alteration_n must_v needs_o be_v in_o the_o moral_a principle_n disposition_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o also_o have_v a_o suitable_a influence_n upon_o the_o external_a action_n and_o conversation_n produce_v a_o great_a or_o lesser_a change_n in_o they_o according_a as_o there_o be_v need_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o great_a or_o lesser_a precede_a depravation_n of_o they_o by_o custom_n in_o sin_v or_o otherwise_o 4._o prop._n there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a change_n wrought_v in_o the_o outward_a man_n without_o true_a conversion_n many_o fault_n may_v be_v reform_v many_o sin_n forsake_v many_o duty_n take_v up_o with_o a_o profession_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o such_o a_o one_o come_v short_a of_o true_a conversion_n because_o all_o this_o may_v be_v do_v upon_o such_o ground_n and_o reason_n as_o be_v far_o inferior_a to_o that_o of_o true_a conversion_n such_o as_o be_v carnal_a fear_n or_o hope_n gripe_v of_o conscience_n the_o outward_a inconvenience_n and_o discommodity_n of_o their_o sinful_a course_n as_o disease_n poverty_n disgrace_n and_o the_o like_a 5._o prop._n on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o may_v be_v 〈…〉_o conversion_n where_o the_o change_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n be_v but_o small_a a_o good_a disposition_n may_v restrain_v a_o man_n much_o from_o the_o commission_n of_o many_o gross_a sin_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o penal_a law_n may_v do_v something_o but_o religious_a education_n or_o a_o hypocritical_a profession_n of_o religion_n may_v carry_v man_n far_o not_o only_o in_o avoid_v all_o open_a sin_n but_o also_o in_o put_v they_o forward_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o visible_a duty_n yea_o and_o of_o many_o secret_a duty_n also_o so_o that_o there_o may_v be_v little_o want_v to_o the_o make_v up_o of_o the_o whole_a carcase_n and_o outside_n of_o religion_n yea_o they_o may_v go_v so_o far_o herein_o that_o their_o outward_a conversation_n may_v be_v more_o commendable_o religious_a than_o the_o conversation_n of_o some_o true_o convert_v person_n there_o may_v be_v nothing_o manifest_o want_v but_o a_o inward_a principle_n of_o holiness_n to_o make_v their_o action_n and_o conversation_n true_o holy_a then_o when_o it_o once_o please_v god_n by_o his_o renew_n grace_n to_o convert_v they_o i._n e._n to_o work_v in_o they_o a_o inward_a principle_n of_o holiness_n this_o make_v little_a or_o no_o alteration_n in_o the_o outward_a man_n but_o only_o actuate_v and_o inform_v their_o wont_a action_n and_o conversation_n anew_o whereby_o that_o which_o before_o be_v evil_a and_o displease_v to_o god_n not_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o but_o in_o the_o principle_n from_o whence_o it_o flow_v now_o become_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o true_o holy_a as_o a_o army_n of_o rebel_n may_v be_v good_a soldier_n and_o have_v good_a military_a discipline_n among_o they_o but_o their_o only_a fault_n be_v that_o they_o follow_v the_o conduct_n of_o a_o rebel_n general_a and_o these_o only_a by_o accept_v a_o new_a general_n and_o own_v their_o true_a lord_n and_o king_n may_v become_v saithful_a soldier_n and_o loyal_a subject_n without_o new_a mould_v their_o army_n or_o change_v armour_n or_o discipline_n when_o god_n first_o form_v man_n out_o of_o the_o earth_n he_o fashion_v his_o body_n complete_a in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o proportion_n thereof_o yet_o be_v it_o not_o a_o man_n while_o it_o be_v without_o a_o soul_n but_o when_o god_n breathe_v the_o the_o breath_n of_o life_n into_o it_o there_o be_v no_o alteration_n make_v in_o the_o body_n but_o by_o the_o only_a addition_n of_o a_o soul_n it_o become_v a_o live_a man_n in_o like_a manner_n by_o the_o common_a working_n of_o the_o spirit_n there_o may_v be_v the_o outward_a form_n and_o lineament_n of_o a_o christian_a without_o the_o truth_n and_o life_n of_o christianity_n till_o the_o same_o spirit_n by_o his_o special_a operation_n actuate_v that_o carcase_n of_o christianity_n with_o a_o new_a inward_a principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o holiness_n and_o then_o there_o be_v a_o christian_a indeed_o although_o little_a alteration_n appear_v in_o the_o outward_a conversation_n and_o visible_a part_n of_o christianity_n 6._o prop._n if_o any_o through_o evil_a education_n example_n custom_n disposition_n or_o gross_a ignorance_n have_v live_v a_o loose_a vicious_a debauch_a profane_a life_n have_v be_v a_o contemner_n or_o opposer_n of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n or_o a_o neglecter_n of_o the_o common_a know_a duty_n of_o christianity_n i_o say_v if_o ever_o such_o a_o one_o be_v convert_v certain_o they_o pass_v under_o a_o very_a great_a change_n not_o only_o inward_o in_o their_o mind_n and_o affection_n but_o also_o outward_o in_o all_o the_o visible_a part_n of_o their_o conversation_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o instance_n of_o zacheus_n mary_n magdalen_n paul_n and_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 6.9_o 10_o 11._o i_o have_v purposely_o forbear_v any_o formal_a answer_n to_o objection_n because_o whatever_o scruple_n do_v ordinary_o arise_v in_o the_o doubt_a soul_n concern_v this_o business_n of_o conversion_n the_o answer_n to_o they_o i_o think_v may_v be_v easy_o gather_v out_o of_o the_o forego_n proposition_n and_o therefore_o i_o may_v save_v myself_o that_o labour_n as_o for_o instance_n if_o any_o one_o think_v that_o if_o ever_o they_o be_v true_o convert_v they_o must_v needs_o know_v the_o time_n or_o at_o least_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o be_v therefore_o ready_a to_o conclude_v that_o the_o work_n be_v never_o wrought_v in_o they_o because_o they_o know_v it_o not_o to_o this_o they_o may_v have_v satisfaction_n from_o the_o first_o and_o second_o proposition_n or_o if_o they_o doubt_v of_o their_o conversion_n because_o they_o never_o know_v of_o any_o such_o remarkable_a change_n in_o themselves_o as_o conversion_n be_v ordinary_a suppose_a to_o import_v to_o this_o they_o may_v receive_v a_o answer_n from_o the_o five_o proposition_n and_o so_o of_o other_o and_o this_o method_n i_o have_v think_v most_o convenient_a and_o therefore_o shall_v observe_v it_o in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n sect_n viii_o of_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n 1._o prop._n true_a godly_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n may_v be_v occasion_v at_o first_o by_o something_o else_o than_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n sickness_n loss_n disgrace_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v the_o first_o exciting_a cause_n of_o sorrow_n but_o by_o these_o stream_n of_o affliction_n god_n may_v and_o many_o time_n do_v by_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o word_n lead_v the_o sinner_n to_o the_o fountain_n of_o sin_n so_o as_o that_o which_o at_o first_o appear_v evil_a and_o hateful_a to_o he_o only_o in_o the_o sad_a effect_n thereof_o may_v now_o at_o last_o be_v find_v by_o he_o to_o be_v much_o more_o evil_a and_o loathsome_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o in_o those_o more_o dreadful_a effect_n which_o it_o produce_v in_o spiritual_a respect_n as_o the_o loss_n of_o god_n favour_n the_o debase_v of_o the_o soul_n here_o and_o the_o damnation_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n hereafter_o thus_o that_o sorrow_n which_o at_o first_o be_v but_o carnal_a may_v by_o this_o mean_n come_v to_o be_v swallow_v up_o of_o that_o which_o be_v more_o spiritual_a and_o so_o become_v a_o holy_a and_o godly_a sorrow_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v that_o all_o carnal_a sorrow_n may_v not_o hereby_o be_v so_o swallow_v up_o as_o that_o nothing_o thereof_o shall_v remain_v so_o that_o the_o mourn_a sinner_n be_v not_o therefore_o to_o judge_v all_o his_o sorrow_n to_o be_v carnal_a because_o there_o be_v some_o mixture_n of_o carnality_n in_o it_o forasmuch_o as_o this_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o grace_n be_v but_o imperfect_a in_o this_o our_o state_n of_o flesh_n and_o imperfection_n but_o rather_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v true_a because_o there_o be_v a_o manifest_a appearance_n of_o some_o mixture_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n yet_o must_v you_o strive_v daily_o to_o refine_v it_o from_o the_o dross_n of_o carnality_n it_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a on_o this_o side_n heaven_n to_o be_v daily_o perfect_v by_o degree_n those_o grace_n who_o perfection_n or_o abolition_n be_v reserve_v for_o heaven_n 2._o prop._n there_o be_v no_o sorrow_n of_o what_o nature_n or_o in_o what_o degree_n soever_o that_o bear_v a_o legal_a proportion_n to_o any_o though_o the_o least_o sin_n by_o a_o legal_a proportion_n i_o mean_v that_o which_o the_o law_n require_v which_o be_v no_o other_o nor_o less_o than_o will_v make_v satisfaction_n for_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n so_o that_o if_o any_o kind_a or_o degree_n of_o sorrow_n bear_v a_o legal_a proportion_n to_o any_o sin_n it_o be_v satisfactory_a to_o justice_n and_o so_o meritorious_a of_o pardon_n whether_o therefore_o any_o one_o shall_v
at_o present_a they_o do_v not_o easy_o discern_v in_o themselves_o it_o raise_v some_o doubt_n and_o fear_n in_o they_o which_o eclipse_n their_o former_a comfort_n and_o disturb_v their_o peace_n till_o by_o look_v again_o over_o their_o former_a evidence_n they_o find_v no_o cause_n of_o continue_v those_o new_a raise_a jealousy_n but_o the_o note_n of_o difference_n that_o be_v assign_v between_o true_a and_o counterfeit_a save_v and_o common_a grace_n a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o a_o hypocrite_n do_v not_o seldom_o raise_v these_o jealousy_n which_o sometime_o may_v be_v occasion_n of_o long_a discomfort_n yet_o i_o say_v they_o be_v but_o of_o short_a continuance_n 2._o an_o other_o grand_a hindrance_n of_o comfort_n be_v a_o suspicion_n of_o the_o unpardonableness_n of_o their_o sin_n or_o at_o least_o of_o some_o particular_a sin_n which_o they_o imagine_v be_v commit_v with_o such_o aggravate_v circumstance_n as_o do_v exclude_v they_o from_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o promise_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v commit_v wilful_o against_o their_o own_o light_n and_o knowledge_n and_o against_o the_o check_n and_o reluctancy_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n this_o cloud_n though_o sometime_o at_o first_o appearance_n it_o seem_v but_o small_a yet_o in_o process_n of_o time_n it_o so_o overspread_v and_o darken_v the_o soul_n that_o it_o become_v the_o principle_n of_o dismal_a trouble_n and_o confusion_n special_o when_o it_o grow_v as_o frequent_o it_o do_v to_o a_o imagination_n that_o they_o have_v sin_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n then_o they_o throw_v off_o all_o offer_v of_o comfort_n from_o scripture_n and_o promise_n as_o easy_o as_o samson_n break_v the_o new_a cord_n wherewith_o he_o be_v bind_v they_o give_v themselves_o up_o for_o reprobate_n and_o account_v the_o scripture_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o signify_v no_o more_o to_o they_o than_o to_o the_o damn_a in_o hell_n this_o be_v a_o sad_a condition_n indeed_o and_o common_o prove_v to_o be_v such_o a_o stuborn_v and_o untractable_a distemper_n that_o the_o mean_v apply_v for_o cure_n seem_v rather_o to_o increase_v than_o abate_v the_o distemper_n and_o indeed_o many_o time_n be_v not_o perfect_o and_o thorough_o cure_v till_o in_o the_o end_n of_o their_o day_n god_n bring_v they_o within_o sight_n of_o heaven_n 3._o sometime_o poor_a christian_n though_o they_o look_v not_o upon_o their_o sin_n as_o in_o themselves_o unpardonable_a yet_o they_o think_v that_o their_o day_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o accept_a time_n for_o they_o be_v already_o past_a and_o therefore_o that_o there_o be_v no_o room_n leave_v they_o for_o hope_n this_o proceed_v from_o the_o review_n of_o time_n past_a wherein_o they_o see_v how_o many_o tender_n offer_n and_o opportunity_n they_o have_v neglect_v and_o how_o unprofitable_a and_o barren_a they_o have_v be_v under_o the_o plentiful_a mean_n of_o grace_n that_o they_o former_o have_v enjoy_v especial_o if_o god_n seem_v now_o to_o have_v deprive_v they_o of_o those_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n whence_o they_o conclude_v that_o god_n will_v wait_v upon_o they_o no_o long_o but_o have_v conclude_v they_o in_o a_o state_n of_o unbelief_n and_o reprobation_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n for_o they_o to_o strive_v and_o hope_v any_o long_o see_v that_o time_n pass_v can_v be_v call_v again_o nor_o neglect_a opportunity_n be_v redeem_v 4._o to_o these_o may_v be_v add_v another_o froward_a distemper_n of_o mind_n wherein_o the_o heart_n refuse_v and_o slight_v all_o comfort_n which_o come_v not_o in_o by_o the_o way_n of_o assurance_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o so_o long_o as_o they_o find_v not_o their_o corruption_n so_o perfect_o subdue_v and_o their_o grace_n heigthen_v to_o that_o degree_n as_o may_v be_v to_o they_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o full_a assurance_n they_o be_v to_o themselves_o the_o author_n of_o a_o very_a disconsolate_a condition_n which_o many_o time_n as_o it_o needs_o must_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o long_a continuance_n for_o conclusion_n of_o this_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o outward_a trouble_n and_o a_o melancholy_a disposition_n of_o body_n and_o mind_n be_v sometime_o if_o not_o the_o primary_n inlet_n of_o disconsolateess_n yet_o they_o be_v at_o least_o efectuall_a obstructor_n and_o excluder_n of_o that_o comfort_n which_o otherwise_o may_v be_v asweet_a refresh_n to_o their_o soul_n for_o although_o god_n bestow_v upon_o some_o such_o a_o cheerful_a lightsome_a disposition_n as_o easy_o admit_v every_o beam_n of_o comfort_n and_o go_v more_o light_o under_o the_o burden_n of_o affliction_n yet_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o other_o so_o gross_o darken_v with_o that_o black_a distemper_n of_o melancholy_a &_o so_o deep_o pierce_v by_o the_o dint_n even_o of_o light_a affliction_n that_o no_o indifferent_a cause_n of_o comfort_n will_v suffice_v to_o expel_v the_o blackness_n of_o the_o one_o or_o heal_v the_o wound_n which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o other_o thus_o i_o have_v brief_o discover_v what_o those_o thing_n be_v which_o do_v not_o only_o hinder_v comfort_n but_o also_o produce_v augment_v &_o continue_v those_o inward_a trouble_n which_o many_o of_o god_n people_n fall_v into_o and_o so_o rob_v they_o of_o those_o sweet_a consolation_n which_o be_v their_o present_a portion_n which_o their_o heavenly_a father_n have_v assign_v they_o for_o their_o support_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o those_o many_o discouragement_n which_o they_o meet_v withal_o in_o their_o holy_a pilgrimage_n towards_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n sect_n iv_o the_o author_n of_o a_o christian_n trouble_n have_v now_o speak_v of_o the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o a_o christian_n trouble_n it_o will_v be_v very_o useful_a to_o say_v something_o before_o we_o pass_v any_o further_a concern_v the_o author_n of_o these_o trouble_n 1._o it_o appear_v in_o the_o forementioned_a particular_n how_o much_o the_o blame_n lie_v upon_o themselves_o either_o through_o ignorance_n not_o know_v where_o to_o seek_v comfort_n or_o through_o error_n go_v in_o a_o wrong_a way_n or_o through_o weakness_n though_o the_o way_n be_v plain_a before_o they_o yet_o can_v they_o walk_v therein_o or_o else_o through_o wilfulness_n when_o they_o with_o the_o psalmist_n refuse_v to_o be_v comfort_v although_o there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n whereupon_o to_o stay_v their_o soul_n so_o that_o if_o they_o enjoy_v not_o that_o refresh_a and_o revive_v light_n of_o god_n counnance_n they_o may_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n thank_v themselves_o as_o author_n of_o that_o evil_n neither_o may_v we_o excuse_v the_o devil_n who_o no_o doubt_n have_v a_o hand_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o power_n in_o all_o the_o trouble_n and_o discomfort_n that_o befall_v any_o of_o god_n people_n questionless_a his_o implacable_a malice_n do_v drive_v he_o on_o with_o utmost_a fury_n to_o endeavour_v the_o destruction_n of_o god_n people_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o if_o he_o can_v turn_v they_o out_o of_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n yet_o he_o will_v make_v it_o as_o uncomfortable_a to_o they_o as_o he_o can_v if_o he_o can_v separate_v they_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n yet_o he_o will_v interpose_v betwixt_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v this_o he_o attempt_v either_o by_o temptation_n whereby_o he_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v they_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o those_o sin_n whereby_o he_o know_v that_o god_n will_v be_v provoke_v to_o withdraw_v his_o comfort_n from_o they_o or_o else_o by_o cast_v in_o suspicion_n and_o blow_v upon_o the_o fuel_n of_o their_o own_o homebred_a misconceive_v jealousy_n concern_v their_o state_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v bring_v they_o to_o put_v from_o they_o those_o comfort_n that_o do_v of_o right_o belong_v to_o they_o and_o be_v hold_v out_o by_o god_n in_o his_o word_n to_o they_o 3._o but_o be_v there_o any_o evil_n in_o the_o city_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o do_v it_o sure_o in_o these_o as_o well_o as_o in_o all_o other_o affliction_n god_n also_o have_v his_o hand_n though_o in_o a_o far_o different_a kind_n from_o ourselves_o and_o the_o devil_n we_o foolish_o the_o devil_n malicious_o but_o god_n most_o righteous_o and_o wise_o yea_o and_o compassionate_o too_o yet_o may_v we_o for_o the_o most_o part_n thank_v ourselves_o for_o god_n have_v any_o hand_n in_o our_o discomfort_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o be_v evil_a and_o afflictive_a for_o he_o do_v not_o willing_o grieve_v the_o child_n of_o man_n but_o we_o by_o our_o security_n presumption_n sloth_n worldliness_n or_o some_o other_o particular_a sin_n do_v provoke_v god_n to_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o we_o and_o to_o let_v loose_v our_o enemy_n upon_o we_o yea_o and_o to_o deliver_v we_o
and_o fear_n they_o have_v then_o their_o indubitable_a evidence_n to_o seek_v and_o as_o it_o often_o fall_v out_o in_o other_o thing_n when_o we_o be_v most_o in_o haste_n we_o lest_o of_o all_o know_v where_o to_o seek_v or_o find_v the_o thing_n we_o want_v so_o when_o the_o sudden_a onset_n of_o temptation_n constrain_v we_o to_o make_v good_a our_o title_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o that_o hurley_a burley_n and_o confusion_n which_o be_v raise_v in_o the_o soul_n thereby_o we_o know_v no_o more_o for_o the_o present_a how_o to_o make_v good_a our_o title_n than_o if_o we_o never_o have_v any_o 3._o we_o may_v yet_o assign_v this_o high_a reason_n that_o it_o please_v god_n to_o restrain_v satan_n from_o assault_v the_o infant-grace_n of_o his_o little_a one_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v discourage_v from_o a_o way_n &_o course_n of_o holiness_n before_o they_o be_v harden_v and_o habituate_v thereunto_o as_o a_o captain_n will_v not_o set_v his_o freshwater_n soldier_n to_o bear_v the_o brunt_n of_o the_o day_n lest_o he_o discourage_v they_o for_o ever_o after_o but_o when_o god_n have_v for_o a_o certain_a time_n train_v up_o his_o servant_n in_o their_o posture_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n he_o than_o lead_v they_o forth_o to_o the_o trial_n to_o see_v how_o they_o can_v endure_v the_o shock_n of_o temptation_n 3._o none_o can_v promise_v themselves_o a_o uninterrupted_a course_n of_o peace_n &_o comfort_n how_o high_a degree_n of_o grace_n soever_o they_o may_v possible_o have_v attain_v unto_o nay_o many_o time_n god_n suffer_v his_o strong_a servant_n to_o encounter_v with_o the_o strong_a interruption_n so_o that_o although_o there_o be_v no_o true_a comfort_n nor_o can_v be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o true_a grace_n yet_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o comfort_n do_v not_o necessary_o and_o constant_o accompany_v and_o flow_v from_o proportionable_a degree_n of_o grace_n sect_n vi_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o remain_v to_o be_v do_v have_v now_o lay_v the_o groundwork_n i_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o superstructure_n yet_o i_o must_v premise_v thus_o much_o that_o those_o trouble_n and_o disquietment_n of_o mind_n which_o many_o time_n befall_v the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n ground_v upon_o some_o mistake_n and_o misapprehension_n which_o if_o once_o rectify_v there_o will_v need_v but_o little_a if_o any_o thing_n more_o to_o reduce_v they_o to_o a_o quiet_a and_o comfortable_a state_n and_o posture_n of_o spirit_n therefore_o the_o remainder_n of_o my_o present_a task_n will_v stand_v in_o two_o attempt_n 1._o to_o lay_v down_o some_o proposition_n for_o the_o rectify_v of_o those_o mistake_n and_o the_o answer_v of_o all_o objection_n that_o be_v ground_v thereupon_o 2._o to_o give_v some_o plain_n easy_a and_o brief_a direction_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o true_a solid_a peace_n and_o comfort_n so_o ground_v as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v less_o liable_a to_o the_o common_a assault_n or_o more_o easy_o recoverable_a if_o at_o any_o time_n it_o be_v overcloud_v sect_n vii_o of_o conversion_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o those_o proposition_n which_o relate_v to_o conversion_n because_o it_o be_v the_o first_o save_v work_n upon_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o some_o sound_a believer_n be_v in_o the_o dark_a concern_v that_o first_o necessary_a work_n they_o be_v much_o tempt_v to_o suspect_v all_o their_o evidence_n of_o after-grace_n the_o substance_n of_o this_o work_n consist_v in_o that_o real_a change_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o whole_a man_n whereby_o he_o be_v turn_v from_o sin_n and_o satan_n unto_o god_n and_o be_v bring_v out_o of_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n but_o those_o doubt_n and_o fear_n which_o arise_v many_o time_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n child_n be_v not_o about_o the_o nature_n and_o notion_n of_o conversion_n but_o spring_n from_o mistake_n about_o the_o circumstance_n thereof_o concern_v which_o therefore_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o follow_a proposition_n 1._o prop._n a_o man_n may_v be_v convert_v or_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n yet_o not_o know_v it_o and_o this_o either_o 1._o for_o some_o time_n immediate_o after_o conversion_n as_o in_o all_o probability_n a_o infant_n for_o some_o time_n after_o its_o birth_n do_v not_o put_v forth_o any_o of_o those_o reflex_n act_n whereby_o it_o judge_v itself_o to_o be_v alive_a though_o i_o may_v not_o say_v that_o a_o new_a convert_n be_v like_o a_o infant_n uncapable_a of_o exert_v such_o reflex_n act_n yet_o certain_o many_o do_v not_o or_o if_o they_o make_v attempt_n yet_o sometime_o the_o reality_n of_o their_o conversion_n be_v too_o obscure_a for_o they_o to_o discern_v in_o that_o infant-state_n 2._o this_o also_o may_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o true_a believer_n in_o his_o adult_n or_o grow_v state_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o conversion_n and_o that_o either_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o heart_n or_o by_o some_o after-occasionall_a darken_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o a_o man_n may_v know_v he_o have_v true_a grace_n and_o yet_o not_o know_v whether_o ever_o he_o be_v convert_v or_o no_o but_o take_v conversion_n for_o the_o first_o entrance_n into_o a_o state_n of_o true_a grace_n whosoever_o doubt_n or_o be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n by_o what_o mean_v soever_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v must_v needs_o also_o be_v equal_o in_o doubt_n of_o his_o conversion_n except_o with_o the_o arminian_o socinian_o etc._n etc._n he_o think_v that_o true_a grace_n may_v be_v total_o lose_v which_o be_v a_o error_n of_o very_a dangerous_a consequence_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n to_o be_v rectify_v 2._o prop._n a_o man_n may_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o yet_o not_o know_v the_o time_n of_o his_o conversion_n nay_o he_o may_v have_v good_a evidence_n that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o from_o thence_o conclude_v that_o for_o certain_a there_o be_v a_o particular_a time_n of_o his_o conversion_n and_o yet_o not_o know_v when_o that_o time_n be_v indeed_o when_o he_o be_v once_o come_v to_o that_o conclusion_n that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n he_o may_v probable_o conclude_v that_o such_o a_o particular_a time_n be_v the_o time_n of_o his_o pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n but_o yet_o some_o can_v go_v so_o far_o in_o conjecture_v at_o the_o particular_a time_n that_o work_n have_v be_v wrought_v in_o they_o while_o they_o be_v very_o young_a or_o otherwise_o wrought_v by_o such_o gentle_a and_o gradual_a mean_n as_o good_a education_n or_o the_o like_a that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o they_o almost_o to_o discern_v when_o they_o pass_v from_o the_o utmost_a bound_n of_o common_a grace_n into_o a_o state_n of_o special_a grace_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o common_a case_n among_o many_o believer_n now_o adays_o 3._o prop._n that_o change_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o conversion_n be_v more_o in_o the_o inward_a than_o in_o the_o outward_a man_n i_o speak_v now_o in_o respect_n of_o reality_n and_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o outward_a appearance_n although_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o many_o time_n that_o change_v which_o be_v wrought_v by_o conversion_n have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o the_o outward_a man_n in_o point_n of_o action_n &_o conversation_n that_o the_o change_n be_v very_o manifest_a and_o visible_a yet_o i_o say_v that_o the_o radical_a and_o principal_a change_n be_v in_o the_o inward_a man_n this_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o word_n by_o which_o repentance_n be_v general_o express_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n a_o a_o member_n of_o conversion_n as_o in_o that_o remarkable_a conjunction_n of_o repentance_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o conversion_n in_o act._n 3.19_o repent_v and_o be_v convert_v that_o your_o sin_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o the_o word_n which_o we_o translate_v repent_v signifyes_n a_o change_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o primary_n act_n of_o repentance_n and_o part_n of_o conversion_n although_o secondary_o there_o be_v divers_a other_o thing_n that_o pertain_v thereto_o this_o be_v also_o manifest_a in_o that_o other_o expression_n whereby_o christ_n recommend_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o nicodemus_n under_o the_o name_n of_o regeneration_n or_o a_o new_a birth_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o body_n be_v not_o bear_v again_o which_o be_v nicodemus_n gross_a apprehension_n at_o the_o first_o neither_o be_v the_o soul_n as_o to_o the_o be_v or_o substance_n thereof_o bear_v again_o yet_o no_o doubt_n but_o some_o very_a great_a change_n and_o remarkable_a alteration_n be_v note_v to_o we_o by_o such_o a_o expression_n it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o this_o grand_a
suspend_v their_o comfort_n upon_o such_o a_o kind_n or_o proportion_n of_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n may_v without_o difficulty_n be_v right_o determine_v by_o any_o one_o but_o a_o papist_n or_o a_o like_a principled_a so_o then_o while_o the_o trouble_a soul_n rake_n in_o its_o own_o sore_n to_o find_v a_o sorrow_n proportionable_a to_o the_o sin_n they_o stand_v guilty_a of_o they_o too_o much_o justify_v that_o doctrine_n which_o in_o their_o principle_n they_o will_v most_o fearless_o deny_v and_o while_o through_o this_o error_n they_o seek_v righteous_o by_o the_o law_n they_o do_v unwitting_o keep_v themselves_o under_o the_o curse_n at_o least_o as_o to_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o least_o as_o to_o the_o present_a comfort_n of_o it_o gal._n 3.10_o 21._o 3._o prop._n every_o degree_n of_o true_a godly_a sorrow_n bear_v a_o gospel_n proportion_n to_o every_o sin_n that_o be_v it_o be_v that_o sorrow_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v not_o by_o way_n of_o satisfaction_n as_o the_o law_n do_v but_o to_o put_v the_o sinner_n into_o a_o preparative_n capacity_n to_o receive_v christ_n and_o pardon_n through_o he_o for_o this_o be_v not_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n in_o require_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o the_o law_n require_v a_o great_a degree_n &_o the_o gospel_n be_v content_a with_o a_o less_o degree_n but_o the_o true_a difference_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o what_o the_o law_n require_v it_o require_v in_o perfection_n in_o order_n to_o justification_n immediate_o but_o what_o the_o gospel_n require_v it_o require_v in_o sincerity_n with_o reference_n to_o christ_n and_o life_n by_o he_o but_o what_o then_o be_v the_o least_o degree_n of_o this_o or_o any_o other_o grace_n in_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n the_o most_o that_o the_o gospel_n require_v no_o very_o for_o the_o gospel_n call_v we_o for_o perfection_n yea_o and_o a_o great_a perfection_n than_o the_o law_n itself_o do_v but_o this_o be_v the_o indulgence_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o first_o and_o least_o degree_n of_o grace_n in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n put_v the_o person_n into_o a_o respective_a capacity_n of_o partake_v of_o the_o promise_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o allow_v he_o and_o require_v he_o all_o the_o remainder_n of_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n to_o be_v perfect_v his_o grace_n &_o thereby_o to_o be_v grow_v up_o in_o christ_n his_o head_n when_o he_o come_v to_o be_v full_o and_o perfect_o unite_v to_o christ_n he_o may_v in_o he_o be_v perfect_a in_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n together_o 4._o prop._n that_o be_v true_a sorrow_n which_o produce_v a_o willingness_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o power_n of_o all_o sin_n a_o real_a willingness_n though_o the_o flesh_n may_v gainsay_v and_o be_v unwilling_a for_o it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n for_o such_o contradiction_n to_o be_v find_v in_o god_n child_n so_o long_o as_o they_o have_v flesh_n as_o well_o as_o spirit_n the_o flesh_n will_v be_v lust_a against_o the_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o two_o be_v contrary_a i_o choose_v to_o note_v out_o sorrow_n by_o its_o effect_n rather_o than_o by_o describe_v it_o in_o its_o nature_n because_o it_o be_v much_o more_o discernible_a in_o its_o effect_n than_o in_o its_o nature_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o this_o effect_n as_o much_o if_o not_o more_o than_o in_o any_o other_o effect_n thereof_o 5._o prop._n that_o be_v godly_a sorrow_n which_o produce_v a_o sight_n of_o our_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o willingness_n to_o close_v with_o he_o on_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o whereas_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v comprehend_v in_o those_o two_o word_n repent_v and_o believe_v such_o a_o repentance_n be_v speak_v of_o as_o prepares_z and_o lead_v a_o man_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o be_v the_o repentance_n which_o god_n require_v and_o in_o the_o gospel_n call_v for_o i_o need_v not_o precise_o distinguish_v between_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o true_a repentance_n which_o be_v frequent_o use_v as_o term_n of_o the_o same_o import_n in_o scripture_n although_o it_o do_v distinguish_v they_o also_o but_o so_o as_o that_o godly_a sorrow_n do_v certain_o produce_v repentance_n to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o whether_o mediate_o or_o immediate_o it_o matter_n not_o but_o certain_o that_o sorrow_n be_v according_a to_o god_n and_o the_o gospel_n which_o prepare_v the_o heart_n to_o receive_v christ_n by_o faith_n and_o than_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o judge_v whether_o that_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n which_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o see_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o christ_n and_o produce_v a_o willingness_n to_o close_v with_o he_o upon_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o godly_a sorrow_n or_o no._n 6._o prop._n the_o fear_n of_o hell_n and_o damnation_n be_v no_o unlawful_a or_o ungospel_n ingredient_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n it_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a perplexity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o many_o of_o god_n child_n to_o find_v upon_o serious_a consideration_n that_o the_o fear_n of_o be_v everlasting_o damn_v have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o that_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n and_o fear_v of_o sin_v which_o they_o real_o find_v in_o themselves_o judge_v all_o such_o sorrow_n to_o be_v carnal_a because_o it_o proceed_v not_o pure_o from_o a_o principle_n of_o love_n to_o god_n indeed_o i_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o it_o at_o least_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o great_a inconsiderateness_n in_o some_o who_o teach_v that_o godly_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n do_v pure_o respect_n god_n and_o his_o goodness_n and_o that_o that_o which_o respect_v the_o safety_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o damnation_n be_v legal_a and_o carnal_a which_o be_v a_o doctrine_n that_o be_v contrary_a both_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n whoever_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o fear_v the_o plague_n sword_n famine_n poison_n or_o the_o like_a upon_o this_o very_a account_n because_o they_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o body_n or_o to_o sorrow_n for_o those_o outward_a evil_n when_o present_a as_o well_o as_o to_o fear_v they_o when_o they_o be_v yet_o but_o imminent_a and_o that_o for_o the_o body_n sake_n the_o be_v whereof_o be_v endanger_v thereby_o and_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o fear_v and_o grieve_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o body_n those_o evil_n which_o threaten_v the_o ruin_n thereof_o how_o much_o more_o consentaneous_a to_o reason_n be_v it_o to_o fear_v and_o grieve_v for_o sin_n and_o its_o consequent_n upon_o the_o soul_n account_v which_o be_v thereby_o endanger_v to_o be_v lose_v for_o ever_o but_o to_o let_v pass_v such_o argumentation_n have_v not_o god_n also_o in_o his_o word_n both_o permit_v and_o command_v that_o we_o shall_v have_v so_o much_o respect_n to_o our_o own_o immortal_a soul_n as_o well_o as_o to_o his_o pleasure_n and_o honour_n as_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o they_o and_o their_o safety_n to_o fear_v sin_n hell_n &_o damnation_n yea_o and_o god_n himself_o too_o because_o of_o his_o power_n to_o destroy_v heb._n 4.1_o mat._n 10.28_o and_o if_o to_o fear_v sin_n upon_o that_o account_n so_o as_o to_o avoid_v the_o commission_n of_o it_o than_o also_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n to_o grieve_v and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n when_o commit_v and_o if_o we_o may_v fear_v god_n because_o of_o his_o power_n to_o destroy_v then_o may_v we_o also_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n through_o fear_n of_o god_n displeasure_n and_o the_o display_v of_o that_o his_o power_n for_o the_o everlasting_a destruction_n both_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o the_o sinner_n i_o say_v not_o but_o that_o sorrow_n for_o sinner_n arise_v from_o a_o principle_n of_o love_n to_o god_n may_v be_v esteem_v the_o more_o childlike_a disposition_n and_o a_o high_a attainment_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v labour_v after_o yet_o this_o i_o say_v also_o that_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o alien_n from_o the_o property_n of_o a_o good_a son_n to_o grieve_v for_o a_o offence_n commit_v against_o his_o father_n for_o fear_v of_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o father_n displeasure_n these_o proposition_n may_v be_v so_o apply_v as_o to_o resolve_v all_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n that_o may_v arise_v concern_v the_o occasion_n measure_n truth_n or_o gospel_n rectitude_n of_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o legal_a and_o carnal_a or_o defective_a which_o be_v usual_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o trouble_a soul_n perplexity_n about_o this_o point_n sect_n ix_o of_o the_o pardonableness_n of_o sin_n as_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n can_v but_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a joy_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o be_v
that_o which_o in_o all_o their_o trouble_n their_o heart_n pant_v after_o so_o also_o to_o be_v assure_v that_o their_o sin_n be_v pardonable_a be_v matter_n at_o least_o of_o negative_a comfort_n but_o to_o lie_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n as_o unpardoned_a and_o to_o apprehend_v it_o as_o unpardonable_a too_o can_v not_o but_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a horror_n to_o the_o soul_n but_o these_o apprehension_n do_v proceed_v many_o time_n partly_o from_o the_o violence_n of_o temptation_n and_o partly_o also_o from_o some_o mistake_n about_o the_o pardonableness_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o obviate_a the_o one_o and_z removing_z the_o other_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o follow_a proposition_n 1._o prop._n all_o sin_n how_o great_a or_o small_a soever_o be_v unpardonable_a after_o death_n i._n e._n if_o it_o be_v unpardoned_a at_o death_n for_o death_n do_v absolute_o fix_v every_o one_o in_o that_o condition_n wherein_o they_o die_v so_o that_o if_o sin_n be_v then_o pardon_v it_o be_v pardon_v for_o ever_o but_o if_o it_o be_v then_o unpardoned_a it_o be_v not_o only_o unpardoned_a but_o also_o unpardonable_a for_o ever_o 2._o prop._n all_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a person_n be_v unpardonable_a while_o he_o be_v such_o but_o this_o be_v not_o such_o a_o fix_a unalterable_a unpardonableness_n as_o the_o former_a but_o only_o in_o relation_n to_o that_o state_n so_o that_o those_o sin_n which_o to_o a_o unregenerate_a person_n be_v altogether_o unpardonable_a while_o he_o continue_v in_o that_o state_n be_v all_o pardonable_a yea_o and_o actual_o pardon_v as_o soon_o as_o ever_o his_o state_n be_v change_v from_o unregeneracy_n to_o regeneracy_n therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n repent_v and_o be_v convert_v that_o your_o sin_n may_v be_v blat_v out_o 3._o prop._n all_o the_o sin_n of_o every_o one_o of_o god_n child_n be_v pardonable_a by_o virtue_n of_o their_o state_n as_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o so_o reconcile_v to_o god_n although_o the_o actual_a application_n of_o that_o pardon_n be_v suspend_v upon_o their_o actual_a repentance_n and_o faith_n for_o the_o most_o part_n however_o all_o those_o that_o be_v once_o engraft_v into_o christ_n by_o faith_n be_v so_o provide_v for_o by_o he_o that_o as_o they_o can_v sin_v any_o sin_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o unpardonable_a so_o neither_o can_v they_o commit_v any_o sin_n with_o such_o circumstance_n as_o that_o eventual_o it_o shall_v prove_v unpardonable_a to_o they_o but_o shall_v soon_o or_o late_a be_n certain_o pardon_v upon_o their_o certain_a performance_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o pardon_n through_o christ_n 4._o prop._n all_o sin_n be_v in_o themselves_o pardonable_a except_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n for_o god_n have_v not_o by_o any_o peremptory_a decree_n make_v know_v unto_o we_o in_o his_o word_n so_o forestall_v the_o pardon_n of_o any_o particular_a sin_n whether_o we_o consider_v it_o in_o the_o horridness_n of_o its_o nature_n or_o in_o the_o heinousness_n of_o its_o circumstance_n but_o that_o upon_o the_o term_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n it_o be_v pardonable_a except_o that_o sin_n which_o be_v call_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n of_o this_o also_o i_o suppose_v we_o can_v proper_o say_v that_o it_o be_v unpardonable_a although_o the_o person_n guilty_a thereof_o shall_v repent_v and_o believe_v but_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o that_o nature_n that_o do_v absolute_o bind_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o sinner_n from_o repent_v and_o believe_v so_o that_o his_o repent_v and_o believe_v be_v as_o impossible_a as_o his_o be_v pardon_v sect_n x._o of_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n i_o hint_v before_o that_o the_o trouble_a soul_n apprehension_n of_o the_o unpardonableness_n of_o their_o sin_n do_v sometime_o rise_v so_o high_a as_o to_o a_o imagination_n that_o they_o have_v sin_v against_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o then_o we_o may_v easy_o conceive_v what_o unspeakable_a horror_n be_v consequent_a thereupon_o and_o how_o incurable_a this_o distemper_n must_v needs_o be_v till_o that_o conceit_n be_v remove_v because_o the_o scripture_n have_v so_o express_o say_v of_o this_o sin_n that_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v forgive_v neither_o in_o this_o world_n nor_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v but_o what_o this_o sin_n be_v wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v whether_o there_o be_v but_o one_o or_o more_o of_o this_o nature_n whether_o it_o be_v any_o particular_a act_n or_o whether_o any_o sin_n may_v become_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n or_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy-ghost_n by_o reason_n of_o such_o circumstance_n as_o may_v attend_v it_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o controversy_n wherein_o i_o will_v not_o now_o undertake_v to_o be_v a_o umpire_n between_o the_o differ_a party_n because_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v little_o conduce_v to_o the_o heal_n of_o that_o distemper_n which_o i_o have_v now_o in_o hand_n in_o regard_n that_o when_o i_o have_v say_v all_o i_o can_v these_o thing_n will_v be_v matter_n of_o controversy_n still_o and_o beside_o something_o else_o may_v be_v say_v of_o this_o matter_n which_o will_v not_o be_v matter_n of_o dispute_n and_o yet_o may_v be_v more_o effectual_a for_o cure_v the_o forementioned_a distemper_n 1._o observe_v therefore_o that_o there_o be_v but_o four_o place_n find_v at_o least_o that_o be_v common_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o make_v any_o mention_n of_o a_o unpardonable_a sin_n two_o whereof_o give_v we_o only_o the_o name_n without_o any_o description_n and_o the_o other_o two_o give_v we_o description_n without_o any_o name_n the_o first_o of_o those_o two_o place_n where_o such_o a_o sin_n be_v name_v be_v matt._n 22.31_o 32._o where_o it_o be_v call_v the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy-ghost_n the_o other_o place_n be_v 1_o joh._n 5.16_o where_o it_o be_v call_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n whether_o these_o two_o name_n express_v to_o we_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n it_o matter_n nothing_o to_o the_o present_a purpose_n though_o i_o incline_v to_o think_v they_o be_v but_o the_o same_o but_o this_o be_v out_o of_o question_n that_o both_o these_o expression_n note_v out_o to_o we_o a_o unpardonable_a sin_n for_o of_o the_o first_o christ_n say_v express_o that_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v forgive_v and_o of_o the_o other_o and_o it_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o very_a name_n that_o it_o oblige_v the_o sinner_n inevitable_o to_o death_n yet_o in_o these_o place_n there_o be_v no_o clear_a description_n of_o the_o sin_n so_o name_v although_o in_o the_o first_o the_o occasion_n of_o christ_n speech_n may_v give_v some_o hint_n what_o his_o meaning_n be_v but_o not_o without_o some_o obscurity_n but_o if_o the_o attribute_v of_o those_o miracle_n which_o christ_n do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n which_o he_o have_v without_o measure_n to_o a_o diabolical_a art_n or_o power_n be_v that_o sin_n as_o seem_v most_o plain_a from_o the_o place_n than_o i_o suppose_v there_o will_v hardly_o be_v any_o trouble_a soul_n find_v which_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o truth_n charge_v this_o sin_n upon_o itself_o 2._o but_o if_o this_o fact_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n for_o which_o christ_n charge_v they_o with_o the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy-ghost_n be_v but_o one_o particular_a branch_n of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o shall_v hardly_o know_v what_o other_o branch_n fall_v under_o this_o head_n except_o we_o find_v they_o in_o heb._n 4.5_o 6._o and_o heb._n 10.26_o 29._o which_o be_v those_o other_o two_o place_n wherein_o we_o find_v a_o unpardonable_a sin_n describe_v without_o any_o special_a name_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o receive_a opinion_n that_o these_o place_n do_v describe_v to_o we_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy-ghost_n which_o want_v not_o its_o probability_n because_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o these_o place_n describe_v to_o we_o a_o unpardonable_a sin_n and_o christ_n in_o the_o other_o place_n seem_v to_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o sin_n unpardonable_a but_o only_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy-ghost_n but_o however_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy-ghost_n or_o not_o which_o the_o apostle_n describe_v in_o those_o passage_n to_o the_o hebrew_n yet_o this_o i_o have_v observe_v that_o those_o who_o in_o the_o trouble_n of_o their_o soul_n do_v charge_n themselves_o with_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy-ghost_n do_v general_o ground_n and_o build_v their_o charge_n upon_o this_o notion_n that_o the_o sin_n there_o describe_v be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o they_o conceive_v that_o they_o have_v commit_v some_o sin_n like_v unto_o those_o there_o describe_v and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v most_o pertinent_a to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n to_o clear_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o place_n it_o will_v be_v
but_o little_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o trouble_a soul_n to_o say_v with_o some_o that_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n do_v not_o speak_v of_o a_o absolute_a impossibility_n but_o of_o a_o very_a great_a difficulty_n as_o when_o christ_n seem_v to_o make_v it_o a_o impossible_a thing_n for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o be_v save_v yet_o that_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a with_o god_n i_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o disprove_v that_o interpretation_n but_o that_o which_o will_v be_v most_o satisfactory_a be_v to_o suppose_v the_o worst_a as_o to_o be_v sure_o the_o trouble_a soul_n will_v do_v and_o so_o to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o real_a impossibility_n for_o such_o a_o one_o as_o the_o apostle_n there_o speak_v of_o to_o be_v renew_v again_o to_o repentance_n and_o then_o i_o shall_v first_o lay_v down_o these_o unquestionable_a proposition_n by_o way_n of_o premisall_n 1._o prop._n it_o be_v certain_a that_o those_o who_o have_v not_o only_o receive_v some_o enlightning_n and_o common_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o be_v also_o real_o and_o true_o sanctify_v may_v through_o temptation_n and_o infirmity_n do_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v sin_n as_o no_o doubt_n but_o david_n know_v murder_n and_o adultery_n to_o be_v sin_n and_o peter_n can_v not_o but_o know_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o deny_v christ_n and_o to_o common_a experience_n will_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o same_o 2._o prop._n it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o the_o will_n may_v consent_v to_o the_o commission_n of_o know_a sin_n david_n be_v not_o constrain_v to_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o forementioned_a sin_n 3._o prop._n and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o certain_a that_o such_o may_v be_v renew_v again_o to_o repentance_n as_o david_n and_o peter_n be_v yet_o no_o doubt_n but_o such_o circumstance_n do_v render_v the_o sin_n more_o than_o ordinary_a heinous_a from_o hence_o we_o conclude_v that_o except_o we_o make_v the_o doctrine_n all_o and_o historical_a part_n of_o scripture_n absolute_o repugnant_a and_o contrary_a to_o each_o other_o yea_o one_o doctrinal_a part_n to_o another_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o a_o person_n who_o have_v be_v enlighten_v and_o receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n have_v taste_v the_o heavenly_a gift_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o taste_v of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v may_v with_o external_a evident_a compulsion_n commit_v great_a and_o know_v sin_n without_o be_v seal_v up_o under_o impenitency_n or_o his_o sin_n necessary_o acquire_v the_o black_a and_o horrid_a die_n of_o unpardonableness_n thereby_o but_o then_o as_o touch_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o forementioned_a place_n to_o i_o it_o seem_v plain_a to_o any_o considerative_a and_o impartial_a eye_n that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v only_o of_o total_a apostasy_n and_o pronounce_v that_o dreadful_a doom_n only_o against_o apostate_n i._n e._n those_o who_o have_v receive_v and_o own_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v afterward_o without_o any_o compulsion_n or_o other_o seem_a necessity_n whole_o renounce_v jesus_n christ_n and_o all_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o become_v open_a and_o profess_v enemy_n thereunto_o this_o be_v apparent_a in_o the_o former_a place_n where_o the_o apostle_n say_v not_o if_o such_o shall_v fall_v into_o sin_n but_o if_o such_o shall_v fall_v away_o that_o be_v whole_o turn_v away_o from_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n utter_o renounce_v they_o as_o fable_n and_o imposture_n and_o for_o the_o other_o place_n it_o be_v as_o apparent_a that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v not_o of_o every_o wilful_a sin_n or_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n but_o such_o wilful_a sin_v as_o whereby_o a_o man_n declare_v himself_o a_o adversary_n and_o profess_a enemy_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v trample_v upon_o christ_n in_o that_o he_o make_v no_o more_o account_n of_o his_o blood_n than_o of_o the_o common_a blood_n of_o a_o malefactor_n and_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n by_o who_o he_o have_v before_o be_v bring_v so_o far_o onward_o in_o christianity_n as_o to_o own_o christ_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o religion_n for_o further_a satisfaction_n i_o refer_v you_o to_o dr._n gouge_n upon_o these_o place_n in_o his_o comment_n on_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n but_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o clear_a that_o whether_o we_o look_v upon_o these_o place_n as_o contain_v a_o description_n of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy-ghost_n or_o not_o yet_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o howsoever_o the_o trouble_a soul_n may_v apprehend_v itself_o guilty_a of_o sin_n aggravate_v with_o wilfulness_n or_o other_o like_a heinous_a circumstance_n yet_o if_o they_o come_v short_a of_o total_a apostasy_n from_o christ_n and_o open_a renounce_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o can_v reasonable_o conclude_v from_o these_o place_n that_o there_o sin_n be_v unpardonable_a and_o themselves_o seal_v up_o under_o a_o state_n of_o impenitency_n and_o there_o fore_o they_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o these_o thought_n as_o temptation_n cast_v in_o by_o the_o devil_n for_o the_o hindrance_n of_o they_o from_o return_v to_o christ_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o their_o spiritual_a distemper_n and_o the_o recovery_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o their_o salvation_n sect_n xi_o of_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n the_o time_n of_o visitation_n or_o the_o accept_a time_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o irrecoverable_a or_o irrevocable_a as_o time_n when_o it_o be_v once_o past_a and_o go_v so_o that_o if_o any_o one_o salvation_n do_v depend_v upon_o any_o certain_a particular_a or_o limit_a time_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v save_v if_o they_o overslip_v that_o time_n or_o opportunity_n as_o it_o it_o to_o call_v time_n back_o again_o hence_o it_o arise_v that_o unspeakable_a horror_n which_o sometime_o seize_v upon_o the_o soul_n by_o apprehend_v that_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n be_v past_a and_o go_v equal_a with_o that_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o have_v commit_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy-ghost_n because_o it_o be_v equal_o impossible_a to_o recall_v that_o time_n which_o god_n have_v fix_v by_o a_o firm_a decree_n as_o to_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o that_o sin_n which_o god_n have_v absolute_o pronounce_v unpardonable_a now_o therefore_o for_o extricate_a the_o trouble_a soul_n out_o of_o this_o labyrinth_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o fix_a or_o limit_a time_n which_o it_o be_v and_o how_o it_o may_v be_v discover_v there_o be_v three_o expression_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v common_o look_v upon_o as_o pointing_z out_o to_o we_o such_o a_o limit_a time_n in_o luke_n 19.44_o it_o be_v call_v the_o time_n of_o visitation_n in_o 2_o cor._n 6.2_o there_o be_v mention_n of_o the_o accept_a time_n and_o the_o day_n of_o salvation_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o premise_v something_o for_o explication_n of_o these_o expression_n that_o the_o way_n for_o resolve_v the_o doubt_n hence_o arise_v may_v be_v the_o more_o clear_a we_o must_v observe_v that_o the_o time_n or_o day_n of_o visitation_n be_v use_v very_o various_o in_o scripture_n for_o sometime_o there_o be_v mention_n of_o a_o visitation_n in_o a_o way_n of_o judgement_n and_o sometime_o in_o a_o way_n of_o mercy_n and_o indeed_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o be_v most_o frequent_o use_v for_o the_o time_n of_o god_n punish_v or_o destroy_v a_o people_n for_o their_o sin_n as_o in_o jer._n 10.15_o jer._n 50.27_o isa_n 26.14_o and_o in_o numb_a 16.29_o it_o be_v use_v to_o signify_v a_o unusual_a and_o strange_a kind_n of_o death_n and_o destruction_n this_o kind_n of_o 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pass_v away_o shall_v be_v show_v anon_o 3._o it_o be_v use_v to_o signify_v the_o effectual_a blessing_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o person_n so_o visit_v as_o 1_o pet_n 2.12_o now_o happy_a be_v those_o bless_a soul_n who_o day_n of_o visitation_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v past_a that_o can_v say_v that_o the_o day_n and_o time_n be_v past_a wherein_o the_o lord_n do_v effectual_o visit_v they_o with_o offer_n of_o christ_n and_o grace_n to_o their_o acceptance_n and_o conversion_n as_o for_o the_o accept_a time_n and_o the_o day_n of_o salvation_n they_o signify_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n which_o be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o time_n wherein_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v afford_v and_o offer_v of_o christ_n and_o life_n by_o he_o be_v make_v to_o the_o soul_n this_o be_v call_v the_o accept_a time_n because_o it_o be_v the_o time_n wherein_o if_o we_o close_v with_o the_o offer_n that_o be_v make_v and_o make_v a_o right_a improvement_n of_o the_o mean_n that_o be_v afford_v god_n will_v accept_v of_o we_o in_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v call_v the_o day_n of_o salvation_n because_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o offer_n of_o christ_n be_v mean_n and_o offer_v of_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o two_o latter_a expression_n fall_v in_o with_o the_o second_o sense_n of_o the_o day_n of_o visitation_n in_o mercy_n so_o then_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o expression_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o present_a case_n be_v this_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n wherein_o god_n do_v merciful_o visit_v a_o person_n or_o people_n with_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o offer_v of_o life_n &_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n wherewith_o if_o they_o shall_v close_v by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o save_a faith_n god_n will_v accept_v of_o they_o in_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o such_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n as_o may_v arise_v concern_v this_o day_n of_o visitation_n and_o the_o accept_a time_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o follow_a proposition_n 1._o prop._n in_o reference_n to_o god_n decree_n the_o accept_a time_n can_v no_o more_o be_v pass_v now_o or_o another_o time_n than_o it_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n for_o the_o decree_n be_v make_v from_o all_o eternity_n and_o do_v remain_v unchangeable_a to_o all_o eternity_n but_o whatsoever_o there_o be_v in_o these_o decree_n which_o concern_v the_o salvation_n or_o damnation_n of_o any_o particular_a person_n be_v altogether_o secret_a god_n have_v no_o where_n write_v they_o nor_o any_o way_n make_v they_o know_v nor_o make_v they_o possible_a to_o be_v search_v into_o any_o further_a than_o the_o event_n do_v declare_v they_o and_o therefore_o for_o any_o one_o to_o conclude_v himself_o either_o from_o the_o beginning_n or_o from_o any_o particular_a time_n or_o day_n past_a to_o be_v in_o a_o unalterable_a state_n of_o reprobation_n be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o horrid_a presumption_n proceed_v from_o the_o devil_n and_o a_o delude_a heart_n and_o not_o any_o way_n from_o the_o word_n or_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2._o prop._n the_o time_n of_o a_o nation_n or_o people_n visitation_n in_o general_n may_v evident_o expire_v and_o be_v visible_o past_a the_o gospel_n may_v be_v remove_v and_o ordinance_n take_v away_o from_o they_o or_o so_o overwhelm_v in_o a_o deluge_n of_o ignorance_n and_o error_n that_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v that_o the_o accept_a time_n and_o day_n of_o salvation_n be_v cease_v unto_o they_o yet_o this_o neither_o bar_n offer_v of_o grace_n from_o be_v make_v to_o particular_a person_n in_o that_o nation_n nor_o make_v they_o void_a to_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o accept_v and_o close_v with_o they_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o cessation_n of_o the_o day_n of_o salvation_n to_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n upon_o their_o rejection_n of_o christ_n matt._n 23.37_o 38._o luk._n 19.42_o 44._o and_o upon_o their_o rejection_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n publish_v by_o the_o apostle_n act._n 13.46_o 51._o act._n 18.6_o act._n 28.25_o etc._n etc._n 28._o so_o that_o they_o become_v no_o church_n no_o peculiar_a people_n in_o that_o special_a relation_n to_o god_n wherein_o they_o have_v stand_v for_o many_o age_n before_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o there_o be_v many_o particular_a person_n of_o that_o nation_n yea_o some_o thousand_o at_o that_o time_n and_o afterward_o that_o accept_v of_o the_o gospel-offers_a of_o grace_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o make_v partaker_n of_o gospel_n salvation_n act._n 2.41_o 47._o three_o thousand_o at_o one_o time_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o no_o less_o than_o five_o thousand_o at_o another_o time_n act._n 4.4_o beside_o those_o that_o come_v in_o daily_a in_o small_a number_n 3._o prop._n the_o day_n of_o grace_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v pass_v to_o any_o particular_a person_n so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v under_o the_o general_n call_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v any_o desire_n to_o close_v therewith_o and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o only_o of_o such_o call_v as_o may_v or_o shall_v be_v make_v afterward_o for_o time_n to_o come_v but_o whosoever_o have_v at_o any_o time_n receive_v a_o call_n by_o the_o general_a publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o they_o have_v hitherto_o reject_v and_o make_v light_n of_o all_o those_o invitation_n yet_o if_o at_o any_o time_n while_o they_o live_v they_o shall_v have_v a_o hearty_a desire_n to_o come_v to_o christ_n for_o life_n and_o to_o close_v with_o he_o upon_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n then_o be_v the_o accept_a time_n then_o be_v the_o day_n of_o salvation_n they_o shall_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v cast_v off_o 4._o prop._n yet_o without_o question_n it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a to_o put_v off_o invitation_n and_o to_o make_v excuse_n and_o delay_v the_o time_n of_o our_o closure_n with_o christ_n for_o while_o we_o be_v delay_v and_o rest_n in_o good_a purpose_n for_o the_o future_a death_n may_v come_v at_o unaware_o and_o put_v a_o end_n indeed_o to_o the_o time_n of_o our_o visitation_n and_o put_v we_o past_o a_o capacity_n of_o accept_v if_o we_o will_v beside_o by_o continuance_n in_o sin_n the_o heart_n be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n thereof_o and_o become_v more_o and_o more_o unfit_a and_o unwilling_a to_o be_v bring_v in_o subjection_n to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o moreover_o by_o delay_n and_o excuse_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v grieve_v and_o may_v withhold_v his_o motion_n and_o cease_v to_o stir_v up_o desire_n in_o the_o heart_n after_o christ_n any_o more_o therefore_o it_o be_v good_a to_o take_v the_o spirit_n advice_n to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n take_v christ_n and_o grace_n and_o life_n while_o they_o be_v to_o be_v have_v for_o if_o we_o delay_v though_o it_o be_v but_o to_o another_o call_v or_o another_o day_n we_o know_v not_o what_o a_o day_n may_v bring_v forth_o to_o our_o eternal_a prejudice_n 5._o prop._n if_o after_o all_o this_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o the_o time_n of_o any_o particular_a person_n visitation_n can_v be_v pass_v while_o he_o live_v yet_o without_o all_o doubt_n it_o leave_v he_o under_o that_o stupidity_n and_o obduracy_n in_o sin_n that_o he_o be_v altogether_o senseless_a of_o his_o condition_n and_o the_o misery_n of_o it_o so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o bewail_v the_o loss_n of_o his_o opportunity_n and_o wish_v in_o that_o respect_n that_o time_n past_a can_v be_v call_v back_o again_o so_o that_o i_o never_o desire_v a_o more_o sure_a evidence_n that_o any_o one_o particular_a day_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o past_a than_o to_o find_v he_o mourn_v under_o the_o fear_n of_o it_o bewail_v his_o sin_n and_o want_n of_o grace_n and_o thirst_v after_o christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n to_o this_o head_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v one_o word_n by_o way_n of_o explication_n of_o that_o expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n now_o be_v the_o accept_a time_n now_o be_v the_o day_n of_o salvation_n this_o word_n now_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v so_o restrictive_o as_o if_o the_o apostle_n limit_v the_o accept_a time_n to_o that_o day_n or_o hour_n wherein_o he_o speak_v or_o write_v but_o now_o that_o be_v now_o that_o the_o partition_n wall_n betwixt_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v break_v down_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o church_n enlarge_v the_o messiah_n reveal_v the_o gospel_n preach_v and_o all_o indifferent_o call_v to_o faith_n and_o repentance_n now_o be_v the_o time_n wherein_o all_o without_o distinction_n may_v come_v in_o for_o a_o share_n in_o the_o benefit_n purchase_v by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o whosoever_o come_v and_o close_v with_o christ_n upon_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v accept_v and_o save_v finis_fw-la courteous_a reader_n be_v please_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o these_o book_n follow_v be_v print_v for_o and_o sell_v by_o william_n miller_n at_o the_o gild_a acorn_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n near_o the_o little_a north-door_n jwenall_n with_o cutts_n by_o sir_n robert_n stapylton_n knight_n f._n l._n cradock_n harmony_n of_o the_o evangelist_n f._n principle_n octavo_fw-la clark_n live_v of_o worthy_n quarto_fw-la christian_n good_a fellowship_n or_o love_n and_o good_a work_n quarto_fw-la a_o antidote_n against_o immoderate_a mourning_n for_o the_o dead_a quarto_fw-la description_n of_o germany_n quarto_fw-la minister_n due_n quarto_fw-la golden_a apple_n octavo_fw-la fettiplace_v the_o soul_n narrow_a search_n for_o sin_n octavo_fw-la archee_n banquet_n of_o jest_n octavo_fw-la clark_n about_o comfort_n