they_o not_o those_o who_o be_v raise_v to_o a_o perpetual_a death_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o condemnation_n these_o be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o the_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o child_n of_o perdition_n but_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a be_v the_o full_a and_o final_a declaration_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n not_o only_o because_o we_o be_v restore_v to_o a_o new_a life_n but_o because_o at_o the_o resurrection_n we_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o full_a possession_n of_o that_o bless_a inheritance_n which_o be_v purchase_v for_o we_o and_o promise_v to_o we_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v confer_v upon_o believer_n in_o their_o regeneration_n and_o afterward_o dwell_v and_o reside_v in_o they_o be_v the_o pledge_n and_o earnest_n of_o our_o final_a adoption_n by_o our_o resurrection_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n and_o no_o other_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o earnest_a of_o our_o future_a inheritance_n and_o the_o seal_n and_o confirmation_n of_o it_o eph._n 1.13_o in_o who_o also_o after_o that_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v by_o that_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n until_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o purchase_a possession_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n which_o christian_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o upon_o their_o sincere_a belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o seal_n and_o earnest_n of_o our_o resurrection_n to_o eternal_a life_n as_o the_o apostle_n plain_o tell_v we_o in_o that_o remarkable_a text_n rom._n 8.11_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a dwell_v in_o you_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a shall_v also_o quicken_v your_o mortal_a body_n by_o his_o spirit_n that_o dwell_v in_o you_o i_o have_v be_v the_o long_o upon_o this_o because_o it_o serve_v full_o to_o explain_v to_o we_o those_o obscure_a phrase_n of_o the_o seal_n and_o earnest_a and_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o many_o have_v mistake_v to_o import_v some_o particular_a and_o spiritual_a revelation_n or_o impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n assure_v they_o of_o their_o salvation_n whereas_o the_o apostle_n intend_v no_o more_o by_o they_o but_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o dwell_v in_o believer_n enable_v they_o to_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o pledge_n and_o earnest_n to_o we_o of_o a_o bless_a resurrection_n to_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o now_o dwell_v in_o we_o and_o be_v the_o same_o spirit_n which_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o in_o this_o chapter_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v say_v v._o 16._o to_o bear_v witness_n to_o our_o spirit_n that_o be_v to_o assure_v our_o mind_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n that_o be_v that_o we_o be_v his_o child_n now_o and_o consequent_o heir_n of_o a_o glorious_a resurrection_n to_o eternal_a life_n for_o so_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o word_n and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joint_a heir_n with_o christ_n if_o so_o be_v that_o we_o suffer_v with_o he_o that_o we_o may_v also_o be_v glorify_v together_o and_o this_o be_v glorify_v together_o with_o christ_n at_o the_o resurrection_n he_o call_v v._o 19_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n thus_o you_o see_v how_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n our_o elder_a brother_n we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o we_o be_v now_o regenerate_v and_o shall_v at_o the_o last_o day_n be_v raise_v up_o to_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o these_o word_n namely_o in_o what_o sense_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v declare_v or_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a by_o which_o the_o apostle_n mean_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v approve_v by_o god_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o vindicate_v to_o the_o world_n from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o be_v a_o deceiver_n and_o impostor_n and_o consequent_o in_o the_o 2._o place_n that_o hereby_o god_n give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n 1._o by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v approve_v by_o god_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o expect_v at_o that_o time_n by_o the_o jew_n and_o sufficient_o vindicate_v to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v no_o deceiver_n and_o impostor_n and_o for_o our_o full_a understanding_n of_o this_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o what_o the_o apprehension_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o 2._o what_o the_o many_o crime_n be_v which_o they_o lay_v to_o our_o saviour_n charge_n and_o for_o which_o they_o condemn_v he_o 1._o what_o the_o apprehension_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a from_o the_o evangelical_n history_n that_o they_o general_o apprehend_v these_o two_o thing_n of_o he_o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o therefore_o that_o our_o saviour_n by_o affirm_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n do_v call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n john_n 1.41_o andrew_n tell_v his_o brother_n simon_n we_o have_v find_v the_o messiah_n v._o 45._o philip_n tell_v nathanael_n we_o have_v find_v he_o of_o who_o moses_n in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n do_v write_v that_o be_v the_o messiah_n v._o 49._o nathanael_n upon_o discourse_n with_o our_o saviour_n be_v convince_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n own_v he_o in_o these_o term_n rabbi_n thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n thou_o be_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n john_n 6.69_o peter_n declare_v his_o belief_n that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n or_o the_o messiah_n in_o these_o word_n we_o believe_v and_o be_v sure_a that_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n this_o appear_v likewise_o from_o the_o high-priest_n question_n to_o he_o matth._n 26.63_o be_v thou_o the_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o st._n mark_n the_o son_n of_o the_o bless_a compare_v with_o pilat_n question_n be_v thou_o the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o when_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o cross_n some_o revile_v he_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n matth._n 27.40_o if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n other_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n v._o 42._o if_o he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n let_v he_o come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o jew_n expect_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o true_a messiah_n be_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o whoever_o be_v not_o so_o be_v a_o deceiver_n and_o impostor_n but_o our_o saviour_n affirm_v himself_o to_o be_v true_a messiah_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o god_n by_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a do_v abundant_o vindicate_v he_o to_o the_o world_n from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o imposture_n and_o give_v testimony_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v all_o that_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o viz._n the_o true_a messiah_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 2_o dly_a what_o be_v the_o crime_n which_o the_o jew_n lay_v to_o our_o saviour_n charge_n and_o for_o which_o they_o condemn_v he_o and_o they_o be_v main_o these_o two_o that_o by_o give_v himself_o out_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n he_o make_v himself_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o they_o accuse_v he_o to_o pilate_n hope_v by_o this_o accusation_n to_o make_v he_o guilty_a of_o sedition_n against_o the_o roman_a government_n for_o say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n of_o the_o other_o they_o accuse_v he_o to_o the_o chief_a priest_n as_o be_v guilty_a of_o blasphemy_n in_o that_o not_o be_v the_o messiah_n he_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o upon_o this_o they_o lay_v the_o main_a stress_n as_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o will_v condemn_v he_o by_o their_o law_n they_o charge_v he_o with_o this_o in_o his_o life-time_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o word_n of_o
angel_n tell_v the_o virgin_n mary_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v come_v upon_o she_o and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o high_a shall_v overshadow_v she_o and_o therefore_o that_o holy_a thing_n which_o shall_v be_v bear_v of_o she_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n mean_v by_o the_o father_n sanctify_a he_o and_o send_v he_o into_o the_o world_n for_o which_o reason_n he_o say_v he_o may_v just_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n john_n 10.35_o 36._o if_o he_o call_v they_o god_n unto_o who_o the_o word_n of_o god_n come_v and_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v break_v say_v you_o of_o he_o who_o the_o father_n have_v sanctify_v and_o send_v into_o the_o world_n thou_o blaspheme_v because_o i_o say_v i_o be_o the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o reason_n this_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v give_v he_o the_o title_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o sanctification_n or_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2._o christ_n be_v also_o say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v so_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v here_o in_o the_o text_n ascribe_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o so_o in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n rom._n 8.11_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a dwell_v in_o you_o and_o 1_o pet._n 3.18_o be_v put_v to_o death_n in_o the_o flesh_n but_o quicken_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v he_o suffer_v in_o that_o frail_a mortal_a nature_n which_o he_o assume_v but_o be_v raise_v again_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o reside_v in_o he_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n he_o be_v express_o say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n psal_n 2.7_o i_o will_v declare_v the_o decree_n the_o lord_n have_v say_v unto_o i_o thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o to_o which_o perhaps_o the_o apostle_n allude_v here_o in_o the_o text_n when_o he_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v decree_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a to_o be_v sure_a these_o word_n this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o st._n paul_n express_o tell_v we_o be_v accomplish_v in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n as_o if_o god_n by_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a have_v beget_v he_o and_o decree_v he_o to_o be_v his_o son_n act_n 13.32_o 33._o and_o we_o declare_v unto_o you_o glad_a tiding_n how_o that_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v unto_o the_o father_n god_n have_v fulfil_v the_o same_o unto_o their_o child_n in_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v up_o jesus_n again_o as_o it_o be_v also_o write_v in_o the_o second_o psalm_n thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n before_o as_o he_o be_v conceive_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o this_o be_v secret_a and_o invisible_a and_o know_v only_o to_o the_o mother_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o therefore_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o give_v a_o public_a and_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o it_o so_o as_o to_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o question_n he_o declare_v he_o in_o a_o powerful_a manner_n to_o be_v his_o son_n by_o give_v he_o a_o new_a life_n after_o death_n by_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o by_o this_o new_a and_o eminent_a testimony_n give_v to_o he_o declare_v he_o again_o to_o be_v his_o son_n and_o confirm_v the_o title_n which_o be_v give_v he_o before_o upon_o a_o true_a but_o more_o secret_a account_n of_o his_o be_v conceive_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o as_o our_o saviour_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o twofold_a account_n of_o his_o conception_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o his_o resurrection_n to_o life_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o the_o scripture_n which_o do_v solicitous_o pursue_v a_o resemblance_n and_o conformity_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n do_v likewise_o upon_o a_o twofold_a account_n answerable_a to_o our_o saviour_n birth_n and_o resurrection_n call_v true_a believer_n and_o christian_n the_o child_n of_o god_n viz._n upon_o account_n of_o their_o regeneration_n or_o new_a birth_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o upon_o account_n of_o their_o resurrection_n to_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n upon_o account_n of_o our_o regeneration_n and_o become_a christian_n by_o the_o power_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o our_o mind_n we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n as_o be_v regenerate_v and_o bear_v again_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v our_o first_o adoption_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n confer_v upon_o christian_n at_o their_o baptism_n and_o dwell_v and_o reside_v in_o they_o afterward_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n rom._n 8.15_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o you_o cry_v abba_n father_n and_o gal._n 4.5_o 6._o believer_n be_v say_v to_o receive_v the_o adoption_n of_o son_n god_n have_v send_v forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o their_o heart_n cry_v abba_n father_n that_o be_v all_o christian_n for_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v regenerate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o they_o may_v with_o confidence_n call_v god_n father_n and_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o his_o child_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 8.14_o that_o as_o many_o as_o be_v lead_v or_o act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o though_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v child_n of_o god_n upon_o account_n of_o our_o regeneration_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v and_o reside_v in_o christian_n yet_o we_o be_v eminent_o so_o upon_o account_n of_o our_o resurrection_n to_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n spirit_n this_o be_v our_o final_a adoption_n and_o the_o consummation_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o rom._n 8.21_o this_o be_v call_v the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o by_o this_o we_o be_v for_o ever_o deliver_v from_o the_o bondage_n of_o corruption_n and_o by_o way_n of_o eminency_n the_o adoption_n viz._n the_o redemption_n of_o our_o body_n we_o be_v indeed_o the_o son_n of_o god_n before_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o regenerate_a and_o sanctify_a virtue_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o final_o and_o chief_o upon_o account_n of_o our_o resurrection_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n so_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o that_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n after_o another_o manner_n than_o we_o be_v now_o 1_o jo._n 3.1_o behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o be_v our_o adoption_n be_v begin_v in_o our_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n but_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v we_o shall_v be_v much_o more_o eminent_o so_o at_o the_o resurrection_n we_o know_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o but_o the_o most_o express_a and_o remarkable_a text_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v luke_n 20.36_o where_o good_a man_n after_o the_o resurrection_n be_v for_o this_o reason_n say_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o resurrection_n but_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v account_v worthy_a to_o obtain_v that_o world_n and_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a neither_o marry_o nor_o be_v give_v in_o marriage_n neither_o can_v they_o die_v any_o more_o for_o they_o be_v equal_a to_o the_o angel_n and_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o resurrection_n for_o this_o reason_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v raise_v by_o he_o to_o a_o new_a life_n and_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o that_o which_o be_v promise_v to_o they_o and_o reserve_v for_o they_o for_o all_o that_o be_v raise_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n out_o of_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v not_o therefore_o the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o only_o they_o that_o have_v part_n in_o the_o bless_a resurrection_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o do_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o
duty_n enjoin_v strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n which_o word_n be_v metaphorical_a i_o shall_v strip_v they_o of_o the_o metaphor_n that_o so_o we_o may_v see_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o they_o now_o by_o this_o metaphor_n or_o rather_o allegory_n these_o three_o thing_n be_v plain_o intend_v 1_o st_o the_o course_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o christian_a life_n in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v here_o represent_v to_o we_o by_o a_o way_n which_o every_o man_n that_o will_v come_v to_o heaven_n must_v walk_v in_o for_o so_o st._n matth._n who_o express_v this_o more_o full_o make_v mention_n of_o a_o way_n as_o well_o as_o a_o gate_n by_o which_o we_o must_v enter_v into_o it_o strait_n be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o this_o though_o it_o be_v not_o express_v by_o st._n luke_n be_v necessary_o understand_v strive_v to_o enter_v in_o by_o the_o strait_a gate_n that_o be_v into_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n 2_o dly_z the_o first_o difficulty_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n be_v here_o represent_v to_o we_o by_o a_o strait_a gate_n for_o the_o gate_n at_o which_o we_o enter_v and_o the_o way_n in_o which_o we_o walk_v can_v signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a course_n 3_o dly_z our_o diligence_n and_o constancy_n in_o this_o course_n be_v represent_v by_o strive_v a_o word_n which_o have_v a_o great_a force_n and_o emphasis_n in_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o the_o earnest_a contention_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o olympic_a game_n by_o those_o who_o strive_v for_o mastery_n in_o run_v or_o wrestle_v or_o any_o of_o the_o other_o exercise_n which_o be_v there_o use_v second_o here_o be_v a_o reason_n add_v to_o enforce_v the_o exhortation_n or_o duty_n for_o many_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a that_o be_v there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o that_o will_v do_v something_o in_o christianity_n and_o make_v some_o faint_a attempt_n to_o get_v to_o heaven_n who_o yet_o shall_v fall_v short_a of_o it_o for_o want_v of_o such_o a_o firm_a resolution_n and_o earnestness_n of_o endeavour_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o have_v thus_o explain_v the_o word_n i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n from_o the_o first_o part_n of_o they_o namely_o the_o duty_n or_o exhortation_n to_o handle_v these_o three_o point_n very_o useful_a for_o we_o to_o consider_v and_o to_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o 1_o st_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o christian_a course_n 2_o dly_z the_o firm_a resolution_n and_o earnest_a endeavour_n that_o be_v require_v on_o our_o part_n for_o the_o conquer_a of_o these_o difficulty_n 3_o dly_z that_o these_o difficulty_n be_v not_o so_o great_a and_o insuperable_a as_o to_o be_v a_o just_a discouragement_n to_o our_o endeavour_n if_o we_o will_v strive_v we_o may_v master_v they_o first_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o christian_a course_n and_o these_o be_v either_o from_o ourselves_o or_o from_o something_o without_o we_o 1._o from_o ourselves_o from_o the_o original_a corruption_n and_o depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o power_n of_o evil_a habit_n and_o custom_n contract_v by_o vicious_a practice_n our_o nature_n be_v vitiate_a and_o deprave_a incline_v to_o evil_a and_o impotent_a to_o good_a beside_o that_o be_v habituate_v to_o sin_n and_o vice_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o infinite_a difficulty_n to_o break_v off_o a_o custom_n and_o to_o turn_v the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n another_o way_n now_o because_o this_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o religion_n it_o be_v represent_v by_o a_o strait_a gate_n which_o be_v hard_o to_o get_v through_o 2._o there_o be_v likewise_o other_o difficulty_n from_o without_o as_o namely_o the_o opposition_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v very_o rage_v and_o violent_a in_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n represent_v by_o the_o ruggedness_n and_o roughness_n of_o the_o way_n as_o st._n matth._n express_v it_o chap._n 7.14_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d confragosa_fw-la est_fw-la via_fw-la so_o grotius_n render_v it_o the_o way_n be_v craggy_a full_a of_o affliction_n and_o trouble_n so_o that_o these_o be_v the_o two_o great_a difficulty_n in_o a_o christian_a course_n indisposition_n from_o within_o and_o opposition_n from_o without_o 1._o indisposition_n from_o within_o and_o this_o make_v religion_n so_o much_o the_o more_o difficult_a because_o it_o check_v we_o at_o our_o very_a first_o entrance_n upon_o our_o christian_a course_n and_o make_v we_o unwilling_a to_o set_v out_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o those_o vicious_a habit_n which_o by_o a_o long_a custom_n of_o sin_n we_o have_v contract_v do_v strong_o incline_v we_o the_o contrary_a way_n so_o that_o a_o man_n must_v offer_v great_a force_n and_o violence_n to_o himself_o that_o will_v conquer_v this_o difficulty_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o break_v off_o a_o vicious_a habit_n and_o to_o get_v loose_a from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o custom_n the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o next_o to_o a_o natural_a impossibility_n chap._n 13.23_o can_v the_o ethiopian_a change_n his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n then_o may_v you_o also_o do_v good_a that_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a this_o require_v great_a strive_v indeed_o nothing_o show_v the_o spirit_n and_o resolution_n of_o a_o man_n more_o than_o to_o contend_v with_o a_o inveterate_a habit_n for_o in_o this_o case_n a_o man_n strive_v against_o the_o very_a bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o set_v a_o man_n against_o all_o the_o world_n than_o to_o make_v he_o fight_v with_o himself_o and_o yet_o this_o every_o man_n must_v do_v who_o from_o any_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n betake_v himself_o serious_o to_o religion_n he_o must_v as_o it_o be_v lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o himself_o and_o fight_v with_o the_o man_n he_o be_v before_o and_o this_o in_o scripture_n be_v emphatical_o express_v to_o we_o by_o crucify_a the_o old_a man_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n thereof_o a_o christian_a when_o he_o first_o enter_v upon_o a_o holy_a and_o good_a course_n of_o life_n be_v represent_v as_o two_o person_n or_o party_n at_o civil_a war_n one_o with_o another_o the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a man_n so_o that_o whoever_o will_v be_v a_o christian_n must_v put_v off_o himself_o and_o become_v another_o man_n and_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n for_o a_o man_n to_o quit_v himself_o 2._o in_o our_o christian_a course_n we_o must_v likewise_o expect_v to_o meet_v with_o great_a opposition_n from_o without_o bless_a be_v god_n christianity_n have_v general_o be_v for_o many_o age_n free_a from_o this_o difficulty_n which_o attend_v the_o first_o profession_n of_o it_o it_o be_v then_o indeed_o a_o very_a steep_a and_o craggy_a way_n very_o rough_a and_o thorny_a not_o to_o be_v travel_v in_o without_o sweat_n and_o blood_n then_o the_o danger_n and_o hazard_n of_o that_o profession_n be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v encounter_v by_o a_o mere_a moral_a resolution_n and_o the_o natural_a strength_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n the_o persecution_n that_o attend_v it_o be_v so_o hot_a and_o the_o torment_n which_o threaten_v it_o so_o terrible_a that_o the_o sensual_a and_o inconsiderate_a part_n of_o mankind_n will_v rather_o venture_v hell_n at_o a_o distance_n than_o run_v themselves_o upon_o so_o present_a and_o evident_a a_o danger_n but_o since_o these_o age_n of_o persecution_n this_o difficulty_n have_v be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n remove_v not_o but_o that_o the_o true_a religion_n have_v still_o its_o enemy_n in_o the_o world_n but_o they_o be_v not_o let_v loose_a as_o they_o be_v in_o those_o time_n it_o be_v still_o persecute_v and_o expose_v to_o the_o malice_n and_o reproach_n but_o not_o to_o the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o unreasonable_a men._n in_o the_o calm_a time_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o man_n can_v be_v a_o strict_a and_o sincere_a christian_a without_o be_v liable_a to_o hatred_n and_o contempt_n without_o deny_v himself_o many_o of_o those_o worldly_a advantage_n which_o those_o who_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o the_o strict_a law_n of_o christianity_n may_v make_v to_o themselves_o so_o that_o at_o all_o time_n it_o require_v a_o good_a degree_n of_o constancy_n and_o resolution_n to_o persevere_v in_o a_o holy_a course_n and_o to_o bear_v up_o against_o the_o opposition_n of_o the_o
happiness_n by_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n whereby_o they_o may_v forfeit_v their_o happiness_n or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o entertain_v a_o thought_n of_o offend_v that_o god_n to_o who_o they_o can_v but_o be_v sensible_a how_o infinite_o they_o be_v oblige_v in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n few_o man_n have_v so_o little_a goodness_n as_o to_o sin_v without_o a_o temptation_n but_o in_o that_o state_n where_o man_n be_v perfect_o good_a and_o can_v have_v no_o temptation_n to_o be_v otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o they_o shall_v fall_v from_o that_o state_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o damn_a that_o that_o likewise_o be_v immutable_a the_o scripture_n do_v seem_v plain_o enough_o to_o assert_v when_o it_o call_v it_o a_o everlasting_a destruction_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o use_v such_o expression_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o misery_n as_o signify_v the_o long_a and_o most_o interminable_a duration_n expression_n of_o as_o great_a a_o extent_n as_o those_o which_o be_v use_v to_o signify_v the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o as_o large_a and_o unlimited_a as_o any_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o those_o language_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v beside_o that_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o other_o world_n be_v in_o scripture_n represent_v as_o in_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o the_o devil_n of_o who_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o any_o of_o they_o ever_o do_v or_o will_v repent_v not_o because_o repentance_n be_v impossible_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o extreme_a misery_n but_o because_o there_o be_v no_o place_n leave_v for_o it_o be_v under_o a_o irreversible_a doom_n there_o be_v no_o encouragement_n to_o repentance_n no_o hope_n of_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n without_o which_o repentance_n be_v impossible_a for_o if_o a_o man_n do_v utter_o despair_v of_o pardon_n and_o be_v assure_v upon_o good_a ground_n that_o god_n will_v never_o show_v mercy_n to_o he_o in_o this_o case_n a_o man_n will_v grow_v desperate_a and_o not_o care_v what_o he_o do_v he_o that_o know_v that_o whatever_o he_o do_v he_o be_v miserable_a and_o undo_v will_v not_o matter_n how_o he_o demean_v himself_o all_o motive_n to_o repentance_n be_v go_v after_o a_o man_n once_o know_v it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n and_o this_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o represent_v to_o we_o as_o the_o case_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o damn_a spirit_n because_o their_o state_n be_v final_o determine_v and_o they_o be_v conclude_v under_o a_o irreversible_a sentence_n therefore_o repentance_n be_v impossible_a to_o they_o sorry_a no_o doubt_n they_o be_v and_o hearty_o trouble_v that_o by_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o folly_n they_o have_v bring_v this_o misery_n upon_o themselves_o and_o they_o can_v but_o conceive_v a_o everlasting_a displeasure_n against_o themselves_o for_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n and_o author_n of_o their_o own_o ruin_n and_o the_o reflection_n of_o this_o will_v be_v a_o perpetual_a spring_n of_o discontent_n and_o fill_v their_o mind_n with_o eternal_a rage_n and_o vexation_n and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o feel_v the_o intolerable_a punishment_n of_o sin_n and_o groan_v under_o the_o insupportable_a torment_n of_o it_o and_o see_v no_o end_n of_o this_o miserable_a state_n no_o hope_n of_o get_v out_o of_o it_o they_o can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o affect_v than_o with_o discontent_n at_o themselves_o and_o rage_n and_o fury_n against_o god_n they_o be_v indeed_o penitent_a so_o far_o as_o to_o be_v trouble_v at_o themselves_o for_o what_o they_o have_v do_v but_o this_o trouble_n work_v no_o change_n and_o alteration_n in_o they_o they_o still_o hate_v god_n who_o inflict_v these_o punishment_n upon_o they_o and_o who_o they_o believe_v be_v determine_v to_o continue_v they_o in_o this_o miserable_a state_n the_o present_a anguish_n of_o their_o condition_n and_o their_o despair_n of_o better_v it_o make_v they_o mad_a and_o their_o mind_n be_v so_o distract_v by_o the_o wildness_n of_o their_o passion_n and_o their_o spirit_n so_o exasperate_v and_o set_v on_o fire_n by_o their_o own_o giddy_a motion_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o rest_n and_o silence_n in_o their_o soul_n not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o liberty_n of_o one_o calm_a and_o sedate_v thought_n or_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o reflect_v upon_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o sin_n and_o shall_v entertain_v any_o thought_n of_o return_v to_o god_n and_o their_o duty_n they_o be_v present_o check_v with_o this_o consideration_n that_o their_o case_n be_v determine_v that_o god_n be_v implacable_o offend_v with_o they_o and_o be_v inexorable_o and_o peremptory_o resolve_v to_o make_v they_o miserable_a for_o ever_o and_o during_o this_o persuasion_n no_o man_n can_v return_v to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o repentance_n this_o consideration_n of_o the_o immutable_a state_n of_o man_n after_o this_o life_n shall_v engage_v we_o with_o all_o seriousness_n and_o diligence_n to_o endeavour_v to_o secure_v our_o future_a happiness_n god_n have_v set_v before_o we_o good_a and_o evil_n life_n and_o death_n and_o we_o may_v yet_o choose_v which_o we_o please_v but_o in_o the_o other_o world_n we_o must_v stand_v to_o that_o choice_n which_o we_o have_v make_v here_o and_o inherit_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o by_o sin_n mankind_n be_v bring_v into_o a_o miserable_a state_n but_o our_o condition_n be_v not_o desperate_a and_o past_a remedy_n god_n have_v send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o a_o saviour_n to_o give_v repentance_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o though_o our_o case_n be_v bad_a it_o need_v not_o continue_v so_o if_o it_o be_v not_o our_o own_o fault_n there_o be_v a_o possibility_n now_o of_o change_v our_o condition_n for_o the_o better_a and_o of_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o perpetual_a happiness_n for_o ourselves_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n call_v upon_o we_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o assist_v we_o so_o that_o no_o man_n case_n be_v so_o bad_a but_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o better_v it_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o and_o will_v make_v use_n of_o the_o grace_n which_o god_n offer_v who_o be_v never_o want_v to_o the_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o men._n under_o the_o influence_n and_o assistance_n of_o this_o grace_n those_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n may_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n may_v be_v turn_v from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o be_v translate_v from_o one_o state_n to_o another_o from_o the_o dominion_n of_o satan_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n dear_a son_n but_o if_o we_o neglect_v the_o opportunity_n of_o this_o life_n and_o stand_v out_o against_o the_o offer_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o mercy_n there_o will_v no_o overture_n be_v make_v to_o we_o in_o the_o other_o world_n after_o this_o life_n be_v end_v god_n will_v try_v we_o no_o more_o our_o final_a miscarriage_n in_o this_o world_n will_v prove_v fatal_a to_o we_o in_o the_o other_o and_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v permit_v to_o live_v over_o again_o to_o correct_v our_o error_n as_o the_o tree_n fall_v so_o it_o shall_v lie_v such_o a_o state_n as_o we_o be_v settle_v in_o when_o we_o go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n shall_v be_v fix_v in_o the_o other_o and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o possibility_n of_o change_v it_o we_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o own_o counsel_n and_o by_o god_n grace_n we_o may_v mould_n and_o fashion_v our_o own_o fortune_n but_o if_o we_o trifle_v away_o this_o advantage_n we_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o redemption_n god_n have_v yet_o leave_v heaven_n and_o hell_n to_o our_o choice_n and_o we_o have_v need_v to_o look_v about_o we_o and_o choose_v well_o who_o can_v choose_v but_o once_o for_o all_o and_o for_o ever_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o space_n and_o opportunity_n leave_v we_o of_o repentance_n but_o so_o soon_o as_o we_o step_v out_o of_o this_o life_n and_o be_v enter_v upon_o the_o other_o world_n our_o condition_n will_v be_v seal_v never_o to_o be_v reverse_v and_o because_o after_o this_o life_n there_o will_v be_v no_o further_a hope_n of_o mercy_n there_o will_v be_v no_o possibility_n of_o repentance_n this_o be_v the_o accept_a time_n this_o be_v the_o day_n of_o salvation_n therefore_o to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n lest_o god_n swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n