gospel_n which_o you_o enjoy_v lead_v you_o to_o the_o fountain_n of_o pardon_n and_o peace_n iâ—a_n 53._o 5._o by_o his_o stripe_n we_o be_v heal_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v peace_n peace_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v a_o rational_a peace_n found_v upon_o the_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o christ_n ephes._n 1._o 7._o in_o who_o we_o have_v redemption_n through_o his_o blood_n even_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n here_o you_o see_v justice_n and_o mercy_n kiss_v each_o other_o god_n satisfy_v and_o the_o sinner_n justify_v for_o conscience_n demand_v as_o much_o to_o satisfy_v it_o as_o god_n demand_v to_o satisfy_v he_o if_o god_n be_v satisfy_v conscience_n be_v satisfy_v o_o bless_a be_v the_o people_n that_o hear_v this_o joyful_a sound_n psal._n 89._o 15._o and_o doubtless_o it_o be_v a_o joyful_a sound_n to_o every_o convince_a humble_a soul_n beautiful_a upon_o the_o mountain_n be_v the_o foot_n of_o they_o that_o bring_v good_a tiding_n that_o publish_v peace_n it_o be_v a_o gospel_n worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 15._o it_o bring_v with_o it_o a_o fullness_n of_o blessing_n among_o the_o people_n o_o england_n o_o dartmouth_n provoke_v not_o thy_o god_n to_o extinguish_v this_o bless_a light_n great_a be_v our_o wantonness_n and_o ominous_a be_v our_o barrenness_n and_o ingratitude_n yet_o a_o little_a while_o the_o light_n be_v with_o you_o walk_z whilst_o you_o have_v the_o light_n lest_o darkness_n come_v upon_o you_o for_o he_o that_o walk_v in_o darkness_n know_v not_o whither_o he_o go_v john_n 12._o 35._o shall_v god_n blow_v out_o this_o light_n whither_o will_v you_o go_v who_o shall_v pour_v in_o balm_n to_o your_o distress_a bleed_a conscience_n conscience_n ii_o inference_n hence_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o follow_v infer_v that_o the_o greatness_n heinousness_n of_o past_a sin_n be_v no_o bar_n to_o believe_v and_o accept_v christ_n upon_o gospel_n term_n let_v no_o sinner_n be_v dismay_v by_o the_o atrocity_n and_o heinousness_n of_o sin_n past_a from_o come_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n for_o remission_n and_o peace_n i_o be_o awar_n what_o mischievous_a use_n satan_n make_v of_o former_a sin_n to_o discourage_v soul_n from_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n by_o heap_v they_o together_o he_o raise_v up_o a_o mountain_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o distress_a soul_n but_o behold_v this_o day_n christ_n leap_v over_o these_o mountain_n and_o skipe_v over_o these_o hill_n can_v this_o objection_n be_v roll_v out_o of_o the_o way_n sinner_n will_v go_v on_o in_o hope_n but_o certain_o if_o god_n have_v give_v thou_o a_o break_a heart_n and_o a_o willing_a mind_n the_o greatness_n of_o thy_o sin_n need_v not_o discourage_v thou_o from_o believe_v for_o 1._o thou_o have_v sufficient_a encouragement_n from_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o pardon_n whatever_o thy_o particular_a enormity_n have_v be_v there_o be_v a_o sufficiency_n in_o the_o impulsive_a cause_n the_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n exod._n 34._o 6_o 7._o micah_n 7._o 18_o 19_o isa._n 55._o 7_o 8_o 9_o it_o be_v well_o there_o be_v mercy_n enough_o in_o god_n to_o heal_v and_o cover_v all_o and_o there_o be_v no_o less_o sufficiency_n in_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o pardon_n the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o take_v away_o all_o sin_n 1_o john_n 1._o 7._o 1_o john_n 29._o and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o because_o it_o be_v divine_a blood_n act_v 20._o 28._o neither_o be_v there_o any_o defect_n in_o the_o apply_v cause_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o have_v already_o begin_v to_o work_v upon_o thy_o heart_n and_o be_v able_a to_o break_v it_o and_o bow_v it_o and_o bring_v it_o home_o full_o to_o christ_n and_o to_o complete_a the_o work_n of_o faith_n upon_o thou_o with_o power_n thou_o complain_v thou_o can_v not_o mourn_v nor_o believe_v as_o thou_o will_v but_o he_o want_v no_o ability_n to_o supply_v all_o the_o defect_n of_o thy_o repentance_n and_o faith_n well_o then_o if_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v sufficient_a to_o pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o a_o creature_n if_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o treasure_n and_o revenue_n of_o a_o king_n be_v able_a to_o pay_v the_o debt_n of_o a_o beggar_n if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o work_v by_o a_o almighty_a power_n be_v able_a to_o convince_v thou_o of_o righteousness_n as_o well_o as_o sin_n john_n 16._o 9_o i_o say_v if_o all_o the_o three_o cause_n of_o forgiveness_n be_v sufficient_a every_o one_o in_o its_o kind_n the_o first_o to_o move_v the_o second_o to_o purchase_v and_o the_o three_o to_o apply_v what_o hinder_v but_o thy_o tremble_a conscience_n shall_v go_v to_o christ_n and_o thy_o discourage_v soul_n move_v onward_o with_o hope_n in_o the_o way_n of_o believe_v whatever_o thy_o former_a enormity_n have_v be_v 2._o if_o god_n raise_v glory_n to_o his_o name_n out_o of_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o sin_n he_o pardon_v than_o the_o greatness_n of_o sin_n can_v be_v no_o discouragement_n to_o believe_v but_o so_o god_n do_v he_o raise_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n from_o the_o multitude_n and_o magnitude_n of_o the_o sin_n he_o pardon_v jer._n 33._o 8_o 9_o i_o will_v cleanse_v they_o from_o all_o their_o iniquity_n whereby_o they_o have_v sin_v against_o i_o and_o i_o will_v pardon_v all_o their_o iniquity_n whereby_o they_o have_v sin_v and_o whereby_o they_o have_v transgress_v against_o i_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v to_o i_o a_o name_n of_o joy_n a_o praise_n and_o a_o honour_n before_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o shall_v hear_v all_o the_o good_a i_o do_v unto_o they_o and_o they_o shall_v fear_v and_o tremble_v for_o all_o the_o goodness_n and_o for_o all_o the_o prosperity_n that_o i_o procure_v unto_o it_o as_o a_o cure_n perform_v upon_o a_o man_n labour_v under_o a_o desperate_a disease_n it_o magnify_v the_o physician_n and_o spread_v his_o name_n far_o and_o near_o the_o devil_n envy_v god_n this_o glory_n and_o thy_o soul_n this_o comfort_n and_o therefore_o scare_n thou_o off_o from_o christ_n by_o the_o aggravation_n of_o thy_o sin_n david_n be_v willing_a to_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n of_o pardon_v his_o great_a iniquity_n and_o with_o that_o very_a argument_n move_v he_o for_o a_o pardon_n psal._n 25._o 11._o pardon_v my_o iniquity_n for_o it_o be_v great_a you_o see_v there_o be_v strange_a way_n of_o argue_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o in_o use_n among_o man_n this_o be_v one_o lord_n pardon_v my_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v great_a he_o do_v not_o say_v lord_n pardon_v it_o for_o it_o be_v but_o a_o small_a offence_n no_o but_o pardon_v it_o because_o it_o be_v great_a and_o the_o great_a it_o be_v the_o great_a glory_n will_v thou_o have_v in_o pardon_v it_o and_o then_o there_o be_v another_o way_n of_o argue_v for_o pardon_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v peculiar_a and_o that_o be_v to_o argue_v from_o former_a pardon_n unto_o new_a pardon_n when_o man_n beg_v their_o pardon_n one_o of_o another_o they_o use_v to_o say_v i_o never_o wrong_v you_o before_o and_o therefore_o forgive_v i_o now_o but_o here_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o lord_n thou_o have_v sign_v thousand_o of_o pardon_n heretofore_o therefore_o pardon_v i_o again_o such_o be_v that_o plea_n numb_a 14._o 19_o pardon_v i_o beseech_v thou_o the_o iniquity_n of_o this_o people_n according_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o thy_o mercy_n and_o as_o thou_o have_v forgive_v they_o from_o egypt_n even_o until_o now_o 3._o as_o great_a sin_n as_o those_o that_o now_o stare_v in_o the_o face_n of_o thy_o conscience_n have_v be_v actual_o forgive_v to_o man_n upon_o their_o humiliation_n and_o close_n with_o christ._n poor_a sinner_n under_o trouble_n of_o conscience_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v there_o be_v no_o sin_n like_o they_o god_n forbid_v i_o shall_v diminish_v and_o extenuate_v sin_n but_o certain_a i_o be_o that_o free_a grace_n have_v pardon_v as_o great_a sinner_n as_o thou_o be_v upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o faith_n what_o think_v you_o have_v you_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o put_v christ_n to_o death_n will_v not_o that_o sin_n have_v be_v as_o dreadful_a as_o any_o that_o now_o discourage_v you_o yea_o certain_o you_o will_v have_v think_v that_o a_o unpardonable_a sin_n and_o yet_o behold_v that_o very_a sin_n be_v no_o bar_n to_o their_o pardon_n when_o once_o they_o be_v prick_v at_o the_o heart_n and_o make_v willing_a to_o come_v to_o christ_n act_v 2._o 36_o 37_o 38._o 4._o if_o it_o be_v the_o design_n and_o policy_n of_o satan_n to_o object_v the_o greatness_n of_o your_o sin_n to_o prevent_v the_o pardon_v of_o they_o then_o certain_o it_o be_v neither_o your_o duty_n nor_o interest_n
your_o soul_n fast_o by_o they_o to_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n the_o lord_n know_v temptation_n will_v befall_v you_o discouragement_n enough_o you_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o meet_v with_o but_o these_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n which_o you_o have_v meet_v with_o in_o prayer_n and_o hearing_n in_o meditation_n sacrament_n etc._n etc._n shall_v engage_v your_o heart_n for_o ever_o to_o the_o way_n of_o obedience_n you_o never_o find_v that_o sweetness_n in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n which_o you_o have_v find_v in_o repentance_n and_o faith_n when_o a_o temptation_n come_v bait_v with_o sinful_a pleasure_n say_v as_o the_o olive-tree_n and_o the_o vine_n in_o jothams_n parable_n judge_n 9_o 9_o 10_o 11._o shall_v i_o leave_v such_o soul_n refresh_v comfort_n as_o these_o for_o the_o insipid_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n god_n forbid_v iii_o advice_n three_o be_v communicative_a of_o the_o spiritual_a comfort_n you_o enjoy_v for_o the_o benefit_n and_o refreshment_n of_o other_o the_o lord_n never_o intend_v you_o shall_v engross_v the_o comfort_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o yourselves_o nor_o eat_v your_o pleasant_a morsel_n alone_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 4._o he_o comfort_v we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o comfort_v they_o that_o be_v in_o any_o trouble_n by_o the_o comfort_n wherewith_o we_o ourselves_o be_v comfort_v of_o god._n it_o be_v true_a religion_n lay_v not_o all_o open_a nor_o yet_o do_v it_o conceal_v and_o hide_v all_o there_o need_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o wisdom_n humility_n and_o caution_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o pride_n and_o vanity_n in_o spirit_n whilst_o we_o communicate_v our_o comfort_n to_o other_o as_o ostentation_n so_o also_o impropriation_n of_o our_o comfort_n be_v against_o scripture_n law_n he_o may_v be_v just_o suspect_v that_o open_v all_o and_o so_o may_v he_o too_o that_o conceal_v all_o spiritual_a comfort_n be_v not_o diminish_v but_o improve_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o humble_a communication_n iv._o advice_n four_o be_v much_o in_o renew_v the_o act_n and_o exercise_n of_o faith_n be_v frequent_a in_o that_o work_n your_o first_o faith_n have_v bring_v in_o your_o first_o comfort_n your_o renew_n and_o repeat_v those_o precious_a act_n of_o faith_n will_v bring_v you_o in_o great_a store_n of_o comfort_n than_o you_o yet_o enjoy_v we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o faith_n as_o a_o single_a but_o a_o continue_a act_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 4._o to_o who_o come_v as_o unto_o a_o live_a stone_n thy_o soul_n christian_n be_v to_o be_v in_o a_o continual_a motion_n towards_o christ_n the_o more_o you_o believe_v the_o more_o you_o will_v rejoice_v you_o see_v the_o door_n through_o which_o comfort_n come_v into_o your_o soul_n joy_n be_v the_o daughter_n of_o faith_n rom._n 15._o 13._o your_o present_a comfort_n be_v the_o first_o birth_n of_o faith_n but_o there_o be_v many_o comfort_n more_o in_o the_o womb_n of_o faith_n which_o will_v yet_o be_v bear_v to_o your_o soul_n if_o unbelief_n cause_v not_o a_o miscarriage_n v._o advice_n five_o take_v heed_n you_o be_v not_o a_o grief_n to_o christ_n who_o have_v already_o bring_v so_o much_o comfort_n to_o you_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sad_a requital_n if_o after_o he_o have_v give_v you_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n to_o drink_v you_o shall_v give_v he_o that_o which_o be_v as_o wormwood_n and_o gall_n the_o lord_n write_v that_o caution_n upon_o thy_o soul_n reader_n eph._n 4._o 30._o and_o grieve_v not_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o you_o be_v seal_v to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n the_o argument_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n strong_o infer_v caution_n from_o comfort_n christ_n have_v be_v all_o joy_n all_o peace_n rest_n and_o comfort_n to_o you_o take_v heed_n you_o be_v not_o a_o grief_n and_o shame_n to_o he_o the_o intermission_n of_o thy_o duty_n the_o fall_a and_o flat_v of_o thy_o affection_n in_o duty_n thy_o rash_a adventure_n upon_o sin_n will_v be_v a_o grief_n to_o the_o heart_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v fill_v thy_o heart_n with_o so_o much_o comfort_n and_o if_o you_o grieve_v he_o you_o can_v expect_v he_o shall_v comfort_v you_o a_o little_a sin_n may_v rob_v you_o of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o comfort_n vi_o advice_n six_o be_v not_o stagger_v or_o deject_v if_o the_o first_o comfort_v christ_n give_v you_o shall_v afterward_o abate_v 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v away_o for_o a_o time_n this_o be_v a_o very_a common_a thing_n in_o the_o experience_n of_o most_o christian_n you_o must_v not_o think_v your_o first_o comfort_n be_v such_o fix_a settle_a thing_n that_o there_o be_v no_o hazard_n of_o lose_v they_o alas_o nothing_o be_v more_o volatile_a than_o the_o joy_n of_o a_o christian_a you_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o lose_v your_o first_o love_n rev._n 2._o 4._o and_o if_o you_o lose_v your_o first_o love_n no_o wonder_n that_o you_o lose_v your_o first_o comfort_n yet_o if_o it_o shall_v so_o fall_v out_o be_v not_o cast_v down_o and_o discourage_v christ_n be_v not_o go_v though_o comfort_n be_v go_v and_o though_o comfort_n be_v go_v it_o be_v not_o go_v for_o ever_o renew_v thy_o repentance_n faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o try_v if_o god_n will_v not_o renew_v thy_o comfort_n there_o be_v a_o former_a and_o there_o be_v a_o latter_a spring_n of_o joy_n god_n will_v make_v thy_o comfort_n spring_v again_o beside_o thy_o justification_n be_v steadfast_a though_o thy_o consolation_n be_v not_o so_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n belong_v to_o a_o christian_a one_o to_o his_o be_v viz._n union_n with_o christ_n another_o to_o his_o well_o be_v viz._n comfort_n from_o christ_n the_o latter_a be_v uncertain_a and_o contingent_a the_o former_a fix_a and_o steadfast_a vii_o advice_n seven_o be_v fill_v with_o compassion_n to_o other_o who_o want_v those_o comfort_n you_o enjoy_v especial_o such_o as_o god_n have_v knit_v to_o you_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o natural_a relation_n be_v thou_o a_o father_n or_o a_o mother_n to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v those_o comfort_n and_o soul_n refreshment_n that_o have_v be_v open_v in_o this_o discourse_n and_o have_v thou_o no_o compassion_n for_o thy_o poor_a child_n who_o never_o yet_o taste_v one_o drop_n of_o these_o spiritual_a consolation_n certain_o it_o will_v do_v a_o man_n little_a good_a to_o be_v feast_v abroad_o whilst_o his_o wife_n and_o child_n be_v starve_v at_o home_n say_v to_o they_o as_o paul_n in_o another_o case_n will_v to_o god_n you_o be_v all_o as_o i_o be_o except_o these_o corruption_n religion_n breed_v bowel_n of_o compassion_n o_o tell_v they_o what_o sweetness_n there_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n counsel_n plead_v and_o pray_v that_o those_o that_o be_v you_o may_v also_o be_v christ_n viii_o advice_n eight_o as_o ever_o you_o expect_v the_o continuance_n or_o enlargement_n of_o your_o comfort_n see_v that_o you_o walk_v circumspect_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o all_o your_o comfort_n be_v worth_a to_o give_v way_n to_o a_o little_a carelessness_n that_o be_v a_o remarkable_a expression_n of_o the_o psalmist_n psal._n 85._o 8._o i_o will_v harken_v what_o god_n the_o lord_n will_v speak_v for_o he_o will_v speak_v peace_n to_o his_o people_n and_o to_o his_o saint_n but_o let_v not_o they_o return_v again_o to_o folly_n sin_n in_o this_o text_n be_v fit_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o folly_n for_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o madness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o forfeit_v and_o divest_v ourselves_o of_o such_o sweet_a peace_n and_o comfort_n by_o return_v unto_o sin_n which_o have_v cost_v we_o so_o much_o sorrow_n and_o trouble_v before_o be_v you_o willing_a to_o be_v in_o your_o former_a darkness_n and_o fear_n tear_n and_o trouble_n to_o exchange_v the_o pleasant_a light_n you_o now_o enjoy_v for_o the_o horror_n you_o have_v former_o feel_v this_o you_o must_v do_v if_o you_o return_v again_o to_o folly_n ix_o advice_n nine_o long_o for_o heaven_n where_o the_o fullness_n of_o those_o joy_n be_v whereof_o these_o you_o taste_v be_v but_o the_o earnest_n and_o first-fruit_n one_o design_n of_o god_n in_o give_v they_o be_v to_o set_v we_o a_o longing_n after_o heaven_n to_o help_v our_o conception_n and_o raise_v our_o affection_n if_o these_o be_v so_o sweet_a what_o must_v they_o be_v rom._n 8._o 23._o we_o which_o have_v the_o first-fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n even_o we_o ourselves_o groan_n within_o ourselves_o wait_v for_o the_o adoption_n to_o wit_n the_o redemption_n of_o our_o body_n we_o be_v not_o sit_v down_o satisfy_v and_o say_v we_o have_v enough_o in_o these_o first-fruit_n but_o they_o be_v give_v to_o set_v we_o agroan_v after_o fullness_n of_o those_o enjoyment_n this_o answer_v god_n end_n in_o give_v they_o x._o advice_n last_o improve_v every_o spiritual_a comfort_n you_o have_v from_o
adam_n which_o be_v as_o the_o sand_n upon_o the_o sea_n shore_n that_o not_o only_o so_o many_o person_n but_o all_o that_o they_o have_v do_v must_v come_v into_o judgement_n even_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o their_o heart_n which_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n their_o conscience_n to_o be_v interrogated_a all_o other_o witness_n full_o hear_v and_o examine_v how_o great_a a_o day_n must_v this_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n then_o be_v the_o second_o use_n but_o the_o main_a use_n of_o this_o point_n will_v be_v for_o exhortation_n that_o see_v all_o the_o offer_v of_o christ_n be_v record_v and_o witness_v with_o respect_n to_o a_o day_n of_o account_n every_o one_o of_o you_o will_v therefore_o immediate_o embrace_v the_o present_a gracious_a tender_a of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n as_o ever_o you_o expect_v to_o be_v acquit_v and_o clear_v in_o that_o great_a day_n take_v heed_n of_o denial_n nay_o of_o delay_n and_o demur_n for_o if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n heb._n 2._o 2_o 3._o the_o question_n be_v put_v but_o no_o answer_n make_v how_o shall_v we_o escape_v the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n can_v tell_v how_o to_o enforce_v this_o exhortation_n i_o shall_v present_v you_o with_o ten_o weighty_a consideration_n upon_o the_o matter_n which_o the_o lord_n follow_v home_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o all_o your_o heart_n i._o consideration_n consider_v how_o invaluable_a a_o mercy_n it_o be_v that_o you_o be_v yet_o within_o the_o reach_n of_o offer_a grace_n the_o mercy_n that_o stand_v in_o offer_n before_o you_o this_o day_n be_v never_o set_v before_o the_o angel_n that_o fall_v no_o mediator_n be_v ever_o appoint_v for_o they_o oh_o astonish_a mercy_n that_o those_o vessel_n of_o gold_n shall_v be_v cast_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n and_o such_o clay_n vessel_n as_o we_o be_v thus_o put_v into_o a_o capacity_n of_o great_a happiness_n than_o ever_o they_o fall_v from_o nay_o the_o mercy_n that_o stand_v before_o you_o be_v not_o only_o deny_v to_o the_o angel_n that_o fall_v but_o to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o your_o fellow_n creature_n of_o the_o same_o rank_n and_o dignity_n with_o you_o psal._n 147._o 19_o 20._o he_o show_v his_o word_n to_o jacob_n his_o statute_n and_o his_o judgement_n unto_o israel_n he_o have_v not_o deal_v so_o with_o any_o nation_n and_o as_o for_o his_o judgement_n they_o have_v not_o know_v they_o praise_v you_o the_o lord_n a_o mercy_n deserve_o celebrate_v with_o a_o joyful_a allelujah_o what_o vast_a tract_n be_v there_o in_o the_o habitable_a world_n where_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v unknown_a it_o be_v your_o special_a mercy_n to_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o land_n of_o bibles_n and_o minister_n where_o it_o be_v as_o difficult_a for_o you_o to_o avoid_v and_o shun_v the_o light_n as_o it_o be_v for_o other_o to_o behold_v and_o enjoy_v it_o ii_o consideration_n consider_v the_o nature_n weight_n and_o worth_a of_o the_o mercy_n which_o be_v this_o day_n free_o offer_v you_o certain_o they_o be_v mercy_n of_o the_o first_o rank_n the_o most_o ponderous_a precious_a and_o necessary_a among_o all_o the_o mercy_n of_o god._n christ_n the_o first_o bear_v of_o mercy_n and_o in_o he_o pardon_n peace_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v set_v before_o you_o it_o be_v astonish_v to_o see_v a_o starve_a man_n refuse_v offer_v bread_n or_o a_o condemn_a man_n a_o gracious_a pardon_n lord_n what_o composition_n of_o sloth_n and_o stupidity_n be_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v need_v so_o many_o entreaty_n to_o be_v happy_a iii_o consideration_n consider_v who_o it_o be_v that_o make_v these_o gracious_a tender_n of_o pardon_n peace_n and_o salvation_n to_o you_o even_o that_o god_n who_o you_o have_v so_o deep_o wrong_v who_o law_n you_o have_v violate_v who_o mercy_n you_o have_v spurn_v and_o who_o wrath_n you_o have_v just_o incense_v his_o patience_n groan_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o your_o daily_a provocation_n he_o lose_v nothing_o if_o you_o be_v damn_v and_o receive_v no_o benefit_n if_o you_o be_v save_v yet_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o mercy_n and_o salvation_n to_o you_o free_o arise_v out_o of_o his_o grace_n and_o good_a pleasure_n god_n entreat_v you_o to_o be_v reconcile_v 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o the_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n who_o blood_n thy_o sin_n have_v shed_v now_o free_o offer_v that_o blood_n for_o thy_o reconciliation_n justification_n and_o salvation_n if_o thou_o will_v but_o sincere_o accept_v he_o ere_o it_o be_v too_o late_o iv._o consideration_n reflect_v serious_o upon_o your_o own_o vileness_n to_o who_o such_o gracious_a offer_n of_o peace_n and_o mercy_n be_v make_v thy_o sin_n have_v set_v thou_o at_o as_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o pardon_n as_o any_o sinner_n in_o the_o world._n consider_v man_n what_o thou_o have_v be_v what_o thou_o have_v do_v and_o what_o vast_a heap_n of_o guilt_n thou_o have_v contract_v by_o a_o life_n of_o sin_n and_o yet_o that_o unto_o thou_o pardon_v and_o peace_n shall_v be_v offer_v in_o christ_n after_o such_o a_o life_n of_o rebellion_n how_o astonish_v be_v the_o mercy_n the_o lord_n be_v content_v to_o pass_v by_o all_o thy_o former_a rebellion_n thy_o deep_a die_v transgression_n and_o to_o sign_v a_o act_n of_o oblivion_n for_o all_o that_o be_v past_a if_o now_o at_o last_o thy_o heart_n relent_v for_o sin_n and_o thy_o will_n bow_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o grâ—at_a command_n and_o call_v of_o the_o gospel_n isa._n 55._o 2._o &_o 1._o 18._o v._o consideration_n consider_v how_o many_o offer_n of_o mercy_n you_o have_v already_o refuse_v and_o that_o every_o refusal_n be_v record_v against_o you_o how_o long_o you_o have_v try_v and_o even_o tire_v the_o patience_n of_o god_n already_o and_o that_o this_o may_v be_v the_o last_o overture_n of_o grace_n that_o ever_o god_n will_v make_v to_o your_o soul_n certain_o there_o be_v a_o offer_n that_o will_v be_v the_o last_o offer_n a_o strive_v of_o the_o spirit_n which_o will_v be_v his_o last_o strive_v and_o after_o that_o no_o more_o offer_n without_o you_o no_o more_o motion_n or_o strive_n within_o you_o for_o evermore_o the_o treaty_n be_v then_o end_v and_o your_o last_o neglect_n or_o rejection_n of_o christ_n record_v against_o the_o day_n of_o your_o account_n and_o what_o if_o this_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v that_o last_o tender_a of_o grace_n which_o must_v conclude_v the_o treaty_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o you_o what_o undo_v wretch_n must_v you_o then_o be_v with_o who_o so_o gracious_a a_o treaty_n break_v off_o upon_o such_o dreadful_a term_n vi_o consideration_n consider_v well_o the_o reasonable_a mild_a and_o gracious_a nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n term_n on_o which_o life_n and_o pardon_n be_v offer_v to_o you_o the_o gospel_n require_v nothing_o of_o you_o but_o repentance_n and_o faith_n act_v 20._o 21._o can_v you_o think_v it_o hard_o when_o a_o prince_n pardon_v a_o rebel_n to_o require_v he_o to_o fall_v upon_o his_o knee_n and_o stretch_v forth_o a_o willing_a and_o thankful_a hand_n to_o receive_v his_o pardon_n your_o repentance_n and_o faith_n be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n here_o be_v no_o legal_a satisfaction_n require_v at_o your_o hand_n no_o reparation_n of_o the_o injure_a law_n by_o your_o do_n or_o suffering_n but_o a_o hearty_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n commit_v sincere_a purpose_n and_o endeavour_n after_o new_a obedience_n and_o a_o hearty_a thankful_a acceptation_n of_o christ_n your_o saviour_n and_o for_o your_o encouragement_n herein_o his_o spirit_n stand_v ready_a to_o furnish_v you_o with_o power_n and_o ability_n prov._n 1._o 23._o turn_v you_o at_o my_o reproof_n behold_v i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n unto_o you_o i_o will_v make_v know_v my_o word_n unto_o you_o and_o isa._n 26._o 20._o lord_n thou_o have_v wrought_v all_o our_o work_n in_o we_o vii_o consideration_n again_o consider_v how_o your_o way_n to_o christ_n by_o repentance_n and_o faith_n be_v beat_v before_o you_o by_o thousand_o of_o sinner_n for_o your_o encouragement_n you_o be_v not_o the_o first_o that_o ever_o adventure_v your_o soul_n in_o this_o path_n multitude_n be_v go_v before_o you_o and_o that_o under_o as_o much_o guilt_n fear_n and_o discouragement_n as_o you_o that_o come_v after_o can_v pretend_v unto_o and_o not_o a_o man_n among_o they_o repulse_v or_o discourage_v here_o they_o have_v find_v rest_n and_o peace_n to_o their_o weary_a soul_n heb._n 4._o 3._o act_n 13._o 39_o here_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n have_v be_v set_v forth_o for_o a_o ensample_n to_o you_o
reluctancy_n of_o the_o will_n by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o some_o divine_n call_v victrix_fw-la delectatio_fw-la a_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a victory_n and_o so_o the_o door_n of_o the_o will_v still_o open_v free_o hosea_n 11._o 4._o i_o draw_v they_o with_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n with_o the_o band_n of_o love._n i_o draw_v they_o there_o be_v almighty_a power_n but_o how_o do_v this_o power_n draw_v they_o with_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n i._n e._n with_o rational_a argument_n convince_a the_o judgement_n beast_n be_v drive_v and_o force_v but_o man_n be_v draw_v by_o reason_n and_o will_v not_o move_v without_o it_o if_o they_o act_v like_o themselves_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o when_o the_o day_n of_o god_n power_n be_v come_v for_o the_o bring_n home_o of_o a_o poor_a sinner_n to_o christ_n he_o can_v resist_v the_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o draw_v he_o effectual_o every_o one_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v of_o the_o father_n come_v unto_o i_o yet_o still_o the_o soul_n come_v free_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o his_o will_n for_o this_o be_v the_o method_n of_o christ_n in_o draw_v soul_n to_o he_o there_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o a_o sinner_n conversion_n a_o kid_n a_o offer_v make_v for_o the_o will_v both_o by_o satan_n and_o christ._n satan_n bid_v riches_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n with_o ease_n and_o quietness_n to_o the_o flesh_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o abide_v where_o thou_o be_v say_v satan_n remain_v with_o i_o and_o thou_o shall_v escape_v all_o the_o persecution_n loss_n and_o trouble_n of_o the_o world_n which_o conscience_n entangle_v other_o man_n in_o thou_o shall_v draw_v thy_o life_n through_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n to_o thy_o die_a day_n o_o say_v the_o flesh_n this_o be_v a_o good_a motion_n what_o can_v be_v better_o for_o i_o but_o than_o say_v christ_n do_v thou_o not_o consider_v that_o all_o these_o enjoyment_n will_v quick_o be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o thou_o then_o behold_v i_o offer_v thou_o the_o free_a full_a and_o final_a pardon_n of_o thy_o sin_n peace_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n treasure_n in_o heaven_n all_o these_o shall_v be_v thou_o with_o trouble_n reproach_n and_o persecution_n in_o this_o world._n the_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v convince_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o earthly_a thing_n and_o the_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o pardon_n and_o peace_n with_o god_n i_o say_v when_o a_o convince_a judgement_n have_v due_o balance_v these_o thing_n and_o lay_v they_o before_o the_o will_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n put_v forth_o his_o power_n in_o the_o renovation_n of_o it_o it_o move_v towards_o christ_n free_o and_o yet_o can_v according_o to_o its_o natural_a order_n act_n otherwise_o than_o it_o do_v and_o doubtless_o this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o expression_n so_o often_o mistake_v and_o abuse_v in_o luke_n 14._o 23._o compel_v they_o to_o come_v in_o what!_o by_o force_a man_n against_o the_o light_n of_o their_o conscience_n no_o no_o to_o the_o shame_n of_o many_o protestant_n let_v we_o hear_v the_o gloss_n of_o stella_n a_o popish_a commentator_n upon_o the_o place_n christ_n say_v he_o compel_v man_n to_o come_v in_o by_o show_v to_o their_o will_n such_o a_o excel_a good_a as_o it_o can_v but_o embrace_v for_o volunt_fw-la as_o nature_n aliter_fw-la fertur_fw-la in_o bonum_fw-la the_o will_n be_v natural_o carry_v to_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o best_a good_a and_o thus_o the_o spirit_n work_v upon_o the_o soul_n harmonious_o and_o agreeable_o to_o its_o own_o nature_n that_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n imply_v in_o christ_n knock_n fouthly_a christ_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o soul_n manifest_o imply_v the_o immediate_a access_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o he_o can_v come_v to_o the_o very_a innermost_a door_n of_o the_o soul_n at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o make_v what_o impression_n upon_o it_o he_o please_v as_o for_o other_o instrument_n use_v in_o this_o work_n they_o have_v no_o such_o privilege_n or_o power_n minister_n can_v but_o knock_v at_o the_o external_a door_n of_o the_o sense_n thy_o eye_n shall_v see_v thy_o teacher_n we_o can_v see_v their_o person_n and_o hear_v their_o voice_n we_o can_v reason_v with_o sinner_n and_o plead_v with_o their_o soul_n but_o awaken_v they_o we_o can_v open_v their_o heart_n we_o can_v we_o can_v only_o lodge_v our_o message_n in_o their_o ear_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o make_v it_o effectual_a this_o be_v a_o royalty_n belong_v unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n incommunicable_a to_o angel_n or_o men._n if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n be_v the_o preacher_n he_o can_v not_o give_v one_o immediate_a stroke_n to_o the_o conscience_n much_o less_o can_v man_n we_o have_v no_o dominion_n over_o your_o conscience_n the_o key_n of_o the_o door_n of_o your_o soul_n hang_v not_o at_o our_o girdle_n but_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n revel_v 3._o 7._o he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n he_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o he_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v the_o conscience_n and_o all_o the_o faculty_n lie_v naked_a and_o open_a to_o the_o stroke_n of_o god_n spirit_n he_o can_v wound_v they_o and_o heal_v they_o and_o make_v what_o impression_n he_o please_v upon_o they_o learn_v hence_o what_o need_v there_o be_v both_o for_o minister_n and_o people_n before_o they_o enter_v upon_o the_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o lift_v up_o their_o heart_n by_o prayer_n for_o the_o blessing_n and_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o they_o lord_n send_v forth_o thy_o spirit_n pour_v it_o forth_o upon_o and_o with_o thy_o word_n ah_o how_o many_o sermon_n have_v we_o preach_v and_o you_o hear_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o open_n these_o be_v the_o four_o thing_n imply_v in_o christ_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n viz._n condescend_v grace_n all_o first_o motion_n begin_v in_o god_n the_o motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v congruous_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o his_o spirit_n can_v have_v immedate_v access_n to_o the_o innermost_a faculty_n and_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n at_o his_o pleasure_n now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o consider_v three_o by_o what_o instrument_n christ_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n that_o be_v the_o judgement_n conscience_n and_o will_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o these_o be_v two_o viz._n by_o 1._o his_o word_n 2._o his_o providence_n here_o my_o work_n will_v be_v to_o show_v you_o how_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n make_v use_n both_o of_o the_o word_n and_o work_n of_o god_n to_o rouse_v and_o open_v the_o conscience_n and_o heart_n of_o sinner_n these_o be_v the_o two_o hammer_n or_o instrument_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n 1._o the_o word_n write_v or_o preach_v but_o especial_o preach_v to_o this_o christ_n give_v the_o preference_n to_o all_o other_o instrument_n employ_v about_o this_o work_n and_o answerable_o the_o word_n be_v call_v god_n hammer_n jer._n 23._o 29._o be_v not_o my_o word_n like_o fire_n and_o as_o the_o hammer_n which_o break_v the_o rock_n in_o piece_n by_o this_o hammer_n christ_n rap_v at_o the_o door_n of_o a_o sinner_n soul_n to_o give_v warning_n that_o he_o be_v there_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v open_v the_o heart_n immediate_o if_o he_o please_v but_o he_o will_v honour_v his_o word_n in_o this_o work._n and_o therefore_o when_o lydias_n heart_n be_v to_o be_v open_v paul_n the_o great_a gospel_n preacher_n must_v be_v invite_v even_o by_o a_o angel_n to_o come_v over_o to_o macedonia_n and_o assist_v in_o that_o bless_a work_n act_v 16._o 9_o lydia_n be_v to_o be_v convert_v her_o heart_n must_v be_v open_v to_o christ_n the_o angel_n can_v not_o do_v it_o but_o call_v for_o the_o help_n of_o the_o apostle_n god_n appoint_a instrument_n to_o carry_v on_o that_o work._n i_o have_v make_v thou_o say_v god_n to_o paul_n a_o minister_n and_o a_o witness_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o god_n act_v 26._o 18._o now_o there_o be_v three_o way_n in_o which_o the_o spirit_n use_v the_o word_n as_o his_o hammer_n in_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o soul._n 1._o he_o knock_v by_o the_o particular_a conviction_n of_o of_o the_o word_n upon_o the_o conscience_n this_o knock_n by_o conviction_n ring_n and_o sound_n through_o all_o the_o room_n and_o chamber_n of_o the_o soul_n particular_a and_o effectual_a conviction_n wound_v to_o the_o very_a centre_n of_o the_o soul._n ah_o when_o
will_v try_v what_o that_o will_v do_v go_v poverty_n and_o blast_v his_o estate_n and_o see_v what_o that_o will_v do_v go_v sickness_n and_o smite_v his_o body_n and_o shake_v he_o over_o the_o grave_n mouth_n i_o will_v see_v what_o that_o will_v do_v thus_o god_n send_v to_o sinner_n as_o absolom_n send_v to_o joab_n who_o refuse_v to_o come_v near_o he_o till_o he_o set_v fire_n to_o his_o field_n of_o corn_n and_o then_o away_o come_v joab_n 2_o sam._n 14._o 29_o 30_o 31._o and_o thus_o the_o lord_n open_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o jailor_n by_o put_v he_o into_o a_o fright_n a_o panic_n fear_v of_o death_n act_v 16._o 27._o and_o thus_o do_v the_o lord_n devise_v mean_n to_o bring_v back_o his_o banish_a ii_o as_o god_n make_v use_v of_o the_o hammer_n of_o judgement_n so_o he_o make_v use_v also_o of_o mercy_n to_o make_v way_n for_o christ_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o men._n every_o mercy_n be_v a_o call_n a_o knock_n of_o god_n and_o true_o if_o there_o be_v any_o ingenuity_n leave_v unextinguished_a in_o the_o heart_n one_o will_v think_v mercy_n shall_v prevail_v more_o than_o all_o the_o judgement_n in_o the_o world_n rom._n 2._o 4._o know_v thou_o not_o that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v thou_o to_o repentance_n q._n d._n do_v thou_o not_o see_v the_o hand_n of_o mercy_n stretch_v out_o to_o lead_v thou_o into_o a_o corner_n there_o to_o mourn_v over_o thy_o sin_n commit_v against_o so_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a a_o god_n by_o every_o mercy_n you_o receive_v christ_n do_v as_o it_o be_v â—ee_o you_o to_o open_v your_o heart_n to_o he_o they_o be_v so_o many_o gift_n send_v from_o heaven_n to_o make_v way_n for_o christ_n into_o your_o heart_n it_o will_v be_v a_o endless_a task_n to_o enumerate_v all_o the_o mercy_n bestow_v to_o this_o end_n upon_o the_o unregenerate_a but_o sure_o this_o be_v the_o errand_n of_o they_o all_o and_o the_o lord_n take_v it_o very_o ill_a when_o his_o end_n be_v not_o answer_v in_o they_o hence_o be_v that_o complaint_n jer._n 5._o 24._o neither_o say_v they_o in_o their_o heart_n let_v we_o now_o fear_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n that_o give_v we_o rain_n both_o the_o former_a and_o the_o latter_a in_o his_o season_n some_o of_o you_o have_v be_v marvellous_o preserve_v in_o time_n of_o common_a contagion_n and_o death_n when_o thousand_o have_v fall_v at_o your_o right-hand_a and_o left_a then_o have_v you_o be_v preserve_v or_o recover_v according_a to_o that_o exod._n 15._o 26._o i_o will_v put_v none_o of_o those_o disease_n upon_o thou_o for_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n that_o heal_v thou_o i_o be_o jehovah_n rophe_n the_o lord_n the_o physician_n many_o of_o you_o have_v be_v at_o the_o grave_n mouth_n in_o many_o disease_n other_o upon_o the_o deep_n yet_o the_o hand_n of_o mercy_n pull_v you_o back_o and_o suffer_v you_o not_o to_o drop_v into_o the_o grave_a and_o hell_n in_o the_o same_o moment_n o_o what_o a_o knock_n be_v here_o give_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o mercy_n at_o thy_o hard_a heart_n certain_o if_o man_n will_v but_o observe_v they_o may_v see_v a_o strange_a marvellous_a work_n and_o mould_v of_o thing_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o providence_n for_o the_o production_n of_o thousand_o of_o mercy_n for_o they_o and_o if_o mercy_n will_v do_v the_o work_n and_o win_v you_o over_o to_o christ_n many_o rod_n have_v be_v spare_v which_o your_o obstinacy_n have_v make_v necessary_a o_o ungrateful_a sinner_n do_v your_o redeemer_n thus_o woo_v and_o fee_v you_o by_o so_o many_o gift_n of_o mercy_n and_o yet_o will_v you_o shut_v he_o out_o do_v you_o thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n o_o foolish_a people_n and_o unwise_a for_o which_o of_o all_o his_o benefit_n do_v your_o ungrateful_a soul_n shut_v the_o door_n upon_o he_o iii_o you_o see_v what_o christ_n knock_v at_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o sinner_n imply_v and_o by_o what_o instrument_n it_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o will_v consider_v the_o manner_n how_o this_o action_n be_v perform_v in_o the_o ten_o follow_v particular_n wherein_o much_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o conversion_n will_v be_v open_v the_o lord_n grant_v your_o experience_n may_v answer_v they_o we_o can_v indeed_o exact_o describe_v and_o mark_v all_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o work_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n yet_o these_o thing_n seem_v eminent_o observable_a 1._o the_o knock_v of_o christ_n at_o the_o sinner_n heart_n be_v silent_a and_o secret_a to_o all_o person_n in_o the_o world_n except_o the_o soul_n itself_o at_o who_o door_n he_o knock_v here_o be_v many_o hundred_o of_o you_o this_o day_n under_o the_o word_n if_o the_o lord_n shall_v this_o day_n knock_v by_o conviction_n at_o any_o man_n heart_n none_o will_v hear_v that_o knock_n but_o that_o man_n only_o for_o it_o be_v a_o knock_n without_o sound_n or_o noise_n to_o any_o but_o the_o particular_a soul_n concern_v in_o it_o it_o be_v fore-prophesied_n of_o our_o redeemer_n and_o of_o this_o very_a act_n of_o he_o isa._n 4._o 2._o 2._o he_o shall_v not_o cry_v nor_o lift_v up_o nor_o cause_v his_o voice_n to_o be_v hear_v in_o the_o street_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n come_v not_o into_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n with_o public_a observation_n you_o read_v in_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 11._o no_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n that_o be_v in_o he_o none_o know_v what_o conviction_n another_o man_n conscience_n feel_v until_o he_o himself_o shall_v discover_v they_o you_o hear_v the_o same_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o you_o hear_v not_o the_o inward_a stroke_n it_o give_v to_o another_o man_n conscience_n christ_n approach_n to_o the_o soul_n make_v no_o noise_n little_o do_v we_o know_v what_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n whisper_v in_o the_o ear_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v next_o we_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o inward_a comfort_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o will_v give_v he_o the_o hide_a manna_n which_o no_o man_n know_v but_o he_o that_o eat_v of_o it_o this_o be_v true_a also_o of_o inward_a terror_n and_o trouble_n christ_n knock_n by_o conviction_n be_v but_o a_o secret_a whisper_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o a_o sinner_n say_v thou_o be_v the_o man_n this_o be_v thy_o case_n that_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o christ_n knock_n it_o be_v a_o silent_a knock_n without_o public_a sound_n 2_o these_o silent_a inward_a knock_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n though_o they_o be_v hear_v by_o none_o but_o the_o soul_n itself_o yet_o do_v they_o great_o differ_v as_o to_o the_o terror_n or_o mildness_n of_o they_o in_o different_a subject_n some_o hear_v they_o with_o more_o terror_n and_o astonishment_n other_o in_o a_o mild_a and_o gentle_a manner_n when_o the_o lord_n knock_v at_o the_o jailor_n conscience_n act_v 16._o 29_o 30._o it_o be_v a_o terrible_a stroke_n he_o call_v for_o a_o light_n and_o spring_v in_o like_o a_o man_n distract_v and_o tremble_v and_o astonish_a fall_v down_o at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n crying_z sir_n what_o must_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v here_o be_v a_o terrible_a knock_n indeed_o which_o almost_o affright_v his_o soul_n out_o of_o his_o body_n it_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v tell_v i_o for_o the_o lord_n sake_n and_o tell_v i_o quick_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o where_o it_o lie_v for_o i_o be_o a_o lose_a man_n a_o undo_v soul._n but_o when_o the_o lord_n open_v the_o heart_n of_o lydia_n there_o be_v no_o such_o terror_n the_o lord_n speak_v to_o she_o in_o a_o more_o mild_a and_o gentle_a voice_n as_o you_o see_v verse_n 14._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n vary_v his_o method_n according_a to_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o soul_n he_o work_v on_o knotty_a piece_n need_v great_a wedge_n and_o hard_a blow_n to_o rive_v they_o asunder_o and_o as_o he_o direct_v his_o minister_n jude_n 22._o to_o make_v a_o difference_n to_o deal_v tender_o and_o compassionate_o with_o some_o but_o other_o to_o save_v with_o fear_n so_o he_o himself_o observe_v like_o different_a method_n 3_o some_o knock_n of_o christ_n be_v successful_a and_o obtain_v the_o desire_a effect_n he_o knock_v and_o the_o soul_n open_v but_o other_o be_v insuccessful_a he_o knock_v once_o and_o again_o by_o conviction_n which_o may_v cause_v the_o conscience_n for_o the_o present_a to_o startle_v a_o little_a but_o there_o be_v no_o open_n to_o christ_n by_o faith._n o_o friend_n this_o be_v of_o dreadful_a consideration_n prov._n 1._o 24._o i_o call_v and_o you_o refuse_v i_o stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n and_o no_o man_n regard_v there_o be_v a_o call_n without_o a_o answer_n a_o
knowledge_n of_o it_o but_o under_o these_o thing_n his_o vain_a hope_n live_v and_o flourish_v until_o the_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o the_o law_n come_v home_o to_o his_o heart_n by_o the_o teach_n and_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o his_o vain_a hope_n give_v up_o the_o ghost_n and_o his_o sin_n and_o guilt_n stare_v in_o the_o face_n of_o his_o conscience_n vii_o character_n the_o voice_n of_o christ_n whereof_o we_o now_o speak_v be_v general_o and_o ordinary_o convey_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n through_o the_o word_n preach_v which_o be_v the_o choose_a organ_n or_o instrument_n of_o its_o conveyance_n we_o can_v absolute_o and_o universal_o affirm_v that_o christ_n always_o speak_v to_o man_n this_o way_n but_o certain_o this_o be_v his_o stand_n and_o ordinary_a course_n 1_o thess._n 1._o 5._o our_o gospel_n come_v not_o to_o you_o in_o word_n only_o but_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n our_o gospel_n because_o preach_v and_o minister_v by_o we_o but_o have_v that_o be_v all_o it_o have_v come_v to_o you_o in_o word_n only_o as_o it_o do_v to_o many_o thousand_o other_o in_o the_o world_n who_o hear_v and_o feel_v nothing_o in_o it_o more_o than_o what_o be_v human_a but_o unto_o you_o it_o come_v in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v our_o word_n be_v the_o vehicle_n or_o organ_n through_o which_o the_o vital_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v convey_v into_o your_o soul_n providence_n have_v their_o voice_n as_o well_o as_o the_o word_n and_o sometime_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n have_v accompany_v the_o voice_n of_o providence_n to_o the_o conversion_n of_o man_n soul_n but_o this_o be_v more_o rare_a and_o unusual_a the_o establish_v and_o ordinary_a way_n of_o christ_n speak_v to_o the_o heart_n of_o sinner_n be_v by_o the_o word_n and_o especial_o the_o word_n preach_v which_o upon_o that_o very_a account_n and_o consideration_n as_o it_o be_v the_o organ_n of_o convey_v the_o voice_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o soul_n be_v therefore_o call_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n rom._n 1._o 16._o this_o instrument_n the_o lord_n general_o 〈◊〉_d and_o honour_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o spiritual_a life_n into_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n though_o it_o be_v despise_v and_o contemn_v in_o the_o world_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o cross_n be_v to_o they_o that_o perish_v foolishness_n but_o unto_o we_o which_o be_v save_v it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 18._o i_o e._n the_o choose_a instrument_n by_o which_o the_o save_a power_n of_o god_n communicate_v itself_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o although_o god_n may_v exert_v his_o save_a power_n through_o providence_n yet_o we_o seldom_o or_o never_o find_v he_o do_v so_o where_o the_o word_n may_v be_v have_v but_o be_v despise_v and_o neglect_v and_o true_o herein_o god_n consult_v our_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o suppose_v he_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o another_o medium_n as_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n and_o after_o call_v which_o be_v a_o usual_a case_n the_o call_v soul_n shall_v question_v all_o and_o say_v how_o do_v i_o know_v bâ—t_v all_o this_o may_v be_v a_o delusion_n may_v not_o satan_n impose_v upon_o poor_a mortal_n and_o this_o voice_n from_o heaven_n be_v a_o counterfeit_a voice_n my_o eternal_a estate_n depend_v upon_o it_o and_o i_o have_v need_v to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v the_o very_a voice_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o give_v such_o clear_a distinguish_a character_n as_o may_v be_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o clear_o difference_n the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o but_o now_o when_o god_n make_v the_o word_n his_o instrument_n in_o this_o matter_n it_o yield_v abundant_o more_o satisfaction_n we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n sure_a than_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n 2_o pâ—t_n 1._o 19_o and_o though_o paul_n be_v convert_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n yet_o the_o lord_n send_v he_o to_o aâ—anias_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o he_o act_v 9_o 17._o the_o lord_n will_v honour_v his_o word_n providence_n may_v make_v way_n and_o prepare_v the_o heart_n but_o the_o word_n be_v the_o instrument_n by_o which_o the_o lord_n put_v forth_o his_o power_n ordinary_o to_o salvation_n viii_o character_n the_o voice_n of_o christ_n leave_v abide_v effect_n and_o last_a impression_n upon_o the_o soul_n that_o hear_v it_o the_o word_n of_o man_n be_v scatter_v into_o the_o wind_n but_o the_o effect_n of_o christ_n voice_n be_v durable_a and_o last_a thing_n psal._n 119._o 93._o i_o will_v never_o forget_v thy_o word_n for_o by_o it_o thou_o have_v quicken_v i_o how_o many_o hundred_o sermon_n have_v we_o hear_v and_o all_o those_o excellent_a truth_n vanish_v away_o as_o a_o dream_n oh_o but_o if_o ever_o thou_o hear_v christ_n speak_v to_o thy_o heart_n in_o any_o sermon_n or_o prayer_n to_o be_v sure_a that_o will_v stick_v by_o thou_o for_o ever_o his_o word_n be_v seal_v upon_o the_o soul_n for_o ever_o they_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n jer._n 31._o 33._o what_o job_n wish_v concern_v his_o word_n that_o be_v real_o perform_v in_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v write_v as_o in_o the_o rock_n for_o ever_o we_o have_v slippery_a memory_n but_o the_o weak_a memory_n will_v and_o must_v retain_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n speak_v to_o the_o heart_n by_o his_o spirit_n for_o they_o be_v seal_v upon_o it_o job_n 33._o 16._o he_o seal_v their_o instruction_n and_o this_o secure_v they_o thus_o you_o have_v the_o innate_a character_n of_o christ_n voice_n four_o i_o shall_v next_o speak_v unto_o the_o personal_a object_n unto_o who_o christ_n ordinary_o direct_v this_o his_o internal_a efficacious_a and_o save_a voice_n or_o call._n and_o although_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o free_a agent_n act_v with_o the_o great_a liberty_n and_o call_v who_o he_o will_v according_a to_o that_o john_n 3._o 8._o the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v and_o it_o be_v true_a de_fw-fr facto_fw-la that_o christ_n have_v make_v some_o of_o all_o sort_n and_o rank_n of_o man_n to_o hear_v his_o voice_n yet_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o way_n he_o common_o take_v we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v very_o rare_a and_o seldom_o that_o christ_n direct_v this_o save_a voice_n or_o call_v of_o he_o to_o the_o great_a and_o wise_a of_o this_o world_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 26._o you_o see_v your_o call_v brethren_n how_o that_o not_o many_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n not_o many_o mighty_a not_o many_o noble_a be_v call_v he_o say_v not_o any_o but_o not_o many_o some_o christ_n do_v call_v lest_o as_o one_o note_n the_o world_n shall_v think_v that_o christian_n be_v deceive_v through_o their_o simplicity_n and_o weakness_n one_o rich_a joseph_n of_o arimathea_n one_o honourable_a niâ—odemus_n but_o not_o many_o man_n of_o the_o great_a fame_n and_o renown_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v the_o great_a and_o fierce_a enemy_n against_o christ._n galen_n the_o chief_a physician_n porphyry_n the_o chief_a aristotelian_a plotinus_n the_o chief_a platonist_n lybanus_n and_o lucian_n the_o chief_a orator_n be_v all_o the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o christ._n two_o thing_n make_v a_o man_n great_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n the_o external_a endowment_n of_o providence_n heap_v up_o riches_n and_o honour_n upon_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o internal_a gift_n and_o endowment_n of_o the_o mind_n adorn_v the_o inward_a man_n as_o strong_a reason_n sharpness_n of_o wit_n etc._n etc._n when_o both_o these_o meet_v as_o many_o time_n they_o do_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n they_o make_v he_o great_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n and_o usual_o in_o his_o own_o eye_n too_o yea_o too_o great_a to_o stoop_v to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o humble_v self-denying_a term_n thereof_o these_o the_o lord_n usual_o pass_v by_o and_o direct_v his_o voice_n to_o the_o poor_a the_o poor_a receive_v the_o gospel_n god_n have_v choose_v the_o poor_a of_o this_o world_n rich_a in_o faith_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n james_n 2._o 5._o and_o this_o choice_n of_o god_n christ_n bless_v he_o for_o matth._n 11._o 25._o i_o thank_v thou_o o_o father_n lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n because_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n even_o so_o father_n for_o so_o it_o seem_v good_a in_o thy_o sight_n and_o indeed_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n deserve_v our_o admiration_n in_o this_o dispensation_n for_o 1._o hereby_o the_o freeness_n of_o his_o grace_n be_v vindicate_v none_o can_v
now_o pretend_v that_o any_o earthly_a excellency_n commend_v any_o man_n to_o god_n or_o that_o the_o favour_n of_o heaven_n be_v engage_v by_o the_o same_o motive_n that_o the_o respect_n of_o this_o world_n be_v for_o now_o you_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o scripture_n job_n 34._o 19_o before_o your_o eye_n he_o accept_v not_o the_o person_n of_o prince_n nor_o regard_v the_o rich_a more_o than_o the_o poor_a for_o they_o be_v all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n earthly_a riches_n and_o honour_n as_o empty_a thing_n as_o they_o be_v yet_o be_v too_o much_o idolise_v by_o man_n what_o will_v they_o be_v can_v they_o procure_v our_o favour_n and_o acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n 2_o by_o such_o a_o choice_n as_o this_o the_o lord_n plain_o show_v we_o that_o religion_n need_v not_o worldly_a prop_n to_o support_v it_o as_o at_o first_o it_o be_v spread_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n by_o poor_a contemptible_a man_n so_o it_o be_v still_o uphold_v without_o human_a policy_n or_o riches_n the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o congregation_n of_o the_o poor_a psal._n 74._o 20._o the_o lord_n will_v have_v we_o know_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o maintain_v and_o carry_v on_o his_o counsel_n in_o the_o world_n without_o the_o wealth_n of_o rich_a man_n the_o authority_n of_o great_a man_n or_o the_o policy_n of_o wise_a man_n he_o need_v they_o not_o 3_o by_o this_o choice_n he_o pour_v contempt_n upon_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o admire_v among_o man_n so_o he_o tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 27._o god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a and_o the_o weak_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v mighty_a and_o certain_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n will_v cover_v the_o great_a one_o of_o this_o world_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v when_o they_o shall_v see_v those_o poor_a christian_n who_o they_o contemn_v and_o scorn_v upon_o earth_n as_o not_o worthy_a to_o come_v into_o their_o presence_n to_o be_v so_o infinite_o prefer_v before_o they_o in_o the_o favour_n of_o god._n in_o a_o word_n this_o efficacious_a spiritual_a voice_n of_o christ_n be_v direct_v but_o to_o a_o few_o even_o of_o the_o many_o that_o sit_v within_o the_o sound_n and_o call_v of_o the_o gospel_n matth._n 22._o 14._o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v christ_n flock_n be_v a_o little_a flock_n there_o be_v many_o bird_n of_o prey_n to_o one_o bird_n of_o paradise_n many_o common_a pebble_n to_o one_o saphir_n or_o diamond_n it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o dispute_v the_o reason_n but_o to_o adore_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o of_o those_o few_o who_o he_o call_v the_o great_a part_n be_v of_o the_o low_a rank_n and_o order_n of_o man_n the_o glitter_n and_o dazzle_v of_o this_o world_n blind_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o great_a extremity_n of_o pinch_a want_n divert_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o very_o low_a but_o betwixt_o these_o two_o extreme_n there_o be_v a_o three_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o the_o lord_n most_o usual_o call_v five_o if_o it_o be_v query_v why_o the_o voice_n and_o call_v of_o christ_n shall_v be_v direct_v to_o this_o person_n rather_o than_o to_o that_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o from_o any_o dignity_n or_o excellency_n outward_a or_o inward_a that_o christ_n see_v in_o one_o above_o another_o for_o all_o be_v shut_v up_o under_o the_o same_o common_a sin_n and_o misery_n of_o the_o fall_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o ephesian_n who_o have_v hear_v and_o answer_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v by_o nature_n child_n of_o wrath_n even_o as_o other_o eph._n 2._o 3._o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o man_n will_v have_v something_o to_o glory_n in_o before_o god_n but_o christ_n resolve_v this_o whole_a dispensation_n into_o its_o proper_a cause_n the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n matth._n 11._o 26._o even_o so_o father_n for_o so_o it_o seem_v good_a in_o thy_o sight_n this_o good_a pleasure_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n sometime_o order_v those_o to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o his_o son_n that_o seem_v to_o stand_v at_o a_o far_o great_a distance_n and_o improbability_n to_o hear_v it_o than_o other_o do_v it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o ephesian_n that_o they_o be_v a_o far_o off_o eph._n 2._o 13._o yet_o they_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n when_o that_o discreet_a scribe_n mark_v 12._o 34._o who_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o agrippa_n act_v 26._o 28._o who_o almost_o or_o within_o a_o very_a little_a be_v persuade_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n never_o hear_v it_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v matth._n 8._o 11_o 12._o many_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o west_n and_o shall_v sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v cast_v out_o into_o outer_a darkness_n o_o marvellous_a dispensation_n many_o a_o poor_a soul_n under_o the_o great_a disadvantage_n a_o poor_a servant_n that_o have_v but_o little_a time_n and_o multitude_n of_o encumbrance_n yet_o such_o a_o one_o be_v often_o call_v effectual_o by_o this_o voice_n of_o christ_n when_o those_o that_o enjoy_v multitude_n of_o opportunity_n and_o have_v abundance_n of_o time_n lie_v upon_o their_o hand_n which_o they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v with_o who_o have_v the_o choice_a book_n at_o command_n yet_o hear_v nothing_o feel_v nothing_o amid_o all_o these_o advantage_n to_o any_o purpose_n all_o this_o be_v whole_o to_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god._n six_o in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o view_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o voice_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v divers_a remarkable_a effect_n wrought_v upon_o the_o heart_n by_o it_o i._o effect_v and_o the_o first_o effect_n of_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n be_v conviction_n upon_o the_o conscience_n conviction_n both_o of_o sin_n and_o misery_n john_n 16._o 9_o the_o spirit_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n this_o be_v a_o voice_n of_o terror_n it_o strike_v dead_a the_o vain_a hope_n of_o a_o sinner_n rom._n 7._o 9_o now_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v before_o secure_a and_o quiet_a become_v the_o seat_n of_o trouble_n and_o anxiety_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o general_a conviction_n of_o sin_n before_o they_o know_v that_o all_o be_v sinner_n that_o they_o deny_v not_o but_o alas_o this_o general_a conviction_n be_v quite_o another_o thing_n to_o what_o the_o soul_n feel_v now_o now_o it_o can_v shift_v and_o wave_v the_o matter_n no_o long_o this_o voice_n of_o christ_n show_v they_o their_o iniquity_n and_o how_o they_o have_v exceed_v as_o the_o expression_n be_v job_n 36._o 8_o 9_o exceed_v in_o number_n and_o exceed_v in_o heinousness_n of_o aggravation_n a_o general_a conviction_n of_o sin_n affect_v a_o man_n no_o more_o than_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o paint_a lion_n upon_o a_o signpost_n but_o when_o a_o particular_a conviction_n be_v set_v on_o upon_o the_o conscience_n by_o this_o special_a inward_a voice_n of_o christ_n sm_n be_v now_o like_o a_o live_a lion_n meet_v a_o man_n in_o the_o way_n and_o roar_v dreadful_o upon_o he_o this_o be_v the_o first_o effect_n of_o christ_n voice_n and_o be_v introductive_a unto_o the_o ii_o effect_n which_o be_v humiliation_n and_o contrition_n of_o heart_n for_o sin_n those_o threat_n of_o scripture_n against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v slight_v be_v now_o tremble_v at_o those_o jew_n act_n 2._o 37._o to_o who_o heart_n christ_n speak_v in_o peter_n sermon_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o hear_v his_o voice_n sound_v conviction_n in_o their_o conscience_n they_o be_v present_o prick_v at_o the_o heart_n no_o sword_n or_o poniard_n can_v make_v such_o a_o wound_n and_o put_v a_o poor_a creature_n into_o such_o pain_n as_o a_o sight_n of_o sin_n will_v do_v therefore_o zach._n 12._o 10._o they_o be_v say_v to_o mourn_v for_o christ_n as_o for_o a_o only_a son._n now_o this_o be_v the_o glorious_a prerogative_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v able_a to_o reach_v and_o wound_v the_o heart_n with_o a_o word_n the_o voice_n of_o man_n can_v do_v it_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n lie_v naked_a and_o open_a both_o to_o be_v wound_v and_o heal_v by_o a_o word_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ._n no_o soon_o have_v a_o poor_a sinner_n hear_v the_o awful_a voice_n of_o conviction_n speak_v to_o his_o conscience_n by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n but_o he_o feel_v himself_o sick_a at_o heart_n home_n he_o go_v
last_o farewell_n of_o thou_o when_o they_o bid_v this_o world_n and_o all_o its_o inhabitant_n farewell_n at_o death_n and_o what_o have_v become_v of_o all_o the_o sufferer_n and_o martyr_n when_o shut_v up_o from_o friend_n in_o dungeon_n have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o thy_o cheer_v cordial_n and_o comfort_n thou_o there_o administre_v to_o support_v they_o it_o be_v certain_o the_o best_a of_o friend_n or_o the_o worst_a of_o enemy_n in_o the_o whole_a creation_n this_o be_v conscience_n these_o be_v its_o power_n and_o office_n which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n second_o our_o next_o enquiry_n must_v be_v into_o the_o light_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o various_a kind_n of_o that_o light._n the_o lord_n do_v not_o frame_v such_o a_o excellent_a structure_n as_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n without_o window_n to_o let_v in_o light_n nor_o do_v he_o deny_v the_o benefit_n of_o light_n to_o any_o soul_n but_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a light_n which_o man_n have_v to_o inform_v and_o guide_v their_o conscience_n 1._o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n which_o be_v common_a 2._o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n revelation_n which_o be_v special_a 1_o there_o be_v the_o common_a light_n of_o natural_a reason_n which_o be_v connate_a call_v by_o solomon_n prov._n 20._o 27_o the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o be_v affirm_v by_o he_o that_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a portion_n of_o intellectual_n a_o bright_a lamp_n of_o reason_n and_o wisdom_n than_o other_o man_n and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o true_a of_o the_o soul_n in_o general_n but_o of_o that_o special_a power_n of_o it_o which_o be_v call_v conscience_n which_o be_v god_n spy_n and_o man_n overseer_n the_o heathen_n have_v this_o light_n shine_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n some_o of_o they_o by_o the_o alone_a help_n of_o this_o natural_a light_n make_v wonderful_a discovery_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n yea_o they_o find_v its_o efficacy_n and_o power_n great_a in_o their_o conscience_n to_o raise_v their_o hope_n or_o fear_n according_a to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n they_o have_v do_v conscia_fw-la mens_fw-la ut_fw-la cuique_fw-la sua_fw-la est_fw-la ita_fw-la concipit_fw-la intra_fw-la pectora_fw-la pro_fw-la facto_fw-la spemque_fw-la metumque_fw-la svo_fw-la ovid._n and_o to_o the_o shame_n of_o many_o that_o be_v call_v christian_n some_o among_o they_o pay_v great_a reverence_n to_o their_o own_o conscience_n imprimis_fw-la reverere_fw-la teipsum_fw-la turpe_fw-la quid_fw-la ausurus_fw-la te_fw-la sine_fw-la testae_fw-la time_n but_o however_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o do_v not_o so_o and_o be_v tax_v for_o it_o in_o the_o text_n and_o beside_o this_o light_n can_v make_v no_o discovery_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o he_o the_o most_o eagle-eyed_a philosopher_n among_o they_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a here_o and_o therefore_o 2._o god_n have_v afford_v man_n a_o more_o clear_a and_o excellent_a light_n to_o shine_v into_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n even_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o compare_v with_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n be_v as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n to_o the_o dim_a moonlight_n psal._n 147._o 20._o he_o show_v his_o word_n to_o jacob_n his_o statute_n and_o his_o judgement_n to_o israel_n he_o have_v not_o deal_v so_o with_o any_o nation_n and_o for_o his_o judgement_n they_o have_v not_o know_v they_o praise_v you_o the_o lord_n every_o creature_n have_v the_o name_n of_o god_n engrave_v on_o it_o but_o he_o have_v magnify_v his_o word_n above_o all_o his_o name_n psal._n 138._o 2._o god_n who_o best_o know_v the_o rate_n and_o value_n of_o his_o own_o mercy_n account_v this_o a_o singular_a favour_n and_o privilege_n to_o any_o nation_n without_o revelation_n we_o can_v never_o have_v know_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o misery_n the_o fall_n of_o adam_n or_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o recovery_n by_o christ_n by_o this_o a_o people_n be_v lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n matth._n 11._o 21._o in_o respect_n of_o mean_n and_o advantage_n of_o salvation_n and_o consequent_o the_o contempt_n or_o neglect_n of_o such_o light_n and_o love_n will_v certain_o plunge_v the_o guilty_a into_o proportionable_a misery_n john_n 3._o 19_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light._n moreover_o god_n do_v not_o only_o afford_v the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o external_n gospel_n revelation_n to_o some_o man_n in_o a_o eminent_a degree_n but_o to_o both_o these_o he_o superadd_v the_o internal_a illumination_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o clear_a and_o most_o glorious_a light_n in_o the_o whole_a world._n he_o shine_v into_o their_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o these_o be_v the_o three_o sort_n of_o light_n that_o god_n make_v to_o shine_v into_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o direct_v and_o guide_v they_o the_o first_o a_o common_a and_o general_a light_n the_o two_o last_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o transcendent_a in_o excellency_n especial_o that_o of_o the_o spirit_n with_o the_o gospel_n for_o though_o the_o sun_n be_v rise_v yet_o man_n may_v draw_v the_o curtain_n about_o they_o and_o lie_v in_o darkness_n but_o the_o spirit_n open_v they_o and_o make_v it_o shine_v in_o 3._o how_o this_o light_n shine_v into_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n oblige_v they_o to_o obedience_n and_o how_o man_n lust_n struggle_v against_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o enlighten_v conscience_n be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o it_o be_v manifest_a and_o beyond_o all_o controversy_n that_o a_o enlighten_v conscience_n lay_v strong_a and_o indispensable_a obligation_n and_o engagement_n on_o the_o soul_n to_o obedience_n for_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a law_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 15_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o the_o only_a potentate_n the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o the_o promulgation_n and_o manifestation_n of_o it_o so_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o creature_n to_o obedience_n as_o no_o authority_n or_o power_n on_o earth_n can_v loose_v those_o band_n no_o man_n can_v grant_v a_o supersedeas_fw-la in_o this_o case_n or_o relieve_v the_o soul_n so_o bind_v by_o a_o noli_fw-la prosequi_fw-la for_o conscience_n as_o god_n vicegerent_n in_o his_o name_n require_v obedience_n and_o the_o man_n that_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n present_o thereupon_o become_v a_o debtor_n rom._n 1._o 14._o put_v under_o a_o necessity_n 1_o cor._n 9_o 16._o now_o conscience_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o light_n that_o shine_v into_o it_o feel_v itself_o under_o such_o strong_a band_n and_o necessity_n stimulate_v and_o urge_v the_o soul_n to_o obedience_n warn_v command_n and_o press_v the_o soul_n to_o its_o duty_n against_o the_o contrary_a interest_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o hence_o arise_v those_o combat_n and_o conflict_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o man_n as_o the_o struggle_v of_o the_o child_n in_o the_o womb_n at_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n cause_v the_o throw_n and_o pang_n of_o travail_n sometime_o conscience_n prevail_v and_o sometime_o lust_n and_o corruption_n prevail_v and_o that_o with_o great_a difficulty_n for_o it_o be_v not_o alike_o easy_a to_o all_o man_n to_o shake_v off_o or_o burst_v the_o band_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n though_o other_o can_v do_v it_o easy_o what_o a_o hard_a tug_v have_v saul_n to_o conquer_v his_o own_o conscience_n i_o force_v myself_o say_v he_o 1_o sam._n 13._o 12._o he_o know_v it_o belong_v not_o to_o he_o to_o offer_v sacrifice_n his_o conscience_n plain_o tell_v he_o it_o will_v be_v his_o sin_n but_o yet_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o philistine_n be_v strong_a than_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n he_o adventure_v upon_o it_o renitente_fw-la conscientiâ_fw-la against_o the_o plain_n dictate_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n thus_o herod_n give_v sentence_n to_o put_v john_n to_o death_n matth._n 14._o 9_o the_o king_n be_v sorry_a nevertheless_o for_o his_o oath_n sake_n and_o they_o which_o sit_v with_o he_o at_o meat_n he_o command_v it_o to_o be_v give_v she_o his_o honour_n weigh_v up_o all_o his_o fear_n of_o sin_n his_o own_o word_n weigh_v more_o with_o he_o than_o god_n word_n nemo_fw-la ita_fw-la perplexus_fw-la tenetur_fw-la inter_fw-la duo_fw-la vitia_fw-la quin_fw-la exitus_fw-la pateat_fw-la absque_fw-la tertio_fw-la no_o man_n be_v hold_v so_o perplex_v between_o two_o vice_n but_o he_o may_v find_v a_o issue_n without_o fall_v into_o a_o three_o pilate_n conscience_n be_v convince_v of_o christ_n innocency_n matth._n 27._o