particular_o know_v to_o we_o when_o they_o be_v commit_v and_o consequent_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o we_o shall_v particular_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o god_n do_v accept_v of_o a_o general_a repentance_n as_o he_o do_v from_o david_n when_o he_o make_v that_o humble_a confession_n and_o prayer_n to_o he_o psal_n 19.12_o who_o can_v understand_v his_o error_n cleanse_v thou_o i_o from_o secret_a sin_n 3._o they_o be_v afraid_a their_o obedience_n be_v not_o sincere_a because_o it_o proceed_v many_o time_n from_o fear_n and_o not_o always_o out_o of_o pure_a love_n to_o god_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o scripture_n that_o god_n propound_v to_o man_n several_a motive_n and_o argument_n to_o obedience_n some_o proper_a to_o work_v upon_o their_o fear_n as_o the_o threaten_n of_o punishment_n some_o upon_o their_o hope_n as_o the_o promise_n of_o blessing_n and_o reward_n other_o upon_o their_o love_n as_o the_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a he_o intend_v they_o shall_v all_o work_n upon_o we_o and_o according_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o instance_n in_o each_o kind_n noah_n move_v with_o fear_n obey_v god_n in_o prepare_v a_o ark_n moses_n have_v respect_n unto_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n marry_o magdalen_n love_v much_o and_o as_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v so_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o determine_v just_a how_o much_o influence_n and_o no_o more_o each_o of_o these_o have_v upon_o we_o it_o be_v very_o well_o if_o man_n be_v reclaim_v from_o their_o sin_n and_o make_v good_a by_o the_o joint_a force_n of_o all_o the_o consideration_n which_o god_n offer_v to_o we_o to_o be_v sure_a love_n be_v the_o noble_a and_o most_o generous_a principle_n of_o obedience_n but_o fear_v common_o take_v the_o first_o and_o fast_o hold_v of_o we_o and_o in_o time_n of_o violent_a temptation_n be_v perhaps_o the_o best_a argument_n to_o keep_v even_o the_o best_a of_o man_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o duty_n 4._o another_o cause_n of_o doubt_v in_o good_a man_n be_v from_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o imperfect_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o abatement_n of_o their_o affection_n towards_o god_n at_o some_o time_n they_o have_v many_o wander_a thought_n in_o prayer_n and_o other_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n and_o they_o can_v for_o their_o life_n keep_v their_o mind_n continual_o intent_n on_o what_o they_o be_v about_o this_o we_o shall_v strive_v against_o as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v and_o that_o be_v the_o utmost_a we_o can_v do_v but_o to_o cure_v this_o whole_o be_v impossible_a the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o mind_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o question_v his_o sincerity_n because_o he_o can_v do_v that_o which_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o do_v and_o then_o for_o the_o abatement_n of_o our_o affection_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n at_o some_o time_n this_o natural_o proceed_v from_o the_o inconstancy_n of_o man_n temper_n by_o reason_n of_o which_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n shall_v be_v able_a always_o to_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o zeal_n and_o fervour_n towards_o god_n but_o our_o comfort_n be_v that_o god_n do_v not_o measure_v man_n sincerity_n by_o the_o tide_n of_o their_o affection_n but_o by_o the_o constant_a bent_n of_o their_o resolution_n and_o the_o general_a tenor_n of_o their_o life_n and_o action_n 5._o another_o cause_n of_o these_o doubt_n be_v that_o man_n expect_v more_o than_o ordinary_a and_o reasonable_a assurance_n of_o their_o good_a condition_n some_o particular_a revelation_n from_o god_n and_o extraordinary_a impression_n upon_o their_o mind_n to_o that_o purpose_n which_o they_o think_v the_o scripture_n mean_v by_o the_o testimony_n and_o seal_n and_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n god_n may_v give_v this_o when_o and_o to_o who_o he_o please_v but_o i_o do_v not_o find_v he_o have_v any_o where_o promise_v it_o and_o all_o that_o the_o scripture_n mean_v by_o those_o phrase_n of_o the_o testimony_n and_o seal_v and_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o my_o apprehension_n no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o god_n bestow_v upon_o christian_n in_o so_o powerful_a and_o sensible_a a_o manner_n be_v a_o seal_n and_o earnest_n of_o their_o resurrection_n to_o eternal_a life_n according_a to_o that_o plain_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 but_o then_o who_o they_o be_v that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v only_o to_o be_v know_v by_o the_o real_a fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o if_o we_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o do_v not_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n than_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o we_o but_o this_o be_v very_o far_o from_o a_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a revelation_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n tell_v they_o in_o particular_a that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n i_o know_v not_o what_o peculiar_a favour_n god_n may_v show_v to_o some_o but_o i_o know_v no_o such_o thing_n nor_o ever_o yet_o meet_v with_o any_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n that_o do_v affirm_v it_o of_o himself_o and_o i_o fear_v that_o in_o most_o of_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o it_o it_o be_v either_o mere_a fancy_n or_o gross_a delusion_n 6._o as_o for_o the_o case_n of_o melancholy_n it_o be_v not_o a_o reasonable_a case_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o fall_v under_o any_o certain_a rule_n and_o direction_n they_o who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o it_o be_v seldom_o fit_a to_o take_v that_o counsel_n which_o alone_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v give_v they_o and_o that_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v themselves_o concern_v themselves_o but_o to_o trust_v the_o judgement_n of_o other_o rather_o than_o their_o own_o apprehension_n in_o other_o case_n every_o man_n know_v himself_o best_a but_o a_o melancholy_a man_n be_v most_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o himself_o this_o cause_n of_o trouble_n and_o doubt_v be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v pity_v but_o hard_o to_o be_v remove_v unless_o by_o physic_n or_o by_o time_n or_o by_o chance_n one_o may_v happen_v to_o say_v something_o that_o may_v hit_v the_o humour_n of_o a_o melancholy_a man_n and_o satisfy_v he_o for_o the_o present_a but_o reason_n must_v needs_o signify_v very_o little_a to_o those_o person_n the_o nature_n of_o who_o distemper_n it_o be_v to_o turn_v every_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v say_v for_o their_o comfort_n into_o objection_n against_o themselves_o three_o but_o beside_o those_o who_o mistake_v their_o condition_n either_o by_o presume_v it_o to_o be_v better_o or_o fear_v it_o to_o be_v worse_o than_o it_o be_v there_o be_v likewise_z other_o who_o upon_o good_a ground_n be_v doubtful_a of_o their_o condition_n and_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o it_o those_o i_o mean_v who_o have_v some_o beginning_n of_o goodness_n which_o yet_o be_v very_o imperfect_a they_o have_v good_a resolution_n and_o do_v many_o thing_n well_o but_o they_o often_o fall_v and_o be_v frequent_o pull_v back_o by_o those_o evil_a inclination_n and_o habit_n which_o be_v yet_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n unsubdued_a in_o they_o these_o i_o can_v liken_v better_a than_o to_o the_o borderer_n between_o two_o country_n who_o live_v in_o the_o march_n and_o confine_n of_o two_o powerful_a kingdom_n both_o which_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v who_o subject_n they_o be_v and_o to_o which_o prince_n they_o belong_v thus_o it_o be_v with_o many_o in_o religion_n they_o have_v pious_a inclination_n and_o have_v make_v some_o fair_a attempt_n towards_o goodness_n they_o have_v begin_v to_o refrain_v from_o sin_n and_o to_o resist_v the_o occasion_n and_o temptation_n to_o it_o but_o ever_o and_o anon_o they_o be_v master_v by_o their_o old_a lust_n and_o carry_v off_o from_o their_o best_a resolution_n and_o perhaps_o upon_o a_o little_a consideration_n they_o repent_v and_o recover_v themselves_o again_o and_o after_o a_o while_o be_v again_o entangle_v and_o overcome_v now_o the_o case_n of_o these_o person_n be_v real_o doubtful_a both_o to_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o the_o proper_a direction_n to_o be_v give_v they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o peace_n and_o settlement_n be_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o encourage_v they_o
of_o any_o duty_n faithful_o discharge_v the_o memory_n of_o any_o good_a we_o have_v do_v do_v refresh_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o pleasure_n and_o joy_n our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o say_v st._n paul_n the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o all_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o course_n of_o a_o vicious_a life_n all_o act_n of_o impiety_n to_o god_n of_o malice_n and_o injustice_n to_o man_n of_o intemperance_n and_o excess_n in_o reference_n to_o ourselves_o do_v certain_o leave_v a_o sting_n behind_o they_o and_o whatever_o pleasure_n there_o may_v be_v in_o the_o present_a act_n of_o they_o the_o memory_n of_o they_o be_v so_o torment_v that_o man_n be_v glad_a to_o use_v all_o the_o art_n of_o diversion_n to_o fence_v off_o the_o thought_n of_o they_o one_o of_o the_o great_a trouble_n in_o the_o world_n to_o a_o bad_a man_n be_v to_o look_v into_o himself_o and_o to_o remember_v how_o he_o have_v live_v i_o appeal_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o true_a and_o be_v not_o here_o now_o a_o mighty_a difference_n between_o these_o two_o course_n of_o life_n that_o when_o we_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a if_o there_o be_v any_o trouble_n in_o it_o it_o be_v soon_o over_o but_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o be_v perpetual_a when_o we_o do_v a_o wicked_a action_n the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o be_v short_a and_o transient_a but_o the_o trouble_n and_o sting_v of_o it_o remain_v for_o ever_o the_o reflection_n upon_o the_o good_a we_o have_v do_v give_v a_o last_a satisfaction_n to_o our_o mind_n but_o the_o remembrance_n of_o any_o evil_n commit_v by_o we_o leave_v a_o perpetual_a discontent_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o considerable_a a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a course_n of_o life_n do_v then_o yield_v most_o peace_n and_o comfort_n when_o we_o most_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o in_o time_n of_o affliction_n and_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n when_o a_o man_n fall_v into_o any_o great_a calamity_n there_o be_v no_o comfort_n in_o the_o world_n like_v to_o that_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n this_o make_v all_o calm_a and_o serene_a within_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n about_o he_o so_o david_n observe_v of_o the_o good_a man_n psal_n 112.4_o unto_o the_o upright_a there_o arise_v light_n in_o darkness_n all_o the_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a action_n that_o we_o do_v be_v so_o many_o seed_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n sow_v in_o our_o conscience_n which_o will_v spring_v up_o and_o flourish_v most_o in_o time_n of_o outward_a trouble_n and_o distress_n light_n be_v sow_v for_o the_o righteous_a and_o gladness_n for_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n and_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n the_o righteous_a have_v hope_n in_o his_o death_n say_v solomon_n and_o what_o a_o seasonable_a refreshment_n be_v it_o to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o the_o pang_n of_o death_n be_v ready_a to_o take_v hold_n of_o he_o and_o he_o be_v just_o step_v into_o the_o other_o world_n to_o be_v able_a to_o look_v back_o with_o satisfaction_n upon_o a_o religious_a and_o well-spent_a life_n then_o if_o ever_o the_o comfort_n of_o a_o good_a man_n do_v overflow_v and_o a_o kind_n of_o heaven_n spring_v up_o in_o his_o mind_n and_o he_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o that_o be_v a_o true_a and_o solid_a comfort_n indeed_o which_o will_v stand_v by_o we_o in_o the_o day_n of_o adversity_n and_o stick_v close_o to_o we_o when_o we_o have_v most_o need_n of_o it_o but_o with_o the_o ungodly_a it_o be_v not_o so_o his_o guilt_n lie_v in_o wait_n for_o he_o especial_o against_o such_o time_n and_o be_v never_o more_o fierce_a and_o rage_a than_o in_o the_o day_n of_o distress_n so_o that_o according_a as_o his_o trouble_n without_o be_v multiply_v so_o be_v his_o sting_n within_o and_o sure_o affliction_n be_v then_o grievous_a indeed_o when_o it_o fall_v upon_o a_o gall_a and_o uneasy_a mind_n be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o outward_a affliction_n may_v be_v tolerable_a the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n may_v bear_v his_o infirmity_n but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v but_o especial_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n how_o do_v the_o guilt_n of_o his_o wicked_a life_n then_o stare_v he_o in_o the_o face_n what_o storm_n and_o tempest_n be_v raise_v in_o his_o soul_n which_o make_v it_o like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n when_o it_o can_v rest_v when_o eternity_n that_o fearful_a and_o amaze_a sight_n present_v itself_o to_o his_o mind_n and_o he_o feel_v himself_o sink_v into_o the_o region_n of_o darkness_n and_o be_v every_o moment_n in_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o meeting_n with_o the_o just_a reward_n of_o his_o deed_n with_o what_o regret_n do_v he_o then_o remember_v the_o sin_n of_o his_o life_n and_o how_o full_a of_o rage_n and_o indignation_n be_v he_o against_o himself_o for_o have_v neglect_v to_o know_v when_o he_o have_v so_o many_o opportunity_n of_o know_v they_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o his_o peace_n and_o which_o because_o he_o have_v neglect_v they_o be_v now_o and_o likely_a to_o be_v for_o ever_o hide_v from_o his_o eye_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o true_a case_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o wicked_a man_n i_o need_v not_o multiply_v word_n but_o may_v leave_v it_o to_o any_o man_n thought_n in_o which_o of_o these_o condition_n he_o will_v be_v and_o sure_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o be_v so_o very_a plain_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o choice_n but_o now_o though_o this_o discourse_n be_v very_o true_a yet_o for_o the_o full_a clear_n of_o this_o matter_n it_o will_v be_v but_o fair_a to_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v say_v on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o there_o be_v several_a objection_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v countenance_v from_o experience_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o overthrow_v the_o most_o plausible_a speculation_n as_o 1._o that_o wicked_a man_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pleasure_n and_o contentment_n in_o their_o vice_n 2._o that_o religion_n impose_v many_o harsh_a and_o grievous_a thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n i_o have_v speak_v of_o 3._o that_o those_o who_o be_v religious_a be_v many_o time_n very_o disconsolate_a and_o full_a of_o trouble_n to_o the_o first_o i_o deny_v not_o that_o wicked_a man_n have_v some_o pleasure_n in_o their_o vice_n but_o when_o all_o thing_n be_v right_o compute_v and_o just_a abatement_n make_v it_o will_v amount_v to_o very_o little_a for_o it_o be_v the_o low_a and_o mean_a kind_n of_o pleasure_n it_o be_v chief_o the_o pleasure_n of_o our_o body_n and_o our_o sense_n of_o our_o worst_a part_n the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o not_o of_o the_o man_n that_o which_o least_o become_v we_o and_o which_o we_o be_v least_o of_o all_o make_v for_o those_o sensual_a pleasure_n which_o be_v lawful_a be_v much_o inferior_a to_o the_o least_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o when_o they_o be_v unlawful_a they_o be_v always_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o and_o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o to_o gain_v a_o little_a sensual_a pleasure_n he_o lose_v the_o peace_n of_o his_o soul_n can_v we_o find_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o call_v that_o pleasure_n which_o rob_v we_o of_o a_o far_o great_a and_o high_a satisfaction_n than_o it_o bring_v the_o delight_n of_o sense_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o chief_a pleasure_n for_o which_o god_n design_v we_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o intend_v we_o shall_v take_v our_o chief_a pleasure_n in_o the_o restrain_v and_o moderate_v of_o our_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o desire_n and_o in_o keep_v they_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n and_o then_o it_o be_v not_o a_o last_a pleasure_n those_o fit_n of_o mirth_n which_o wicked_a man_n have_v how_o soon_o be_v they_o over_o like_o a_o sudden_a blaze_n which_o after_o a_o little_a flash_n and_o noise_n be_v present_o go_v it_o be_v the_o comparison_n of_o a_o very_a great_a and_o experience_a man_n in_o these_o matter_n like_o the_o crackle_n of_o thorn_n under_o a_o pot_n say_v solomon_n so_o be_v the_o laughter_n of_o the_o fool_n that_o be_v the_o mirth_n of_o the_o wicked_a man_n it_o may_v be_v loud_a but_o it_o last_v not_o but_o which_o be_v most_o considerable_a of_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o that_o long_a and_o black_a train_n of_o misery_n and_o inconvenience_n which_o they_o draw_v after_o they_o many_o time_n poverty_n and_o reproach_n pain_n and_o disease_n upon_o our_o
and_o without_o delay_n and_o because_o they_o be_v many_o i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o those_o which_o be_v most_o weighty_a and_o considerable_a without_o be_v very_o curious_a and_o solicitous_a about_o the_o method_n and_o order_n of_o they_o for_o provide_v they_o be_v but_o effectual_a to_o the_o end_n of_o persuasion_n it_o matter_n not_o how_o inartificial_o they_o be_v range_v and_o dispose_v 1._o consider_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a and_o necessary_a concernment_n and_o which_o must_v be_v do_v there_o be_v no_o great_a argument_n of_o a_o weak_a and_o impotent_a mind_n than_o irresolution_n to_o be_v undermine_v where_o the_o case_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o the_o necessity_n so_o urgent_a to_o be_v always_o about_o do_v that_o which_o we_o be_v convince_v must_v be_v do_v victuros_fw-la agimus_fw-la semper_fw-la nec_fw-la vivimus_fw-la unquam_fw-la we_o be_v always_o intend_v to_o live_v a_o new_a life_n but_o can_v never_o find_v a_o time_n to_o set_v about_o it_o this_o be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v put_v off_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o sleep_v from_o one_o day_n and_o night_n to_o another_o till_o he_o have_v starve_v and_o destroy_v himself_o it_o seldom_o fall_v under_o any_o man_n deliberation_n whether_o he_o shall_v live_v or_o not_o if_o he_o can_v choose_v and_o if_o he_o can_v choose_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o deliberate_v about_o it_o it_o be_v much_o more_o absurd_a to_o deliberate_v whether_o we_o shall_v live_v virtuous_o and_o religious_o sober_o and_o righteous_o in_o the_o world_n for_o that_o upon_o the_o matter_n be_v to_o consult_v whether_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v happy_a or_o not_o nature_n have_v determine_v this_o for_o we_o and_o we_o need_v not_o reason_n about_o it_o and_o consequent_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o delay_v that_o which_o we_o be_v convince_v be_v so_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o it_o 2._o consider_v that_o religion_n be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o long_a work_n and_o ask_v so_o much_o time_n that_o there_o be_v none_o leave_v for_o the_o delay_n of_o it_o to_o begin_v with_o repentance_n which_o be_v common_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o religion_n this_o alone_o be_v a_o great_a work_n and_o be_v not_o only_o the_o business_n of_o a_o sudden_a thought_n and_o resolution_n but_o of_o execution_n and_o action_n it_o be_v the_o abandon_v of_o a_o sinful_a course_n which_o we_o can_v leave_v till_o we_o have_v in_o some_o degree_n master_v our_o lust_n for_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v our_o master_n like_o pharaoh_n they_o will_v keep_v we_o in_o bondage_n and_o not_o let_v we_o go_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n the_o habit_n of_o sin_n and_o vice_n be_v not_o to_o be_v pluck_v up_o and_o cast_v off_o at_o once_o as_o they_o have_v be_v long_o in_o contract_n so_o without_o a_o miracle_n it_o will_v require_v a_o competent_a time_n to_o subdue_v they_o and_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o they_o for_o they_o be_v conquer_v just_a by_o the_o same_o degree_n that_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n grow_v up_o and_o get_v strength_n in_o we_o so_o that_o there_o be_v several_a duty_n to_o be_v do_v in_o religion_n and_o often_o to_o be_v repeat_v many_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v to_o be_v long_o practise_v and_o exercise_v before_o the_o contrary_a vice_n will_v be_v subdue_v and_o before_o we_o arrive_v to_o a_o confirm_a and_o settle_a state_n of_o goodness_n such_o a_o state_n as_o can_v only_o give_v we_o a_o clear_a and_o comfortable_a evidence_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o resolution_n and_o repentance_n and_o of_o our_o good_a condion_fw-la towards_o god_n we_o have_v many_o lust_n to_o mortify_v many_o passion_n to_o govern_v and_o bring_v into_o order_n much_o good_a to_o do_v to_o make_v what_o amends_o and_o reparation_n we_o can_v for_o the_o much_o evil_n we_o have_v do_v we_o have_v many_o thing_n to_o learn_v and_o many_o to_o unlearn_v to_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v strong_o prompt_v by_o the_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o remain_a power_n of_o ill_a habit_n and_o custom_n and_o perhaps_o we_o have_v satisfaction_n and_o restitution_n to_o make_v for_o the_o many_o injury_n we_o have_v do_v to_o other_o in_o their_o person_n or_o estate_n or_o reputation_n in_o a_o word_n we_o have_v a_o body_n of_o sin_n to_o put_v off_o which_o cling_v close_o to_o we_o and_o be_v hard_o to_o part_v with_o we_o have_v to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o increase_v and_o improve_v our_o grace_n and_o virtue_n to_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n knowledge_n and_o temperance_n and_o patience_n and_o brotherly_a kindness_n and_o charity_n and_o to_o abound_v in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n we_o have_v to_o be_v useful_a to_o the_o world_n and_o exemplary_a to_o other_o in_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a conversation_n our_o light_n be_v so_o to_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o other_o may_v see_v our_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o do_v we_o think_v all_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o require_v no_o time_n that_o we_o may_v delay_v and_o put_v off_o to_o the_o last_o and_o yet_o do_v all_o this_o work_n well_o enough_o do_v we_o think_v we_o can_v do_v all_o this_o in_o time_n of_o sickness_n and_o old_a age_n when_o we_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n can_v hardly_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o nature_n much_o less_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o a_o wound_a spirit_n do_v we_o think_v that_o when_o the_o day_n have_v be_v idle_o spend_v and_o squander_v away_o by_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v fit_a to_o work_v when_o the_o night_n and_o darkness_n come_v when_o our_o understanding_n be_v weak_a and_o our_o memory_n frail_a and_o our_o will_n crooked_a and_o by_o a_o long_a custom_n of_o sin_v obstinate_o bend_v the_o wrong_a way_n what_o can_v we_o then_o do_v in_o religion_n what_o reasonable_a or_o acceptable_a service_n can_v we_o then_o perform_v to_o god_n when_o our_o candle_n be_v just_o sink_v into_o the_o socket_n how_o shall_v our_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o other_o may_v see_v our_o good_a work_n alas_o the_o long_a life_n be_v no_o more_o than_o sufficient_a for_o a_o man_n to_o reform_v himself_o in_o to_o repent_v of_o the_o error_n of_o his_o life_n and_o to_o amend_v what_o be_v amiss_o to_o put_v our_o soul_n into_o a_o good_a posture_n and_o preparation_n for_o another_o world_n to_o train_v up_o ourselves_o for_o eternity_n and_o to_o make_v ourselves_o meet_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n 3._o consider_v what_o a_o desperate_a hazard_n we_o run_v by_o these_o delay_n every_o delay_n of_o repentance_n be_v a_o venture_v the_o main_a chance_n it_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o hereafter_o we_o shall_v have_v time_n for_o it_o and_o if_o we_o have_v time_n whether_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o heart_n to_o it_o and_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o god_n indeed_o have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o promise_v pardon_n to_o repentance_n but_o he_o have_v nowhere_o promise_v life_n and_o leisure_n the_o aid_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o those_o who_o put_v off_o their_o repentance_n he_o have_v nowhere_o promise_v acceptance_n to_o mere_a sorrow_n and_o trouble_n for_o sin_n without_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n he_o have_v nowhere_o promise_v to_o receive_v they_o to_o mercy_n and_o favour_n who_o only_o give_v he_o good_a word_n and_o be_v at_o last_o content_v to_o condescend_v so_o far_o to_o he_o as_o to_o promise_v to_o leave_v their_o sin_n when_o they_o can_v keep_v they_o no_o long_o many_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o in_o time_n of_o affliction_n and_o sickness_n as_o to_o be_v awaken_v to_o a_o great_a sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o be_v mighty_o trouble_v for_o their_o wicked_a life_n and_o to_o make_v solemn_a promise_n and_o profession_n of_o become_v better_a and_o yet_o upon_o their_o deliverance_n and_o recovery_n all_o have_v vanish_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o and_o their_o righteousness_n have_v be_v as_o the_o morning_n cloud_n and_o as_o the_o early_a dew_n which_o pass_v away_o and_o why_o shall_v any_o man_n mere_o upon_o account_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n reckon_v himself_o in_o a_o better_a condition_n than_o those_o person_n who_o have_v do_v as_o much_o and_o go_v as_o far_o as_o he_o and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o difference_n between_o they_o but_o this_o that_o the_o
and_o the_o cause_n of_o sudden_a joy_n and_o transport_v another_o a_o continue_a course_n of_o goodness_n may_v in_o itself_o be_v more_o valuable_a and_o yet_o repentance_n after_o a_o great_a fall_n and_o long_a wander_n may_v be_v much_o more_o move_a and_o surprise_v for_o where_o thing_n be_v constant_a and_o keep_v in_o the_o same_o tenor_n they_o be_v not_o apt_a in_o their_o nature_n to_o give_v any_o new_a and_o sudden_a occasion_n of_o joy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n give_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n where_o the_o father_n tell_v his_o elder_a son_n who_o be_v so_o offend_v at_o the_o joyful_a reception_n and_o welcome_n of_o his_o prodigal_a brother_n that_o he_o have_v be_v always_o with_o he_o and_o all_o that_o he_o have_v be_v he_o that_o be_v he_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o constant_a duty_n and_o obedience_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v have_v be_v more_o acceptable_a and_o that_o it_o have_v not_o nor_o shall_v not_o lose_v its_o reward_n but_o the_o return_n of_o his_o other_o son_n after_o he_o have_v give_v over_o all_o hope_n of_o he_o and_o look_v upon_o his_o case_n as_o desperate_a this_o be_v a_o marvellous_a surprise_n and_o a_o happiness_n beyond_o expectation_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o natural_a cause_n of_o joy_n and_o gladness_n and_o therefore_o he_o tell_v he_o that_o upon_o such_o a_o occasion_n it_o be_v meet_v that_o we_o shall_v make_v merry_a and_o be_v glad_a for_o this_o thy_o brother_n be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a again_o be_v lose_v and_o be_v find_v his_o elder_a son_n continuance_n in_o his_o duty_n be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o what_o he_o have_v always_o have_v but_o the_o return_n of_o his_o prodigal_a son_n be_v the_o retrieve_v of_o what_o he_o have_v give_v up_o for_o lose_v and_o a_o kind_n of_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o thus_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o encourage_v the_o repentance_n of_o sinner_n represent_v god_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n as_o if_o our_o heavenly_a father_n do_v conceive_v such_o a_o joy_n upon_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o sinner_n as_o earthly_a parent_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v upon_o the_o return_n of_o a_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a son_n to_o himself_o and_o his_o duty_n have_v thus_o as_o brief_o and_o clear_o as_o i_o can_v explain_v the_o several_a difficulty_n in_o the_o text_n i_o shall_v now_o deduce_v some_o inference_n from_o it_o and_o so_o conclude_v 1._o first_o that_o the_o bless_a spirit_n above_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o man_n here_o below_o because_o they_o be_v say_v to_o rejoice_v at_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n this_o be_v speak_v more_o particular_o of_o the_o angel_n as_o appear_v by_o compare_v what_o be_v more_o general_o say_v in_o the_o text_n that_o there_o be_v joy_n in_o heaven_n with_o what_o be_v more_o particular_o express_v in_o the_o 10_o the_o verse_n that_o there_o be_v joy_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o angel_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v now_o whether_o the_o angel_n come_v to_o this_o knowledge_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o ministry_n here_o below_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o elect_n and_o so_o in_o their_o continual_a intercourse_n between_o heaven_n and_o earth_n bring_v to_o their_o fellow-servant_n in_o heaven_n the_o joyful_a news_n of_o the_o repentance_n of_o sinner_n upon_o earth_n or_o whether_o god_n be_v please_v from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o reveal_v it_o to_o they_o as_o a_o thing_n extreme_o welcome_a and_o delightful_a to_o good_a spirit_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o happiness_n as_o it_o be_v not_o very_o material_a to_o inquire_v so_o perhaps_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o determine_v however_o it_o can_v from_o hence_o be_v conclude_v that_o the_o angel_n or_o saint_n in_o heaven_n have_v such_o a_o universal_a knowledge_n of_o our_o condition_n and_o affair_n as_o to_o be_v a_o reasonable_a ground_n and_o warrant_v to_o we_o to_o pray_v to_o they_o yea_o or_o to_o desire_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o we_o no_o though_o this_o be_v do_v without_o any_o solemn_a circumstance_n of_o invocation_n for_o they_o may_v very_o well_o know_v some_o thing_n concern_v we_o wherein_o their_o own_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n be_v likewise_o concern_v and_o yet_o be_v ignorant_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o affair_n this_o one_o thing_n we_o be_v sure_o they_o know_v because_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o so_o but_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o no_o more_o and_o there_o be_v neither_o equal_a reason_n for_o their_o knowledge_n of_o our_o other_o concernment_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o revelation_n in_o scripture_n to_o that_o purpose_n 2._o second_o if_o god_n and_o the_o bless_a spirit_n above_o rejoice_v at_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n so_o shall_v we_o too_o and_o not_o fret_v and_o murmur_v as_o the_o pharisee_n here_o do_v this_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o very_o bad_a man_n to_o regret_n and_o envy_v the_o good_a and_o happiness_n of_o other_o for_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o proportionable_o to_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n at_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v the_o grief_n and_o vexation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n of_o evil_a spirit_n and_o wicked_a man_n and_o as_o the_o devil_n delight_v in_o destroy_a soul_n and_o go_v about_o like_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v so_o no_o doubt_n he_o be_v in_o great_a rage_n and_o gnash_v out_o of_o very_a discontent_n when_o at_o any_o time_n he_o be_v frustrate_v of_o his_o hope_n and_o the_o prey_n which_o he_o think_v himself_o sure_a of_o be_v snatch_v out_o of_o his_o jaw_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v it_o be_v with_o bad_a man_n they_o do_v persecute_v those_o that_o forsake_v they_o and_o their_o wicked_a way_n and_o refuse_v any_o further_a to_o go_v along_o with_o they_o to_o the_o same_o excess_n of_o riot_n and_o this_o be_v no_o where_o more_o visible_a than_o among_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n how_o full_a of_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n be_v they_o against_o those_o who_o out_o of_o pure_a conviction_n of_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o their_o church_n come_v over_o to_o we_o how_o do_v they_o persecute_v they_o with_o slander_n and_o reproach_n and_o with_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o hatred_n and_o malice_n so_o that_o many_o time_n they_o can_v scarce_o refrain_v from_o do_v they_o a_o real_a mischief_n even_o where_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o themselves_o to_o attempt_v it_o as_o if_o they_o envy_v they_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o opportunity_n of_o be_v save_v i_o know_v it_o be_v too_o natural_a to_o those_o of_o all_o communion_n to_o be_v eager_a and_o fierce_a against_o those_o that_o desert_n they_o and_o yet_o suppose_v they_o have_v the_o truth_n certain_o on_o their_o side_n which_o they_o can_v all_o have_v i_o see_v no_o great_a reason_n for_o this_o temper_n and_o carriage_n for_o why_o shall_v i_o cast_v away_o my_o patience_n and_o my_o charity_n because_o another_o man_n have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o his_o faith_n but_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v any_o where_o among_o mankind_n to_o have_v observe_v a_o more_o implacable_a malice_n a_o more_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a ill-will_n than_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v constant_o express_v towards_o those_o that_o forsake_v they_o nay_o though_o they_o give_v never_o so_o modest_a and_o reasonable_a a_o account_n of_o their_o change_n and_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o their_o old_a friend_n with_o all_o the_o kindness_n and_o compassion_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o their_o hatred_n and_o indignation_n against_o they_o run_v so_o high_a that_o one_o may_v plain_o see_v they_o will_v soon_o forgive_v a_o man_n the_o great_a sin_n that_o humane_a nature_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o and_o the_o breach_n of_o all_o the_o ten_o commandment_n than_o this_o one_o crime_n of_o leave_v their_o church_n that_o be_v in_o truth_n of_o grow_v wise_a and_o better_a 3._o three_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v shall_v mighty_o inflame_v our_o zeal_n and_o quicken_v our_o industry_n and_o diligence_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n for_o if_o the_o conversion_n of_o one_o soul_n be_v worth_a so_o much_o labour_n and_o pain_n and_o matter_n of_o such_o joy_n to_o the_o bless_a god_n and_o good_a spirit_n what_o pain_n shall_v not_o we_o take_v in_o so_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a a_o age_n as_o this_o of_o we_o where_o impenitent_a sinner_n do_v so_o much_o abound_v and_o the_o just_a be_v almost_o fail_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n our_o bless_a saviour_n indeed_o according_a to_o the_o extraordinary_a decency_n of_o all_o his_o parable_n put_v the_o case_n very_o