even_o the_o right_n also_o he_o who_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o have_v his_o ear_n bore_v lose_v all_o his_o claim_n unto_o future_a liberty_n he_o be_v not_o to_o go_v out_o at_o the_o year_n of_o jubilee_n so_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o god_n judicial_o give_v up_o man_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o sin_n to_o abide_v under_o it_o for_o ever_o so_o as_o that_o they_o lose_v all_o right_n unto_o liberty_n so_o he_o deal_v with_o many_o of_o the_o idolatrous_a gentile_n of_o old_a rom._n i._n 24_o 26_o 28._o and_o so_o continue_v to_o deal_v with_o the_o like_o profligate_v sinner_n so_o he_o act_v towards_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o anti-christian_n world_n 2_o thess._n two_o 11_o 12._o and_o with_o many_o despiser_n of_o the_o gospel_n isa._n vi_fw-la 9_o 10._o when_o it_o be_v come_v to_o this_o man_n be_v cast_v at_o law_n and_o have_v lose_v all_o right_a and_o title_n unto_o liberty_n from_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin._n they_o may_v repine_v sometime_o at_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n or_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o in_o shame_n and_o pain_n in_o the_o shameful_a distemper_n that_o will_v pursue_v many_o in_o their_o uncleanness_n yet_o god_n have_v give_v they_o up_o judicial_o unto_o sin_n they_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o right_a to_o put_v up_o one_o prayer_n or_o petition_n for_o deliverance_n nor_o will_v they_o do_v so_o but_o be_v bind_v in_o the_o fetter_n of_o curse_a presumption_n or_o despair_n see_v their_o work_n and_o wages_n rom._n two_o 5_o 6._o this_o be_v the_o most_o woeful_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o sinner_n in_o this_o world_n a_o unavoidable_a entrance_n into_o the_o chamber_n of_o death_n you_o that_o have_v live_v long_o under_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n beware_v lest_o that_o come_v upon_o you_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o these_o scripture_n you_o have_v as_o yet_o a_o right_n unto_o deliverance_n from_o that_o bondage_n and_o servitude_n wherein_o you_o be_v if_o you_o put_v in_o your_o claim_n in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n you_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o you_o may_v be_v deprive_v of_o this_o also_o by_o god_n give_v you_o up_o judicial_o unto_o sin_n and_o satan_n then_o all_o complaint_n will_v be_v too_o late_a and_o all_o spring_n of_o endeavour_n for_o relief_n be_v utter_o dry_v up_o all_o your_o reserve_v for_o a_o future_a repentance_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o and_o all_o your_o cry_n shall_v be_v despise_v prov._n i_o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29._o whilst_o it_o be_v yet_o call_v to_o day_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n lest_o god_n swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o you_o shall_v never_o enter_v into_o his_o rest._n that_o you_o may_v be_v warn_v take_v notice_n that_o the_o sign_n or_o symptom_n of_o the_o approach_n of_o such_o a_o season_n of_o such_o a_o irrecoverable_a condition_n be_v 1._o a_o long_a continuance_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n there_o be_v bound_n of_o divine_a patience_n the_o long_a suffering_n of_o god_n for_o a_o time_n wait_v for_o repentance_n 1_o pet._n iij._o 20._o 2_o pet._n iij._o 9_o but_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o it_o do_v only_o endure_v vessel_n of_o wrath_n fit_v for_o destruction_n rom._n ix_o 22._o which_o be_v common_o after_o a_o long_a continuance_n in_o know_a sin_n 2._o when_o conviction_n have_v be_v digest_v and_o warning_n despise_v god_n do_v not_o usual_o deal_v thus_o with_o man_n until_o they_o have_v reject_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o deliverance_n there_o be_v a_o generation_n indeed_o who_o from_o their_o youth_n up_o do_v live_v in_o a_o contempt_n of_o god_n such_o be_v those_o proud_a sinner_n who_o the_o psalmist_n describe_v psal._n x._o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o etc._n etc._n there_o be_v seldom_o any_o token_n of_o the_o go_v forth_o of_o the_o decree_n against_o this_o sort_n of_o men._n the_o appear_a evidence_n of_o it_o be_v their_o add_v drunkenness_n unto_o thirst_n one_o kind_n of_o sin_n unto_o another_o make_v a_o visible_a progress_n in_o sin_v add_v boast_v and_o a_o profane_a contempt_n of_o all_o thing_n sacred_a unto_o their_o course_n in_o sin._n but_o ordinary_o those_o that_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o this_o judicial_a hardness_n have_v have_v warning_n and_o conviction_n which_o make_v some_o impression_n on_o they_o but_o be_v now_o leave_v without_o any_o call_n and_o rebuke_n or_o at_o least_o any_o sense_n of_o they_o 3_o when_o man_n contract_v the_o guilt_n of_o such_o sin_n as_o seem_v to_o entrench_v on_o the_o unpardonable_a sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n such_o as_o proud_a contemptuous_a malicious_a reproach_n of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n of_o holiness_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n this_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v frequent_o mark_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o those_o who_o at_o least_o be_v nigh_o unto_o a_o final_a and_o fatal_a rejection_n 4._o a_o voluntary_a relinquishment_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o conversion_n unto_o god_n which_o man_n have_v enjoy_v and_o this_o be_v common_o accompany_v with_o a_o hatred_n of_o the_o word_n and_o those_o by_o who_o it_o be_v dispense_v such_o person_n god_n frequent_o and_o that_o visible_o give_v up_o in_o a_o irrecoverable_a way_n unto_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin._n he_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v with_o they_o 5._o the_o resolve_a choice_n of_o wicked_a profane_a unclean_a scoff_a society_n it_o be_v very_o rare_a that_o any_o be_v recover_v from_o that_o snare_n and_o many_o other_o sign_n there_o be_v of_o the_o near_a approach_n of_o such_o a_o harden_v judgement_n as_o shall_v give_v up_o man_n everlasting_o to_o the_o service_n of_o sin._n oh_o that_o poor_a sinner_n will_v awake_v before_o it_o be_v too_o late_o 2._o this_o dominion_n of_o sin_n be_v evil_a and_o perverse_a not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v unjust_a and_o usurp_a but_o because_o it_o be_v always_o use_v and_o exercise_v unto_o ill_a end_n unto_o the_o hurt_a and_o ruin_n of_o they_o over_o who_o it_o be_v a_o usurper_n may_v make_v use_n of_o his_o power_n and_o rule_n for_o good_a end_n for_o the_o good_a of_o they_o over_o who_o he_o rule_v but_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n be_v evil_a unto_o sinner_n sin_n in_o its_o rule_n will_v pretend_v fair_a offer_v sundry_a advantage_n and_o satisfaction_n unto_o their_o mind_n they_o shall_v have_v wage_n for_o their_o work_n pleasure_n and_o profit_n shall_v come_v in_o by_o it_o yea_o on_o divers_a pretence_n it_o will_v promise_v they_o eternal_a rest_n at_o the_o close_a of_o all_o at_o least_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o fail_v of_o it_o by_o any_o thing_n they_o do_v in_o its_o service_n and_o by_o such_o mean_v it_o keep_v they_o in_o security_n but_o the_o whole_a real_a design_n of_o it_o that_o which_o in_o all_o its_o power_n it_o operate_v towards_o be_v the_o eternal_a ruin_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o this_o sinner_n will_v understand_v when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o jerem._n ij_o
spiritual_a boldness_n which_o be_v require_v unto_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v of_o faith_n and_o love_n in_o holy_a duty_n shall_v not_o hinder_v the_o soul_n from_o endeavour_v after_o it_o or_o the_o use_n of_o it_o if_o by_o these_o mean_n and_o the_o like_a inseparable_a operation_n of_o grace_n we_o can_v have_v a_o assure_v experience_n that_o we_o be_v under_o the_o rule_n and_o conduct_v of_o it_o we_o may_v be_v free_a in_o our_o mind_n from_o disturb_v apprehension_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n for_o both_o can_v bear_v sway_n in_o the_o same_o soul._n 4thly_a it_o be_v require_v hereunto_o that_o sin_n make_v the_o soul_n sensible_a of_o its_o power_n and_o rule_n at_o least_o do_v that_o which_o may_v do_v so_o unless_o conscience_n be_v utter_o sear_v and_o harden_v and_o so_o past_a feeling_n there_o be_v no_o rule_n nor_o dominion_n but_o they_o be_v or_o may_v be_v sensible_a of_o it_o who_o be_v subject_a thereunto_o and_o there_o be_v two_o way_n whereby_o sin_n in_o its_o dominion_n will_v make_v they_o sensible_a of_o it_o in_o who_o it_o rule_v 1._o in_o repress_v and_o overcome_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o mind_n those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v more_o immediate_o may_v have_v light_n into_o and_o conviction_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o many_o thing_n and_o this_o light_n and_o conviction_n they_o may_v follow_v ordinary_o notwithstanding_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin._n as_o a_o tyrant_n will_v permit_v his_o slave_n and_o subject_n ordinary_o to_o follow_v their_o own_o occasion_n but_o if_o what_o they_o will_v do_v come_v either_o in_o matter_n or_o manner_n to_o enterfere_v with_o or_o oppose_v his_o interest_n he_o will_v make_v they_o sensible_a of_o his_o power_n so_o sin_n where_o it_o have_v the_o dominion_n if_o man_n have_v light_a and_o conviction_n it_o will_v allow_v they_o ordinary_o and_o in_o many_o thing_n to_o comply_v therewithal_o it_o will_v allow_v they_o to_o pray_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n to_o abstain_v from_o sundry_a sin_n to_o perform_v many_o duty_n as_o be_v express_o affirm_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o many_o that_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o we_o see_v it_o in_o experience_n how_o much_o work_n do_v we_o see_v about_o religion_n and_o religious_a duty_n what_o constant_a observation_n of_o the_o time_n and_o season_n of_o they_o how_o many_o duty_n perform_v moral_o good_a in_o themselves_o and_o useful_a by_o they_o who_o on_o many_o other_o account_n do_v proclaim_v themselves_o to_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n but_o if_o the_o light_n and_o conviction_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n do_v rise_v up_o in_o opposition_n unto_o the_o principal_a interest_n of_o sin_n in_o those_o lust_n and_o way_n wherein_o it_o exercise_v its_o rule_n it_o will_v make_v they_o in_o who_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o its_o power_n they_o that_o stifle_v or_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o or_o cast_v out_o of_o mind_n or_o go_v direct_o contrary_a unto_o their_o conviction_n light_n in_o such_o case_n will_v first_o repine_v and_o they_o relieve_v itself_o with_o resolution_n for_o other_o time_n and_o season_n but_o sin_n will_v carry_v the_o cause_n by_o virtue_n of_o its_o dominion_n hence_o two_o thing_n do_v follow_v 1._o a_o constant_a repugnancy_n against_o sin_n from_o light_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o conviction_n in_o the_o conscience_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o those_o in_o who_o it_o be_v be_v not_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin._n for_o until_o blindness_n and_o hardness_n do_v come_v on_o man_n to_o the_o uttermost_a there_o will_v be_v in_o they_o a_o judge_n of_o what_o be_v good_a and_o evil_a with_o a_o self-judging_a with_o respect_n thereunto_o as_o the_o apostle_n declare_v rom._n ij_o 15._o and_o herein_o many_o do_v satisfy_v themselves_o when_o their_o light_n condemn_v sin_n they_o suppose_v they_o hate_v it_o but_o they_o do_v not_o when_o conviction_n call_v for_o duty_n they_o suppose_v they_o love_v they_o but_o they_o do_v not_o that_o which_o they_o look_v on_o as_o the_o rule_n of_o light_n in_o they_o in_o opposition_n unto_o sin_n be_v but_o the_o rebellion_n of_o a_o natural_a enlighten_v conscience_n against_o the_o dominion_n of_o it_o in_o the_o heart_n in_o brief_a light_n may_v condemn_v every_o know_a sin_n keep_v from_o many_o press_v for_o every_o know_a duty_n lead_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o many_o yet_o sin_n have_v a_o full_a dominion_n in_o the_o soul._n and_o this_o it_o will_v evidence_n when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n in_o those_o instance_n where_o it_o exercise_v its_o roll_a power_n 2._o that_o miserable_a be_v their_o condition_n who_o mind_n be_v ground_n continual_o between_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o light_n with_o the_o urgency_n of_o conviction_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o rule_n or_o dominion_n of_o sin_n on_o the_o other_o wherever_o light_n be_v it_o be_v its_o due_a to_o have_v the_o rule_n and_o conduct_n it_o be_v that_o act_n whereby_o the_o mind_n load_v itself_o for_o man_n to_o be_v force_v by_o the_o power_n of_o their_o lust_n to_o act_v for_o the_o most_o part_n against_o their_o light_n as_o they_o do_v where_o sin_n have_v the_o dominion_n it_o be_v a_o sad_a and_o deplorable_a condition_n such_o person_n be_v say_v to_o rebel_v against_o the_o light_n job_n xxiv_o 13._o because_o of_o its_o right_a to_o rule_v in_o they_o where_o it_o be_v depose_v by_o sin._n this_o make_v most_o man_n but_o a_o trouble_a sea_n that_o can_v rest_v who_o wave_n cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n 2_o sin_n will_v make_v those_o in_o who_o it_o have_v dominion_n sensible_a of_o its_o power_n by_o its_o continual_a solicitation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o affection_n with_o respect_n unto_o that_o sin_n or_o those_o sin_n wherein_o it_o principal_o exercise_v its_o rule_n have_v possess_v the_o will_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o mind_n with_o the_o affection_n as_o it_o do_v wherever_o its_o dominion_n be_v absolute_a it_o continual_o dispose_v incline_v and_o stir_v up_o the_o mind_n towards_o those_o sin_n it_o will_v level_v the_o bend_v of_o the_o whole_a soul_n towards_o such_o sin_n or_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o nor_o be_v there_o a_o more_o pregnant_a discovery_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o sin_n in_o any_o than_o this_o that_o it_o habitual_o engage_v the_o mind_n and_o affection_n unto_o a_o constant_a exercise_n of_o themselves_o about_o this_o or_o that_o some_o sin_n and_o evil_a way_n or_o other_o but_o yet_o we_o must_v add_v that_o notwithstanding_o these_o indication_n of_o the_o roll_a power_n of_o sin_n they_o be_v but_o few_o in_o who_o it_o have_v this_o dominion_n that_o be_v convince_v of_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n many_o be_v so_o under_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n of_o supine_n sloth_n and_o negligence_n and_o be_v so_o desperate_o wicked_a as_o that_o they_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o this_o rule_n of_o sin._n such_o be_v those_o describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n ephes._n four_o 18_o 19_o and_o whereas_o they_o be_v the_o vile_a slave_n that_o live_v on_o the_o earth_n they_o judge_v none_o to_o be_v free_a but_o themselves_o they_o look_v on_o other_o as_o in_o bondage_n to_o foolish_a and_o superstitious_a fear_n whilst_o they_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o drink_v swear_v scoff_v at_o religion_n whore_n and_o defile_v themselves_o without_o control_n this_o be_v their_o liberty_n and_o they_o may_v have_v that_o which_o be_v as_o good_a in_o hell_n a_o liberty_n to_o curse_n and_o blaspheme_n god_n and_o to_o fly_v with_o revengeful_a thought_n on_o themselves_o and_o the_o whole_a creation_n the_o light_n in_o such_o person_n be_v darkness_n itself_o so_o as_o that_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o rise_v up_o in_o opposition_n unto_o the_o rule_n of_o sin_n whence_o alone_o a_o sense_n of_o its_o power_n do_v arise_v other_o as_o we_o observe_v before_o live_v in_o some_o compliance_n with_o their_o light_n and_o conviction_n abstain_v from_o many_o sin_n and_o perform_v many_o duty_n though_o they_o live_v in_o some_o know_a sin_n or_o other_o and_o allow_v themselves_o in_o it_o yet_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o sin_n have_v the_o dominion_n in_o they_o wherefore_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n hard_a and_o difficult_a in_o this_o case_n 1._o to_o convince_v those_o in_o who_o sin_n evident_o have_v the_o dominion_n that_o such_o indeed_o be_v their_o state_n and_o condition_n they_o will_v with_o their_o utmost_a endeavour_n keep_v of_o the_o conviction_n hereof_o some_o justify_v themselves_o and_o some_o will_v make_v no_o enquiry_n into_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v a_o rare_a thing_n especial_o of_o late_a to_o have_v any_o bring_v under_o this_o conviction_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o
providential_a warning_n be_v efficacious_a to_o their_o recovery_n it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o god_n will_v use_v some_o severe_a dispensation_n in_o terrible_a thing_n towards_o they_o for_o their_o awakn_n or_o which_o be_v more_o dreadful_a withdraw_v his_o presence_n from_o they_o 4._o of_o the_o same_o nature_n it_o be_v and_o argue_v no_o small_a power_n of_o this_o evil_a when_o man_n satisfy_v and_o please_v themselves_o in_o a_o unmortified_a unfruitful_a profession_n a_o severe_a symptom_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin._n and_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n that_o manifest_v the_o consistency_n of_o such_o a_o profession_n with_o hardness_n of_o heart_n or_o be_v fruit_n of_o it_o therein_o 1._o a_o neglect_n of_o the_o principal_a duty_n of_o it_o such_o be_v mortification_n in_o themselves_o and_o usefulness_n or_o fruitfulness_n towards_o other_o a_o deficiency_n and_o neglect_v in_o these_o thing_n be_v evident_a among_o many_o that_o profess_v religion_n it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o in_o any_o thing_n they_o serious_o endeavour_v the_o mortification_n of_o their_o lust_n their_o pride_n their_o passion_n their_o love_n of_o the_o world_n their_o inordinate_a desire_n and_o sensual_a appetite_n they_o either_o indulge_v unto_o they_o all_o or_o at_o least_o they_o maintain_v not_o a_o constant_a conflict_n against_o they_o and_o as_o unto_o usefulness_n in_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n or_o those_o good_a work_n which_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o a_o live_a faith_n they_o be_v open_o barren_a in_o they_o now_o whereas_o these_o be_v the_o principal_n dictate_v of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o do_v profess_v their_o neglect_n of_o they_o their_o deficiency_n in_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o hardness_n of_o heart_n overpower_v their_o light_n and_o conviction_n and_o what_o shall_v long_o in_o such_o a_o case_n stop_v sin_n out_o of_o the_o throne_n self-pleasing_a and_o satisfaction_n in_o such_o a_o profession_n argue_v a_o very_a dangerous_a state_n and_o habit_n of_o mind_n sin_n may_v have_v a_o full_a dominion_n under_o such_o a_o profession_n 2._o the_o admission_n of_o a_o habitual_a formality_n into_o the_o performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n in_o some_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n as_o we_o observe_v before_o prevail_v unto_o the_o neglect_n and_o omission_n of_o such_o duty_n other_o continue_v the_o observation_n but_o be_v so_o formal_a and_o lifeless_a in_o they_o so_o careless_a as_o unto_o the_o exert_n or_o exercise_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o as_o gives_z a_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n of_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o spiritual_a senselesness_n of_o heart_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o the_o scripture_n do_v more_o frequent_o and_o severe_o condemn_v nor_o give_v as_o a_o character_n of_o hypocrite_n than_o a_o diligent_a attendance_n unto_o a_o multiplication_n of_o duty_n whilst_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o spiritual_o engage_v in_o they_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o lord_n christ_n threaten_v the_o utter_a rejection_n of_o the_o lukewarm_a church_n of_o laodicea_n and_o god_n pronounce_v a_o most_o severe_a sentence_n against_o all_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o isa._n xxix_o 13_o 14._o yet_o thus_o it_o may_v be_v with_o many_o and_o that_o thus_o it_o have_v be_v with_o they_o many_o do_v manifest_a by_o their_o open_a apostasy_n which_o be_v the_o common_a event_n of_o this_o frame_n and_o course_n long_o continue_v in_o for_o some_o in_o the_o daily_a performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n for_o a_o season_n do_v exercise_n and_o preserve_v their_o gift_n but_o there_o be_v no_o exercise_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o after_o a_o while_n those_o gift_n also_o do_v wither_v and_o decay_v they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o evil_a whereof_o we_o treat_v namely_o a_o hard_a and_o senseless_a heart_n that_o can_v approve_v of_o themselves_o in_o such_o a_o lifeless_a heartless_a profession_n of_o religion_n and_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n thereof_o 3._o when_o man_n grow_v senseless_a under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o do_v not_o at_o all_o profit_n by_o it_o the_o general_a end_n for_o preach_v the_o word_n unto_o believer_n be_v 1._o the_o increase_n of_o spiritual_a light_n knowledge_n and_o understanding_n in_o they_o 2._o the_o growth_n of_o grace_n enable_v to_o obedience_n 3._o holy_a excitation_n of_o grace_n by_o impression_n of_o its_o power_n in_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o mind_n will_n love_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n unto_o our_o soul_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o 4._o a_o impression_n on_o the_o affection_n renew_v and_o make_v they_o more_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a continual_o with_o 5._o direction_n and_o administration_n of_o spiritual_a strength_n against_o temptation_n and_o corruption_n and_o 6._o fruitfulness_n in_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o obedience_n where_o man_n can_v abide_v under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n without_o any_o of_o these_o effect_n on_o their_o mind_n conscience_n or_o life_n they_o be_v great_o harden_v by_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n as_o heb._n iij._o 12_o 13._o this_o case_n be_v state_v now_o whether_o this_o be_v 1._o from_o that_o carelessness_n and_o security_n which_o be_v grow_v on_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n against_o which_o god_n do_v just_o express_v his_o indignation_n by_o withhold_a the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o his_o word_n in_o its_o administration_n from_o they_o or_o 2._o from_o a_o increase_n of_o a_o unsanctified_a light_n and_o gift_n which_o fill_v man_n with_o high_a thought_n of_o themselves_o and_o keep_v they_o off_o from_o that_o humble_a frame_n which_o alone_o be_v teachable_a or_o 3._o from_o a_o loss_n of_o all_o due_a reverence_n unto_o the_o ministry_n as_o god_n ordinance_n for_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o word_n with_o a_o secret_a fortification_n of_o conscience_n by_o prejudices_fw-la against_o its_o power_n from_o the_o suggestion_n of_o satan_n or_o 4._o from_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n which_o the_o heart_n will_v shelter_v and_o secure_v from_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n or_o from_o what_o other_o cause_n soever_o it_o be_v it_o proceed_v from_o a_o dangerous_a hardness_n of_o heart_n from_o the_o power_n of_o sin._n where_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n where_o this_o hardness_n be_v thus_o prevalent_a in_o they_o i_o do_v not_o no_o man_n can_v give_v they_o assurance_n that_o sin_n have_v not_o the_o dominion_n in_o they_o but_o because_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o various_a degree_n it_o may_v not_o be_v conclude_v absolute_o from_o any_o or_o all_o of_o they_o in_o any_o degree_n that_o so_o it_o be_v but_o this_o we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n in_o who_o this_o evil_a frame_n be_v find_v in_o any_o degree_n and_o not_o sincere_o endeavour_v against_o to_o keep_v any_o true_a solid_a peace_n with_o god_n or_o in_o his_o own_o soul_n what_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o in_o he_o be_v but_o a_o ruinous_a security_n 2._o that_o this_o be_v the_o high_a road_n unto_o final_a obduration_n and_o impenitency_n and_o therefore_o 3._o it_o be_v the_o present_a duty_n of_o those_o who_o have_v any_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o shake_v themselves_o out_o of_o this_o dust_n and_o not_o to_o give_v themselves_o any_o rest_n until_o they_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o path_n of_o recovery_n the_o call_v of_o god_n for_o a_o return_n unto_o such_o backslider_n in_o heart_n be_v multiply_v the_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o motive_n unto_o it_o be_v innumerable_a this_o aught_o never_o to_o depart_v from_o their_o mind_n that_o without_o it_o they_o shall_v eternal_o perish_v and_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o they_o may_v be_v overtake_v with_o that_o destruction_n thus_o far_o have_v we_o proceed_v in_o the_o enquiry_n whether_o sin_n have_v the_o dominion_n in_o we_o or_o no_o there_o be_v on_o the_o other_o side_n many_o evidence_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o grace_n sufficient_a to_o discard_v the_o plea_n and_o pretence_n of_o sin_n unto_o the_o throne_n but_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o be_v not_o my_o present_a design_n i_o have_v only_o examine_v the_o plea_n of_o sin_n which_o render_v the_o enquiry_n difficult_a and_o the_o case_n dubious_a and_o they_o arise_v all_o from_o the_o act_n of_o sin_n in_o we_o as_o it_o fight_v against_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v its_o proper_a and_o constant_a work_n 1_o pet._n ij_o 11_o 12._o it_o do_v so_o against_o the_o design_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v to_o live_v to_o god_n against_o the_o order_n and_o peace_n of_o it_o which_o it_o disturb_v and_o against_o its_o eternal_a blessedness_n which_o it_o will_v deprive_v it_o of_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o pretence_n insist_v on_o may_v be_v of_o some_o use_n